Placebo effect

I'm sure this has been discussed before but I have not seen it. Someone told me that antidepressants are no more than sugar pills effect. It is a placebo effect in our heads that tells us the antidepressants are working. And that if we don't take antidepressants we will eventually get better on our own. Of course this has gotten me upset and I was just wondering what the rest of you felt about this?

I think I have had placebo effects with certain medications. But not antidepressants so to speak. I know when I have went off of some, I have had some very bad withdrawals. I don't think that would be from a sugar pill.

I agree with pitmom, stay away from that person who said that. If it was somebody you know. I also say, it is one person's opinion. They have probably never taken an antidepressant. Or a strong one. They just don't know really. They are shooting off their mouth in my opinion.

I do agree that in some situations, with situational depression, if the situation changes, the depression might go away. But a lot of us have a chemical imbalance. That needs medication to change it. Just my opinion.

I hope you don't let this get you too upset. You know what you know, that is fact. Don't let another person's opinion get you down. You work too hard to keep your head above the water. We all do...

Hugs, Karen...

Thank you for your responses I really appreciate it. The person is not a close friend so I won't be seeing him again. Have any of you found that your depression medicine did improve your depression? Or did you just change your situations or both? Thanks

I took Effexor for a real long time, with the ablilfy. I wouldn't give up my abilify either. I take pristiq now, and it works very well. The abilify is like a mood stabilizer. It makes the antidepressant work even better. It is also used for bipolar. It helps me not to think too much. Thinking can cause me problems.

I hope you find what works for you. Medications keep me stable, but there are a lot of other things a person can do to help it along. I was on Xanax for 25 or more years. It is for anxiety. I just recently have been able to go off of it.

I hope this helps Barb...

Hugs, Karen...

Thank you all very much that really does help me see things with a new perspective. And I never thought about children on antidepressants and how it would help them they don't know anything about a placebo effect. This is my fifth week on zoloft but only my first week on 150 mg. I also take Ativan 1 mg 3 times a day. Although I do try to break them in half and only take a half if possible. That still seems to be the only way to stop the crying and constant of thoughts. Still using my resources mindful meditation deep breathing etc. and just started with a therapist so I am hoping with all these tools I will get out of this funk. Thank you for your responses I hope you all have a great day sending positive thoughts your way.

$sherlock I can always count on you for a good laugh. Thanks so much I needed that. Sorry out mr. Spock. Great actor. Hope you're doing well and thanks again 😂😂👍