It can be overwhelming to take in everything your doctor is telling you during a visit, especially when it pertains to your own health or the health of someone you care about deeply. Don't hesitate to ask your doctor to repeat any information you don't understand, and be sure to ask any questions that are on your mind. It's a good idea to write down your questions and bring along someone to help you listen to the answers. I am afraid to take drugs.
Antidepressant drugs are very effective in treating major depression.
If you use them exactly as your doctor tells you to, they are extremely safe and most often the best treatment available for your depression. Many of the newer drugs have very minimal side effects that are easy to tolerate. The benefits of treating your depressive symptoms far outweigh the risks of not treating your depression and risking suicide. It's important to let your physician know how you're feeling once you start a drug regimen, so that he or she can monitor any side effects of the drugs and keep track of your progress. As a middle-aged woman, I am feeling very pressured to care for my own family and my aging parents.