Paulami provides some helpful information on how antidepressant medication can help with personal recovery:

"It's important to note that antidepressants may not be effective for everyone, and they can have side effects. Additionally, they are most effective when used with other treatments, such as therapy, lifestyle changes and social support. Individuals must work closely with their healthcare providers to find the most effective approach for their unique needs.

• Antidepressant medicines do NOT cure or resolve the root cause. When the symptoms of depression are alleviated, it is easier for individuals to engage in other therapies.

• It can take up to a week for any new antidepressant medicine or new dose to take effect and up to 6 weeks to fully benefit from them.

• Taking the medication as prescribed is necessary, in order for them to work effectively.

• You may feel worse before feeling better, where there may be an increased potential for agitation anxiety, and thoughts about suicide; therefore, it is essential to have support, particularly during the first 6 weeks of treatment. Most side effects, if any experienced, often subside within a few weeks of starting antidepressant medication.

• Antidepressant medicines are not associated with addiction, but when discontinuing them, there is the likelihood of withdrawal-like symptoms. Treatment should be continued for 6-12 months or more, depending on your mental health, after feeling well enough to stop antidepressant

• medication(s).

• When switching antidepressants, the old antidepressant is gradually tapered off to minimise the risk of discontinuation/withdrawal symptoms/reactions. Ultimately, antidepressants can improve a person's quality of life by reducing the burden of depressive symptoms and enabling them to function better in their daily lives. This can increase overall satisfaction with life.

Paulami is a Mental Health Pharmacist from the Enhanced Primary Care Mental Health Service at HPFT (Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust for Mental Health)."

To hear more from Paulami, or to learn more about the pro's and con's and side effects of taking medication for personal recovery, take a look at the course: Understanding medications to support mental health recovery.