Dear mam
I can see that to you are extremely distressed. Feeling low, lack of interest, anxiety, isolating yourself, low self esteem, low confidence are all symptoms of depression.Depression is a medical condition caused by certain neuro biological changes in the brain. Just like any physical illness, it needs treatment.
The treatment of depression consists of medications or psychological therapy or a combination of both depending upon the severity of your symptoms. My recommendation is to see a psychiatrist in person for a detailed evaluation which will include a physical examination and blood tests to rule out any physical cause like
thyroid abnormality which can contribute to these symptoms. Discuss with your psychiatrist about your concerns regarding the medications and the side effects that you have experienced . There are a wide range of medications available today that you can choose from. Taking medicine does not mean you are applying bandage to a wound rather it is a recommended option for treatment of moderate or severe depression as depression is a biological illness and needs to be treated. Apart from medicine, you can also opt for psychological therapy.often a combination of both is required. You will also benefit from certain healthy lifestyle techniques like regular exercise,meditation and yoga. Talk to your friends and family about how you are feeling. Do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist for further help.
Thanks
Dr Ankita Mishra
MRCPsych MD DPM