There are many lifestyle changes that can be helpful in managing and treating depression. Factors such as exercise, hobbies and a balanced diet are very effective and useful for dealing with mental illnesses. However, the problem is that a depressed person cannot always have enough motivation to initiate these changes in their lifestyle. Antidepressants can be a lasting start in implementing a healthier lifestyle. When a person uses medication, ideally it will be part of a holistic and positive approach to their health that includes self-care and attention to physical health. ### **Antidepressants are safe** Antidepressants have been shown to be safe. The term safe may be vague, but in this case, it refers to: - How safe is it to take these drugs in high doses? - What is the severity of side effects in the therapeutic dose (prescribed)? - Whether antidepressants have dangerous interactions with other drugs or substances. There is research and studies showing that antidepressants can even be safe for certain vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women, organ transplant recipients, those with active tumors, and people who have recently had a stroke. ### **Antidepressants are effective** Whenever a drug is tested for effectiveness, it is tested against a placebo. A placebo has no active ingredient, but it may be effective in treating the patient because some patients respond only to the suggestion of treatment. Any benefits of a drug must exceed the "placebo effect" in order to say that the drug is effective. It has been proven that these drugs are more effective than placebos in relieving depression symptoms and shortening the duration of depression. Since this class of drugs has been used for more than 40 years, there is a lot of information about how they affect patients' bodies. Since the 1980s, several comparative studies have compared these drugs with placebos and with any new drugs that were developed. Of note, very little information is available on the hierarchy of efficacy among antidepressants. Disadvantages of antidepressants

### **Disadvantages** - Side effects - Delay in reaching treatment results (may take time to see results) Some antidepressants may not be effective.

Although antidepressants are safe, the use of these drugs is not without side effects. Even if a drug has side effects, if these side effects do not pose a serious threat to a person's life and health, or if the side effects disappear when the drug is stopped, these drugs can still be considered safe. This is largely true of this case as well. Some of the common side effects of antidepressants include: - Fatigue - Stomach upset - Decreased libido In general, only by visiting the best psychology clinic can you decide about these drugs and whether or not to use them. ### **Delayed onset of effectiveness Antidepressants do not work immediately. Of course, it depends on the drug and the person, but the benefits of taking these drugs can start a few days after taking the first dose of the drug. Most patients will experience benefits within two to four weeks. A trial of an antidepressant isn't technically considered a failure unless you feel no improvement after six weeks on the prescribed treatment dose. Some medications will be prescribed at a low dose to allow the body to adjust to the medication and then the prescribed dose will be increased over time. You and your doctor can discuss and decide whether it is realistic to expect to experience benefits before reaching the original dose of treatment. ### **stigma** We try not to be influenced by these labels when making important life decisions. However, we need to be honest with ourselves about the significant potential associated with taking antidepressants and how they can affect our behavior. Some people may be so hesitant about taking medication that they hide their dosages from other doctors who need their medical records. Also, you should be familiar with the issue of taking antidepressants so that you can commit to taking them for approximately six months, because six months is the most common period of use for antidepressants. conclusion Antidepressants play an important role in the treatment of depression. While these medications can be very effective, it is important to understand their side effects and use them safely under the guidance of a psychologist. By doing this, people with depression can relieve their symptoms and strive to live healthier and more fulfilling lives.