Recently not getting any travel and social situation got worse. Not only not have friends but also no coworkers now. Doc saying I’m mildly depressed and asking me to go on antidepressants. Pros/cons?

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I echo M1 and K1, it’s a tough position you’re in, motivation to become more social is very challenging. But at the end of the day, you’re your biggest stakeholder, even if in the short run you don’t want to do something (for this case, let’s just use working from the coffee shop as an example), you are smart enough to know that in the long run, it’s the best move. Even if it starts with something small, like walking down to your local coffee shop to knock out just one or two emails, then gradually increase the your commitment. I am slightly overweight and I fucking HATE going to the gym, everyone there is super fit, pretty superficial, and I’d honestly prefer watching Netflix on my couch or sleeping in that extra hour, but I know that at the end of the day no one can push me to go except myself.

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This definitely gave me some spark, true I’m the biggest stakeholder of the outcome. Need to start something

Just wanted to say this bowl made me feel good. Everyone trying to help and even invites to hang out. BTW, i vote no to the antidepressants too. Only if it get so bad you have really bad thoughts. Otherwise the numbness will make you even more blah.

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Definitely true! This has been quite responsive. Also yes, trying not to go towards meds and looking to make some life style changes

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Antidepressants are no joke. The side effects can be pretty gnarly and weaning off of them will be hard. Do you feel like you’re actually depressed or just need some motivation to get out and meet some people? If you’re actually depressed, antidepressants can help. But doctors are so quick to diagnose depression and throw pills at the problem. If you’re hesitant, maybe try some other things first? If you’re not traveling, can you go into the office to be with some people? I know a few people who work from home and rent a WeWork space so they can socialize a bit. Join a gym or yoga studio or something and talk to people after classes. Nothing against pills, they can be incredibly helpful, but I do think they’re generally overprescribed. That’d my two cents

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Sadness is really often mistaken as the main symptom from depression, but it’s more of a consistent lack of happiness, motivation and interest. Of course, sadness also exists as a symptom but it’s by no means necessary.

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How about working from coffee shops and other places where you are not alone but don’t have to talk to anyone if you don’t want to?

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Thanks for the invite that’s pretty nice of you! Would love to but not in GA though

I’ve taken Wellbutrin before and it helped give me enough good chemical balance to begin to take action on other areas of my life. If you go down that path, I highly recommend getting a coach or therapist to help you with the behavior changes you will need to make. I know it is hard - you can do it!

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Wellbutrin was intended as a temp fix to short term sadness a decade ago and made me gain 40 pounds that I still cannot lose. Now my depression/ lack of social motivation has shifted and comes from being overweight.

Check out meet ups, alumni association stuff, etc. Or buy an xbox/ps4 and a headset. I actually found a client playing Destiny a couple years ago.

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I’d def get a second opinion. Once you are on antidepressant it might be difficult to get off. Maybe try counseling first. Feel better, OP!

I’ve been working from home for the past two years. While I enjoy not having to travel it does feel like I’m no longer making as many friends at work. I found volunteering helps. Also maybe look up some Meet Up groups in you area.

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Anti anxiety/ depression/ SSRIs can take the edge off which helps us introverts get out the door. It can also help get you through a tough time. I reccomend finding one that works for you.

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I’m a little skeptical about using antidepressants, heard and read stories about how long you’ve to stick to them and the side effects. Definitely will try few things before I get into something

Careful, McKinsey may have helped your doc’s supplier push more depression meds😔

Anti-depressants have mixed results and sometimes make things worse. I always recommend starting with sleep, diet, exercise, wellness l.

If you’re not getting adequate sleep, antidepressants won’t help. If you’re eating poorly, your body isn’t getting the nutrients to make the hormones and chemicals to keep you in balance.

Spend a couple weeks getting sleep, exercise, and eating clean, keep a record of when you feel good or bad and check for correlation. If you still feel bad after a few weeks then consider other options.

BTW, I was on antidepressants for years before I learned to manage it with a healthier lifestyle. Antidepressants weren’t good for me. Caffeine is good for me😊

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Yeah it’s tough. And this job takes a toll. I find something that helps me is to tell my coworkers that I pledge to run every day the next week. Most likely they’ll mention it the next time they say me. I hate not doing what I say so trying to avoid that awkward interaction is sometimes just enough to get me in my feet.

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Just spend more time outside and exercise. Lift weights especially.

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Used to go to gym 4 times a week with a proper schedule, need to get back into the grind

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The cause of depression is poor gut health and hormonal issues which are intertwined. Inability to properly digest amino acids, for example, inhibits your bodies ability to properly produce neurotransmitters etc. etc. doesn’t sound like you need anti depressants if it’s even a question. They only solve the symptoms (not the root cause) and should only be prescribed to those in crisis. Find a doctor practicing functional medicine to do some testing and find out the root cause of your problem, if you think there is something going on.

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Looks interesting, Will check it out

Just to give a little background, as usually I’m a introverted socially awkward penguin. Most recently not getting any travel as a result not at all leaving apartment and lost interest of things I used to enjoy. Most of the time stressed at work or just staying lazy to even watch TV. Explained to my doc and he’s saying I could be mildly depressed. Asking me to go on antidepressants which felt little heavy, wondering what could be the pros and cons if I plan to go on. Gracias for any inputs.

Damn M2 with the burn. OP I find working out helped me tremendously with the feeling of "too lazy to feel like doing anything". Hard to get started but mood improved significantly afterwards

That’s a very good idea

So you say it all started in the last year, any events that might have caused the shift?

Everyone here has given good advice, and I will say even if it is depression caused by a chemical imbalance, finding the right medication is a process unto itself. It took my wife the better part of 3 years to find what worked for her, combo of meds and therapy. Was a rough road, and had to watch her carefully for side effects.

M1 - idk, that’s the perspective I’ve got about myself. I consider myself a reasonable and nice guy in mid-late 20’s and I barely have any friends of my age group. It is just the fact that I always get no take on things when I’m in groups too. Sounds like crying but I’m not even sad about anymore of these things, kinda accepted the reality. And not at all sure where should I start fixing things

Have any hobbies? Even old ones you haven’t done in awhile? Basketball, hockey, yoga? Just gotta force yourself to do something consistently for a week or two and it’ll become habit.

Yep, it’s a good idea. Need plans like this to get myself out to the civilization

Also my sports skills are poor js and not athletic guy too

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Wya

SE

I would recommend to also switch docs and find someone who wants to do everything to fully diagnose the problem first before throwing a temporary solution at you. That's not a good doc😒

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