Community Healthcare Network

What are antidepressants?

Antidepressants are a type of medication that can assist individuals with depression. These medicines are specifically designed to provide help and relief to those who are going through this mental health condition.

Will the medicine make me ignore or forget my problems?

Antidepressants don’t cause memory loss or make you forget your problems. However, depression can make you feel tired, lacking the energy to cope with your challenges. The main purpose is to improve your well-being, restoring your energy levels and enabling you to better address your problems. They help you feel better, giving you the necessary strength to handle the difficulties associated with depression.

Will antidepressants change my personality?

Antidepressants are helpful in making you feel more like your usual self. They won’t alter your personality. Occasionally, the pills can cause a decrease in interest or enjoyment in activities. If you experience this, it’s crucial to promptly communicate with your doctor. They can assist you by switching you to a different type of pills that may better suit your needs and address any concerns you may have.

Can I get addicted to antidepressants?

Antidepressants are not addictive, but your body can become accustomed to them over time. If you suddenly stop taking them, you may experience unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, nausea, or dizziness. It’s important to have a conversation with your doctor before you stop taking your antidepressant medication. They can provide guidance and support to help you safely manage any potential withdrawal symptoms.

If I start to take antidepressants, will I have to take them for the rest of my life?

In general, most individuals only need to take antidepressants for a period of 6 to 9 months. Once you start feeling better, you should speak with your doctor to understand if it’s appropriate to stop taking the medication. However, it’s important to note that some people may require a longer duration of treatment beyond the 9-month timeframe. The decision to continue or discontinue the medicine should be made in consultation with your doctor, considering your specific situation and progress.

``I’m worried that taking antidepressants means I’m weak.``

Depression is an illness, similar to conditions like high blood sugar or high blood pressure. Just as it takes strength to address those health concerns, taking antidepressants when necessary is a sign of strength. It shows that you are actively taking care of yourself. By recognizing the need for antidepressants and seeking help, you are taking an important step towards managing your mental health and overall well-being. Remember, seeking support and treatment is a courageous act that demonstrates self-care.

Will antidepressants make me gain weight?

When it comes to weight changes and antidepressants, it can vary from person to person. Some individuals may experience weight gain while taking antidepressants, while others may actually lose weight. If you have concerns about your weight and its connection to your medication, it’s important to have an open discussion with your doctor. They can provide guidance, address your worries, and explore potential strategies to manage any weight-related issues. Your doctor is the best resource to help you navigate this aspect of your treatment and ensure your overall well-being.

 

Will antidepressants ruin my sex life?

Some antidepressants can make it harder to feel turned on. However, it’s important to note that depression itself can also lead to a decreased desire for sex. Interestingly, many individuals discover that their sex lives actually improve when they start taking antidepressants. If you find that your medication is causing challenges with sexual function, it’s essential to have an open conversation with your doctor. They can provide guidance, explore potential solutions, and adjust your medication if necessary to ensure that your treatment does not negatively affect your sexual well-being.

Do antidepressants raise my risk of suicide?

For people younger than 25 years old, antidepressants may raise your risk of suicide. If you start to have thoughts about hurting yourself or ending your life, talk to your doctor right away.

``I tried one antidepressant and it didn’t work for me.``

It may take 4 to 6 weeks for an antidepressant to start working. Also, lots of people have to try different pills before they find one that works for them.

Learn more about antidepressants when you meet with our mental health professional.

Stress can be a good thing if it is in small amounts. When you go through short moments of stress, it can help give you energy to get things done. But sometimes stress can last for long periods of time. When this happens, we can get anxious or overwhelmed and even worse, our health might get worse. If you are feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, try these tips to help you feel better: Stress can lead people to get addicted to drugs or alcohol and it is important to get Drug Rehab Los Angeles help if one is addicted to drugs. There is also the Rehab Near Me that has various ways to help reduce anxiety and withdrawals while on the path to a clean life.

      • Think about what makes you stressed. People who treat patients in Methadone Clinic Clearwater for clinical stress and anxiety suggests people to write down why you feel stressed.  Write down what happened to you before you started feeling stressed. Try to notice patterns. This can help you learn how to get ready for stressful times and to keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
      • Take deep, slow breaths. Breathe in for a count of 4. Hold your breath for 7. Then breathe out for a count of 8. Repeat this a few times until you start to calm down. This will help you relax and lower your heart rate before acting on something.
      • Cut back on caffeine and alcohol. Caffeine can help you feel more awake. But it can also raise your heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine can also make it harder for you to calm down or relax. Alcohol can make you feel moody and on edge. It may help you relax in the moment, but when it wears off, you may feel even more anxious than before. Don’t fall victim to any other addictions and go to a New York Recovery Center if you find yourself in such a situation.
      • Work out often. When you work out, your brain makes you feel happy. This can help you do better in stressful times.
      • Eat right at the right time. Eating unhealthy foods can make you feel more moody. Even eating at different times each day can make you feel on edge. Eat small, healthy meals every 3 hours to keep your energy levels up.
      • Sleep 8 hours each nightto not feel grumpy or sluggish. If your thoughts are getting in the way of sleeping, focus on your breathing. Listen to yourself breathe in and out and notice how that feels. Sometimes certain foods or parts of food can help you sleep better. Talk to your CHN nutritionist or doctor to find out more.
      • Talk to a therapist. It can be hard to talk to your loved ones about what’s bothering you. If you feel stressed, CHN has therapists at each health center. Call (866) 246-8259 to find out more.
      • Take a wellness class like yoga, meditation, reiki, or sound healing. These classes focus on calming your mind, helping you relax, and lowering stress. CHN has free classes at locations around New York City.

    To learn more about wellness contact the Wellness Department at Community Healthcare Network at (212)-432-8494 or email [email protected].

Relationships should make you feel good. Use these tips to help support and build healthy relationships with loved ones:

  1. Check-in. Talk with loved ones about relationship needs. Ask your loved one what they need from you. Let them know what you need from them. Talk about how you can both have your needs met. You can do this with a parent, a partner, or even a close friend.
  2. Support each other. People handle stress and anxiety in many ways. When times get tough, work together to make each other feel good. Talk about how you both can help make each other’s day better.
  1. Take time to organize your thoughts. If you and a loved one don’t agree, take a few minutes to gather your thoughts before speaking. This will help you better talk about how you are feeling.
  1. Welcome change. Relationships can grow due to life’s challenges as we age. Use this as a chance to make your relationships stronger.
  1. Listen to how your loved ones are feeling. Take an interest in their feelings. They will be more likely to listen when you share how you are feeling.
  1. Respect differences. You and your loved ones may have your own hobbies, friends, feelings, goals, and thoughts. Differences give you the chance to learn from each other and enjoy your relationship more.

To learn more about wellness contact the Wellness Department at Community Healthcare Network at (212)-432-8494 or email [email protected].

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Thanksgiving is a time to feel good and celebrate with loved ones. Use these tips to enjoy yourself this holiday season and stay healthy!

  • Work out to burn off extra calories before your holiday meal. Boost your steps or workout extra hard the week before. Plan a football or basketball game outside or take a walk with loved ones!
  • Eat breakfast the morning of a big holiday meal. This can give you more control over your appetite throughout the day. Start your day with a small breakfast that has lots of protein and fiber. You could try an egg with a slice of whole-wheat toast. Or have a bowl of whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk.
  • Focus on family and friends. Take time to celebrate relationships. Spend time catching up with loved ones and being thankful for all the joy they bring.
  • Check out all the food before you sit down to eat. This will help you control how much you put on your plate. Remember, some holiday foods are better choices than others!
  • Eat slowly. Put your fork down in between each bite and savor each mouthful. This will help you feel more satisfied during your meal.
  • Wait 10 to 20 minutes before getting up for a 2nd helping. You may find that you are no longer hungry.
  • Drink a glass of water in between every beer, glass of wine, or liquor. This helps you stay hydrated and limits calories. Calories from alcohol and other drinks add up quickly!
  • Be realistic. Set a goal to stay at the same weight this holiday season

We all have loved ones whose bad habits worry us. It is hard to watch people you care about, do things that may hurt them.

Think about healthy habits of yours. Were they always part of your life? Was there an event or person that inspired you? Try these tips to help inspire loved ones to move toward healthier habits.

  • Set a good example. How will you push someone to eat more veggies if you always reach for junk food? Show your loved ones how to make healthy choices by doing so yourself.
  • Teach them. Research the facts and share them. You could show them an article on how healthy foods are better for your brain. Be careful not to sound like you are judging them—you want to help them!
  • Don’t sound like you think you are better than them. Use your words and tone wisely. Don’t put down your loved ones for making less healthy choices. Remember, what is right for you might not be right for them.
  • Lend a helping hand. Support loved ones by taking part in their healthy habit with them. Having someone to share your success will make you want to keep it up. If their goal is to lose weight, you can try a new recipe for dinner, or go for a walk with them. If they are trying to lower stress, try a breathing exercise with them.
  • Try your best. Remember that you can’t make someone do something they don’t want to do. You can only push them to take steps forward. It is important to take care of yourself and your relationship during the process.

If a loved one is having a hard time getting healthy, have them reach out to an expert like a nutritionist, therapist, or doctor. These people have more knowledge to help your loved one reach their health goals themselves.

To learn more about wellness, talk to the Wellness Department at Community Healthcare Network at (212) 432-8494 or  [email protected]