What Am I Supposed To Feel After Taking An Antidepressant?

Explore the complex effects of antidepressants in this educational video. We delve into the common concern of feeling numb while on medications like SSRIs and Wellbutrin, differentiating between side effects and therapeutic effects. The video also explains how antidepressants impact neurotransmitter levels and contribute to neuroplasticity, enhancing our understanding of their role in mental health treatment. Ideal for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the nuances of antidepressant therapy.
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Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[@buzzyboo6673]

I have never watched anyone who can explain things as well as you do, Dr. Marks. You are so thorough and go into such depth and yet you can still make all the complicated, scientific information easy for us to understand. Thank you.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You’re welcome and thank you. It gives me a lot of pleasure to enlighten and empower people.

[@danielkanka495]

⁠@@DrTraceyMarks this is exactly what i feel my depression started in 2017 i dont know cause but maybe here is connection...i went on pemf machine after workout to improve circulation after workout and after that day i cannot sleep and developed mood swings and latter on i developed vasculitis and depression without known cause i believe it has something to do with inflammation but im not sure... my point is that my depression is itself with insomnia and emotional numbness but on all antidepressants what i tried it is unbelievable it made the numbness 1000% worse to the point i always tappered off .... i noticed that when my anhedonia is worse my sleep and sexual numbness too ... after i stopped any meds for depression it last a months to sleep better and feel something sometime but not even ... still dont feel emotions still cant cry but it is bearable ....on meds im total mess... i even tried agomelatine and atypic meds like trintellix tianeptine and even mood stabilizers and it all made this side effect not possible to handle.... even on bupropion i didn't feel ...and my heart went to roof... on mirtazapine it happened exactly same and it mess with my blood pressure for some weird reason.... ssri is horrible snri too i tried all .... im high functioning but this life is really hell i didnt cry even on my best friend funeral what i should cry ... i would like to cry but i didnt cry for 7 years ... i was very emotional before this all happened ... but music exercises even alcohol dont made me feel anything except sometimes little anger and anxiety but even that is very muted ... i dont know its lasting effect of medicine what i took all or by mental illness by itself... i have diagnosed depression with anxiety and anhedonia ... i hope some day i find what helps but i think all meds just did opposite... i know it is not that common ...

[@petejames1326]

@@DrTraceyMarks i stopped making anti depressants after about 2 days because all i got was severe nausea, heart palpitations and feeling very weak like standing up was impossible, that was on 3 different antis and each was half a pill , so im never trying one ever again unless they can tell me for sure there wont be any major side effects, sure i could easily take MINOR side effects like feeling sweaty or a little tired but not like the ones i had, that was with zoloft, paxil and one other one i forgot the name of

[@petejames1326]

@@DrTraceyMarks when i see my Dr and we have a little chat i keep telling how im NOT NORMAL, everyone is better than me etc... and he tell me every time, THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS NORMAL, everyone is different, now he is lying to me isnt it? there is such a thing as NORMAL isnt there, so why is my Dr lying to me? why cant he just say it, your not normal

[@fwosti3548]

She really has a beautiful way of sharing mental health expertise with all of us :)

[@quake2u]

There is no hell like the human mind. Is an understatement. If you get help from a doctor you're one in a million or you just thought you had a problem.

[@NeseretBemient]

The mind can be a wonderful servant or a terrible master.

[@misanthrobot]

what do you mean by that last statement? (genuine question)

[@wrightcodyj]

Wellbutrin was the one that made a difference for me. I can actually wake up in the morning, ready to start my day and actually enjoy my day without brain fog, constant tiredness, and I'm not cynical and depressed anymore. Finally. It's a shame that it took me until almost age 30 to feel normal. I still have my not-so-great days, but at least I can feel just okay again, content. That's all I need.

[@NeseretBemient]

Feeling okay is underrated. It is a great place to start:)

[@wrightcodyj]

@@NeseretBemient absolutely!

[@NeseretBemient]

@@wrightcodyj How long have you been on the medication? And have you explored other avenues to feel better? I share my story of putting antidepressant induced bipolar disorder on my channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse) I believe there are a thousand paths to healing and medication is one of them. Long term there's many things that can be implemented to improve quality of life. Okay is a great start and it can get even better:) Keep going!

[@jackih9682]

I’ve been on Wellbutrin for a few months and it hasn’t helped me much at all. My doctor just increased my dosage 2 weeks ago, so I’m hoping that helps.

[@Drjehangirkhan]

Your reason of depression was dopamine pathway. Most critical thing in depression is to find out which pathway is affected..and only way you can know about that is to get medication which hits every pathway one by one. First ssri..if not working either add low dose bupropion or shift to bupropion.

[@general_zizi1156]

I have struggled with mental illness and my mental health since I was a kid. Before I even knew what those terms were. After years of depression, anxiety, and even an attempt to take my life, I never thought I would be able to live without psych medications. I clung to them because it was the only thing that made my mind quiet, but it also made me a zombie. Microdosing has given me control of my mental health for the first time, and they essentially gave me my life back.

[@annemoore4461]

I’ve been researching on psychedelics and it’s benefits to individuals dealing with Anxiety, Depression, ADHD and from my findings, they really work and I’ve been eager to get some for a while but its been difficult to get my hands on them.

[@ohmakure4716]

The Trips I've been having really helped me a lot. I’m now able to meditate and I finally feel in control of my emotions and my future and things that used to be mundane to me now seem incredible and full of nuance on top of that I'm way less driven by my ego and I have alot more empathy as well

[@ellaaysun6181]

I was having this constant, unbearable anxiety due to work stress. Not until I came across a very intelligent mycologist. He saved my life honestly

[@ellaaysun6181]

His name is *DR Adolf Petter*

[@ryancihet555]

@ohmakure4716 I feel the same way too. I put too much on my plate and it definitely affects my stress and anxiety levels. I am also glad to be a part of this community.

[@wardka]

My sertraline dose for anxiety was recently doubled from 50 to 100mg. What a difference! After only four weeks I actually noticed I was at peace and happy for a change. The side effects are a little severe, but it's worth it for me to finally feel this way after a couple of decades of living in constant fear, worry, overthinking and perfectionism. Don't be afraid to let your doctor determine what's best. Sometimes it really works.

[@11cesarrenato]

i'm on sertraline too today marks my 4th week and i feel better than october the only issue i cant sleep easily and anxiety comes in waves

[@marymoore3585]

Wellbutrin gave me seizures. Lexapro made me suicidal. Cymbalta gave me extra glaucoma on top of the eye disease I already had and made it worse. Neurotin made me slow and stupid. I finally got off all of it and I am slowly rebuilding the rest of my life. Medicine is supposed to make you better, not worse! I will never take anything but vitamins, because the pharmamedical industrial complex has almost killed me several times. I hate to see the pure poison Medicine is pushing like 1800s snake oil.

[@NeseretBemient]

There is no such thing as "side effects", what you are experiencing on this medication is the full effects of the medications. Also, you are the expert on your body, not your doctor. You are responsible for your own mental health, not your doctor. Medications are useful in acute crisis and stabilization period but long term cause more damage. As a Psychiatric RN, I have witnessed this over and over. There are a thousand paths to healing not just one. Medications need to be used very cautiously. I share my views on psychiatric medications and the risks associated with them on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse.) What are the unwanted effects of this medications that you are experiencing? What else have you explored (alternative/complementary) avenues to cope with anxiety?

[@wardka]

@@NeseretBemient For me, mild diarrhea, extreme thirst and weight loss from drinking more fluids and not being hungry. The latter is not entirely unwelcome. I'm losing about half a pound a week, though I am concerned it may be pre-diabetes rather than the sertraline.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@wardka Psychiatric medications are notorious for causing metabolic syndrome and issues of metabolic health. It could also be your diet. I always recommend to clients to keep a food/mood journal. Track what you're eating on a daily basis. In this situation I would also monitor your blood sugar. Continuous glucose monitor is great even for a couple of weeks, to see what's really going on with your blood sugar. How long have you been on the Sertraline? And Do you follow a particular type of diet?

[@dmtdreamz7706]

It puts you into a state where nothing matters in a good way. You truly don't give a shit about anything and you're just happy as fuck as a result, because nothing matters. Nothing matters, nothing means anything, there's nothing to do, there's no point, there's no goal but there's also no boredom, there's no negative meanings attached to the meaninglessness, it's just perfectly meaningless and it's awesome. You're basically just like sitting like a cat on a windowsill enjoying whatever experience is before it, just being and it feels amazing. 🦄

[@liisabjork76]

The story of my life. After the military I lost all motivation and happiness. I'm fighting to get it back but it's a very slow process and an up and down process with the utilization of medication.

[@aelaan12]

Right on the money! My dose of Wellbutrin was increased this week, and already I feel less foggy, less numb. I actually can say that this morning I felt joy. Yes, there is a lot of snow outside, but the sun is out. Yes, it is bitter cold, but the sun feels nice coming through the window. I am on so many medications that I ask my doctor each time to review them, this time I don't care so much for these pills whereas before I would not want anyone to know. She also prescribed me Rexulti and that made another positive change. I really feel better than two months ago, for instance. So slowly but surely the ship is coming around.

[@DomFortress]

And how's that not you developed drug dependency, thus you're now further at risk of polypharmacy?

[@christina_cl]

I'm glad you got to try Wellbutrin! It's the only one that managed to make me feel better, after trying every other type of antidepressant. Without it, I just don't have energy to do anything.

[@DomFortress]

@@Ark-ys2up simple, instead of relying on medications for anti-inflammatory and BDNF, eat traditional fermented cultural foods as natural probiotics and variety of single ingredient whole foods as natural prebiotics in order to build healthy gut microbiome diversity thus reduce chronic inflammation, and do high intensity training to naturally boost BDNF.

[@DomFortress]

@@Ark-ys2up for all its worth, our contemporary hunter gatherer society will thrive even where modernity had failed. And I'm at peace with that.

[@NeseretBemient]

Medications need to be reviewed regularly, otherwise it is negligence. Is there a need to stay on the same dose? Is the issue the medication was prescribed resolved? Do you even need to be on that medication? Are there other ways to mitigate the concerns that brought the prescriber to give you those medications? Have you explored alternative avenues for healing? How long do you need to be on these medications? These are questions your prescriber should be asking. Long term medication treatment is not needed for most conditions and those medications will have interactions and unwanted effects as they stay in your system for long periods.

[@BigIndianBindi-jy1cz]

The way i interpret is that depression is having needs and desires that you believe or feel you can't meet, and feel unsupported to get those needs and desires met. (desires such as wanting to feel loved or valued, or have friends, or just not be ignored and neglected) The harder the pull of "wanting" to meet those needs, the worse the depression feels. Basically, the belief that you can't meet those needs is like a chasm in between you and the thing you desire. The meds decrease the pull of the desires. It makes you not care or want the desires anymore, or think that it's that important. That's the "Numb/Zombie" feeling. Blunting desires. But then... you can tell it's blunted, and also doesn't feel good or normal. The meds can also make it easier to distract yourself from what your true wants are. I know my depression comes from mere neglect. I used to think my depression was so random, and until I understood that my "Depression only goes away sometimes" because I find ways to distract myself, until that distraction is used up, and I have to find another one, and finding another distraction isn't always practical. I have to sit around, feel depressed, and wait for one to become available. Hence, the random.

[@leagueofotters2774]

Enlightened takes such as this don't bode will with big pharma's take on health.

[@NeseretBemient]

That is a valid observation and conclusion. Mental health conditions have complex and multifactorial root causes. I share my views on this on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse). What else do you believe contributes to depression besides unmet needs and desires? What other factors influence our mental health?

[@rebeccamay6420]

This could have been why I used to chase so many hobbies, to dull the feelings of depression. With the depression under control from meds, I've let go of chasing all those hobbies at once and now I keep only a few regular hobbies, one of which involves the enjoyable physical activity of dance classes. You may have heard of marathon runners getting "runner's high"? I will experience a similar feeling after dancing for a couple hours, sometimes to the point of silly giddiness!

[@ilyahohenstein692]

The edits on your videos have some details that crack me up. Like the b&w image of you in your residency, 24 years ago.

[@DonnyNoMarie]

Thanks, doctor. I don't remember anyone ever discussing how you're supposed to feel on antidepressants. I think a lot of patients have unrealistic expectations and therefor, stop taking their meds.

[@NeseretBemient]

Some people cannot tolerate the effects of antidepressants. Others have to endure adverse effects or toxicity. As a Psychiatric RN, I was started on an antidepressant which induced a bipolar disorder. I share my story on KZbin (Confessions of a Psych Nurse), a 13 year long absolute nightmare which ended with using a holistic approach and putting the condition in remission. Many people cannot tolerate psychiatric medications because they came at a very high cost often. There is a huge non-compliance issue in psychiatry not because the medications are always effective or helpful. For some they do not address the mental health concern and furthermore cause terrible "side effects" (No such thing - what you're experiencing is the FULL effects of those medications.)

[@peggyerickson2549]

Yeah, weeks - months is in fact how long it does take for antidepressants to take effect. Plus, sleep apnea is problematic for me. Been on psych meds most of adult life.

[@Murderdogs]

I think a lot of the "unrealistic expectations" we have that result in discontinuimg them include that they work, don't make things worse... Etc. I suspect that's more common a reason than genuinely *unrealistic* expectations such as thinking they'll make you happy as Larry without cause.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@Murderdogs That's very true. We just don't even understand how they work or how each person is going to react to them. But yes on top of that there's so much assumption and expectation in both directions. We want a quick fix and that's not what they provide. Or at least not without a very high cost.

[@BrownGeorge-pw2xo]

I was diagnosed with BPD since my teenage. Spent my whole life fighting with this disastrous disorder. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Not until my mom recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment did wonders in my life. 8 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@NicoleCtirad]

Congrats on your recovery. Most persons never realizes psilocybin can be used as a miracle medication to save lives. Years back i wrote an entire essay about psychedelics. they saved you from death bud, lets be honest here.

[@Bastianbishops]

Can you help me with the reliable source 🙏. I'm 56 and have suffered for years with addiction, anxiety and severe ptsd, I got my panic attacks under control myself years ago and they have come back with a vengeance, I'm constantly trying to take full breaths but can't get the full satisfying breath out, it's absolutely crippling me, i live in Greece. I don't know much about these mushrooms. Really need a reliable source!! Can't wait to get them.

[@DonnHowes]

YES very sure of Dr.benshrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

I hate that psilocybin gets grouped with drugs like cocaine and heroin. Mushrooms are a remedy, not a vice! I went on a microdose treatment for a couple of months and within the first week, every sight of a cigarette got me questioning why I was doing all that to myself. It really works.

[@James-yu8nv]

I never experienced the numbness and lack of motivation or emotional problems. Ssris have always been a silver bullet for me. There is a dampner on tears but feeling joy and motivation is no issue.

[@daniells71]

The numbness was too much for me. It does a number on relationships. You become indifferent to anyone and everything. What really did it for me was being in dangerous situations and feeling zero fear. It made me understand how people can do messed up things while taking theses medications.

[@NeseretBemient]

Putting a person on the wrong or unnecessary medications can cause huge harm to them. Psychiatric medications are notorious for this. As a Psychiatric RN, I've witnessed this over the years (17 years), and it is incredibly sad. People do not realize how dangerous these medications can be for some people, putting them in dangerous situations where they experience financial, relationship, job loss. Furthermore some people will lose their lives. I share my views on psychiatric medications on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse). I believe psychiatric medications can be life saving in a cute crisis but long term they do more damage than good.

[@Catlily5]

​@@NeseretBemient I would avoid medication if you can but some people really need it. Especially if you are bipolar or have schizophrenia.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@Catlily5 Yes. Absolutely. I believe some people may require treatment with medication long term. However, even for people with bipolar and schizophrenia there's hope and help. I've heard so many stories now of people going into remission through metabolic therapies. These are people with serious mental disorders and recovery is possible for them too. More research is needed in this area of course and I would never recommend anyone go off their medication without proper supervision and implementing many lifestyle interventions.

[@Catlily5]

@@NeseretBemient I am watching some videos about the Keto diet. But I feel best when I eat a lot of vegetables.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@Catlily5 Keto includes whole vegetables as well. It's good you know what works for you. If eating a lot of veggies makes you feel good and healthy, then that's good:)

[@Jaytorres82729]

God bless you guys😁 We will all get through this anxiety/depression ❤️

[@Lew114]

That's a nice thought, but it isn't true. BS statements like that don't help. Statistically, some of us will not get through our anxiety and depression. Some will get better. Some will die. Some will just suffer through the rest of our lives.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@Lew114 There are 1 Billion people who suffer from mental illness on our planet today, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide, and the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 14-24 is suicide. You're right, it is a world on fire out there. Many live with unrelenting pain and suffering. However, as a Psychiatric RN with 17 years of experience and now a holistic mental health advocate, I know there is hope. I share my personal and professional experiences on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse) and what helped me take charge of my own mental health and show others to do the same. Suffering can be optional because I believe there are a thousand paths to healing, not the one size fit all approach that is often presented as the only solution in psychiatry.

[@shawnaford5540]

I so wish that this was common knowledge among prescribers. The more I more I complained about the not feeling good the more the SSRI’s were increased. And was added max Wellbrutrin. Was never asked if I was numb. Patient reported outcomes needs to be a standard tool. The regular questionaries do not bring this up.

[@NeseretBemient]

The one size fit all approach along with throw spaghetti noodle on the wall is a common practice in modern medicine and psychiatry. As a Psychiatric RN, I was trailed on 10 different medications that had terrible effects on my mental health. I share my story on "Confessions of a Psych Nurse" on KZbin. You are paying attention to your body's feedback and need to advocate for yourself. I'm glad you have keen observation around the lack of proper monitoring and follow up on medication management. I wouldn't wish "feeling numb" on anyone because I've seen it so many people and been there myself. It's an awful feeling akin to being chemically lobotomized or being in a straight jacket. You can't feel your sadness or joy or creativity or passion. It's just a bland, mundane existence. Please, demand medication review and tell that prescriber what it feels like to live this way. Demand a better treatment. I am a holistic mental health advocate and offer one on one support should you require further support. Let me know.

[@shawnaford5540]

@@NeseretBemient Thank you, I will look up your KZbin content.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@shawnaford5540 Thank you for sharing your perspective:) It's valuable.

[@user-jt2rg8yq1o]

​Plz help I just feel medz r not for me but feel I need to stop feeling this way@@NeseretBemient

[@CookieBear187]

Thank you for explaining this in a way that no one else has! This makes a lot more sense now

[@santonen359]

I have been taking a SSRI since I had my residency training. I love this short video. Thank you.

[@amber76OH]

Thank you, doc. We love, appreciate, and need you in this space!

[@cemetarygates2800]

Thank you so much for these educational videos Dr. Marks. You are a rare gem to us out here in KZbinland.

[@Team_Tennant]

Another incredibly helpful video Dr. Marks! Anything that helps me to evaluate my emotions and feelings critically is amazing! Thank you again!

[@socpancake]

thank you so much for using generic names alongside brand names for medication. as a european viewer, this makes it much easier to follow along and understand what we're talking about. in general, thank you so much for all the work you do on education and raising awareness around mental health conditions and treatments!

[@flawlix]

Numbness/anhedonia/apathy are both effects of my depression and side effects I experience on certain antidepressants. I’m using Wellbutrin now, and I definitely feel less “grey” than I used to

[@omartaliani138]

I love your videos and the information you include in them. Been very helpful for me going through my own challenges

[@blufaerie]

This was the best explanation of how antidepressants work and how we may feel when starting that I have ever seen. Thanks Dr Marks!❤

[@katherinesayles8870]

Thank you Dr. Marks. Your explanations are so clear and extremely helpful. I sincerely appreciate your videos ❤

[@gretahelphrey7842]

Thank you so much for your explanations. I learn something helpful every time you post. It’s especially reassuring to learn about current and ongoing clinical research into treatments for depression/anxiety and is most helpful when monitoring one’s own treatment responses and expectations.

[@DavidFlores-cg3nr]

I know it probably sounds redundant to you, but you're an absolute Godsend! ❤ Your videos are very informative, and help many through their most difficult times! Thank you❤

[@cristinafrick9773]

Happy New Year Dr. Marks- thanks so very much for all you do- you help people and have helped me so very much- take care and God bless!😀

[@fwosti3548]

Thank you, Tracy! This was a very enlightening presentation and very useful indeed!

[@sorrenable]

Excellent to see you back Doctor.... 😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@20newleigh]

Thank you Dr. Marks. Please continue to make more content like this on how meds work, also cannabis and how cbd might work.

[@cardinalflower6959]

Brava Dr. Marks! Great explanation of a difficult subject.

[@r.mitchcullins1299]

Love how your detailed analysis.

[@cedargrace]

Incredibly helpful. I love learning about the brain chemistry behind these meds. Thank you!

[@tb7-rf1fb]

Amazing video doctor. Thanks so much. We love you.

[@rickschatz6846]

Always appreciate your content.

[@sardengineering]

Thank you kindly Dr. Marks, this video has been helpful beyond words. In the grand scheme of things it might not change the price of eggs, but knowing your landscape can go a very long way.

[@eryabolonha]

Wow, very informative Thank you Dr Marks

[@spunkysparks1779]

This is how I feel on a normal basis. Wellbutrin really helps with that. This video was well explained.

[@crisrag72]

Thank you for your work, Doctor. Greetings from Rome, Italy. ❤

[@ms_snazzy_jazzy2500]

This video was EVERYTHING! thank you so much for creating this. Super helpful

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Glad it was helpful!

[@amenhotep7704]

Well thank you for the informative my beautiful Doctor.

[@NewDimension7]

Good Evening, yup it's nice information and learning about positive psychology. Very give me new knowledge. Thanks You very much.

[@kamikaze4132]

Video on how Trintellex works? I love how you explain things I find it empowering to know how things are actually working within the body.❤

[@DrTraceyMarks]

I'm so glad. That's exactly what I want to happen - for you to feel empowered. Thanks for the suggestion - I'll consider it. Maybe I can group together a few others that are not SSRI's. It takes a lot to produce one of these videos, and if it's too specific, not enough people will watch, and then the algorithm buries it. You may not even see it unless you have notifications turned on. Maybe a shorts video? We'll see.

[@J.AshtonMorgan]

Thank you for this video! It was very helpful. I feel like this explanation should be mandatory when prescribing.

[@anthonyfreiwald268]

I appreciate your knowledge and great presentation. Thankyou!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

Thanks so much Anthony! I really appreciate you. 🙏🏽

[@Thaythichgiachanh262]

Good presentation 👍👍 Informative video ♥

[@Brian-zl6ib]

Thank you. You've answered many questions.

[@planetkvax6813]

I prefer numbness over struggling. However, the numbness is not so severe after a few weeks, you just feel a little less than the normal, so that you can cope with everyday stress.

[@NeseretBemient]

Both numbness and struggling are optional. You are not meant to continue to suffer and struggle. I share my story of recovery from mental illness on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse) Are you willing to explore different options to feel better? There are a thousand paths to healing. Suffering is optional. I'm sure it doesn't feel that way right now but that is true.

[@DocSnipes]

Numbness is often a physiological reaction to trauma, where you emotionally shut down to protect yourself from overwhelming emotions. It's like building a strong wall to protect yourself from an avalanche of emotions. Strategies to Address Numbness: 1. Grounding Activities: Engage in simple grounding exercises to bring your attention to the present moment. Notice the sensations in your body, such as what your feet feel like touching the ground or what your hands feel like when you rub them together. Use the 5-4-3-2-1 technique: Identify five things you can see, four things you can hear, three things you can smell, two things you can touch, and one thing you can taste. 2. Mindfulness and Awareness: Practice mindfulness by focusing on your immediate environment and bodily sensations. This can help you become more grounded and aware of the present, rather than being overwhelmed by numbness. 3. Thought Stopping and Replacement: When you notice your mind wandering to thoughts that contribute to numbness, consciously redirect your thoughts. Change the channel in your mind to focus on something that makes you feel safe and empowered.

[@AeriaGl0ris]

I chuckled at the use of black and white footage at "residency training 24 years ago." It's amazing how much has changed AND not changed in the field of psychiatry in those 24 years.

[@NeseretBemient]

Hey Psychiatry has not changed much in 200 years. We still do things the same way as when Ab Lincoln was diagnosed with melancholia and medications were not available at that time lol Ab would turn over his grave to see the booming pharmaceutical industry he could have taken a part of.

[@tammyg8031]

Thanks ❤for the information. You are a genius!!!

[@icecreamassassin3006]

I've been on Wellbutrin for quite some time and I recently stopped taking it and my anti-anxiety med and I can say for a fact that Wellbutrin ABSOLUTELY still makes you feel unmotivated, at least for me. After being off it, I may have feelings of laziness but I can much more easily push myself into a momentum of getting started and continuing getting things done on most days as opposed to feeling like I need a crane to get going and then it's like pushing a boulder up a hill all day. The important thing to remember with meds is that they have a generalized INTENDED affect, but that affect may be different in different people; all people's reactions to meds may vary slightly.

[@NeseretBemient]

Absolutely true. As a Psychiatric RN, I have seen this with so many of my clients. Everyone reacts to medications differently. You have to listen to your body. You did that!! Good job!!! I share my views on psychiatric the dangers of psychiatric medications on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse). Psych meds can be helpful in acute crisis or stabilization period, but can be damaging long term. As well, there are a thousand paths to healing and medication is only one. So it is important to explore alternative and complementary options.

[@nerdbamarich2063]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@jakeycampbell]

I learned the hardway recently. I wasnt sure if my antidepressants were really working after about a year of being on them. I went off of them (after talking with my PCP and therapist) and it was fine for about 4-5 weeks but then I couldnt get out of bed, my hygiene wasnt really existent and it led me to stop taking my adhd meds. I ended up failing a lot of my classes and as soon as I started taking my meds again I felt an immediate difference. I appreciate you and your vids, Dr. Tracy!

[@erictuffelmire6826]

That's because you're stuck on them for life now...

[@ibrahimissaiaawad2888]

so smart you are, to know all this!

[@darionnaimi8804]

We love you doc❤

[@elizabethpatterson5316]

Thank you for sharing this. Hopefully it will help many people develop more realistic expectations about antidepressants. There's still so much stigma and misunderstanding.

[@NeseretBemient]

There's still quiet a bit of stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness and psychiatric medications. As a psychiatric Nurse, I agree we have come a long way but we still have a long way to go. Antidepressants can be quiet helpful in acute crisis and stabilization period but they are harmful long term. There are no clinical trials that follow people long term and see the outcome of these medications. I share my views around the dangers of medications, especially on developing brains on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse.) We need more research and yes people need further education. Dr. Marks does a fantastic job of raising awareness around these very important topics.

[@abfmetro]

Thank you doctor. I love you.

[@hylianlegends]

I'm a new psychiatrist. And I'll say this video was more helpful than anything I ever learned in school or in medical conferences.

[@Iliketurtlezz]

Learn about PSSD and akathisia please.

[@zigzaglychee7324]

I wouldn't say I feel numb. I'd definitely say that my emotions feel quieter, but that's exactly what I wanted. I mostly started them for anxiety with depression, and it feels like it turned down the volume of those thoughts to a more normal level. The only point at which I felt "numb" was shortly after beginning them, I think because I was so used to feeling intense negative feelings that having those gone did feel "numb" in comparison. I don't think my ability to feel joy has been affected, I feel excited to see people I love and for making delicious meals and feeding the birds, though one thing I would say I don't do as much is laughing. I feel a lot more chill and peaceful. I realised last month when I had a progress meeting that in the past I might've got a lot more anxious about that meeting. It was really nice to be able to get on with preparing for it and not being distracted by the horrible physical side effects.

[@JSFGuy]

All right, I got a notice on this one.

[@jackiem9460]

I've tried SOOO many anti-depressants. I'm on Viibryd now and it is the first one that has made a difference. I had a genetic test done and it says I will only partially respond to SSRI's and I need to be on a low dose. This is also true for my ADHD med. It still shocks my Psych dr that I can't be on a dose higher than 10mg.

[@NeseretBemient]

Have you explored alternative/complementary avenues to help with this condition? Also, everyone reacts to medication doses differently. Can't go by textbook dosage recommendations because you are not part of the trials for those medications. You're a unique individual.

[@erictuffelmire6826]

Why would that shock them? The dose and drug is basically chosen at random. Can you explain what partially responding even means in a scientific sense.

[@addysaw]

Wellbuterin definitely made me feel better already on day 3. Actually better, not placebo

[@delaneyfayce]

Thank you so much for this!!!!!

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're so welcome!

[@Lav023]

thank you doctor, you are awesome! :)

[@hibahemani8076]

This video was exceptionally informative for me.. now I am able to understand my doctor's treatment plan better and I am more confident that he is treating me correctly.. 😅

[@NeseretBemient]

Your body will give you all the feedback you need whether the treatment plan is working or not.

[@streetgangs]

WHere do you get your broll footage for your videos?

[@vladkhvan1326]

Thank you, Doctor - very informative. Do you have any insights on Auvelity?

[@AGBolish]

Dr. Marks, Thank you so much for this video! I just realized that my experience with SSRIs is related largely to apathy rather than a lack of depression or increase in happiness. I’ve tried very many meds (at least 4 or 5) and the one I stuck with is Lexapro. It is the only one that does anything at all, but what it does is make me numb. In bouts of depression, I don’t go as low, but I also just don’t experience the joys of life anymore. 😢 I might as my psychiatrist about what he thinks about possibly reducing my dose of SSRI and adding in Wellbutrin again so I have kind of a joint effect. We’ll see! Wish me luck!

[@NeseretBemient]

Have you explored other interventions to feel better? There are a thousand paths to healing from depression, medication is one but it is not effective long term. I am a holistic Psych RN and support adults and youth to implement simple lifestyle interventions to take charge of their mental health. I share this on my KZbin channel (Confessions of Psych Nurse) Medications may or may not work for you but there are many other things you can implement to feel better. Let me know if this is something you're interested trying. What happened with the other 4-5 medications? How long have you been struggling with your mental health?

[@dorothy6200]

Thank you for this it is very helpful.

[@DrTraceyMarks]

You're welcome and I'm glad it was helpful!

[@doronperry842]

I felt amazing, on top of the worldm the best ever

[@scottfranson4215]

Thank You x’s A Million Hugs

[@LadyPantera57]

In the early part of the video, it's mentioned that the suppression of dopamine can lead to apathy and reduced emotional reactivity. I experienced something like this multiple times when I was prescribed ADHD medications. It would start out fine at first, even great, but then about 2 weeks into treatment, I would become apathetic and lose empathy for my child and anyone else. Also having short-fused angry outbursts when things didn't go as quickly as I felt they should. The first time I took Vyvanse, I actually had to have a mental conversation with myself to smile back at people. Every time I discussed my responses to medications, therapists always seemed perplexed, like they had never heard of anyone responding like that. If someone with ADHD has low dopamine reserves, making it difficult to push through low-dopamine producing tasks, and then takes a medication that makes them use up all of the dopamine reserves, it makes sense that they would have a response like I did. I'm not sure why the therapists understand the symptoms from taking antidepressants, but not ADHD medications. Realizing that the trade offs weren't worth it for me, I stopped taking ADHD medications over 11 years ago.

[@NeseretBemient]

I'm glad you were tuned enough to your body and didn't take "mental health professional's" lack of understanding, curiosity, empathy, and really proper monitoring and follow up. This is what negligence looks like. Psychiatric medications can do a lot of harm to people. And no you are not part of the testing and trial when they concocted those medications. So you may have signs and symptoms that no other person had experienced before because you are a unique human being. There are 8 billion people on the planet and there is on one just like you. You are the rarest thing in the world. That said, as a psychiatric RN, I have seen over the years mental health professionals become truly desensitized to people's suffering. There's so much issues that come from people being placed on psychiatric medications. One of my main roles as a Psych Nurse is was to administer and monitor the effects of psych meds. I've heard it all and many of it heart breaking. People really suffer so much. And I came to the conclusion there are no "side effects" of medications, what people experience on any given psych med is the FULL effects of those medications. And yes some people cannot tolerate Psych meds, and others are harmed by them. Even when they work they leave people feeling chemically lobotomized. They work 30% of the time at best (similar to a placebo). So, how are you doing now? I'm glad you're here sharing your experience. It is valuable.

[@LadyPantera57]

@@NeseretBemient Thank you! It feels validating to hear someone who has been in the psychiatric community to recognise my experience. I don't have angry outburst anymore, but I'm also still not the me I was before medication. When I was medicated, it felt as though I wasn't always the one controlling the ship. One time, when I had been awake for two days straight, I was on the computer trying to write an article and I could tell that it was getting worse and less coherent by minute, but I was powerless to stop. It was as though I was trapped inside and someone else was typing, so the real me called out to my boyfriend and said that I couldn't stop and asked him to come get me. He came over and walked me to the bedroom so that I could get some much needed rest. I would say the me that came out of that experienced is similar to someone who is different after being released from prison. They may look like themselves, but they're not the same as when they went in. The innocence you had can't really be regained and the lessons that you learned while inside stay with you. The prison is also more than just the medication, it's also the pressure that society puts on people to be something other than who they are by nature. That if you're neurodivergent, there's something wrong with you and it needs to be corrected. I had to accept that there are things I will never be good, such as cleaning a shower. Now I put my efforts into things that I'm at least capable of mastering, instead of putting all of my time into becoming mediocre at things that other people are able to do fairly effortlessly. I just wish I had learned that before I tried to "get better" with medication.

[@m.f.richardson1602]

Thank you

[@Lew114]

Antidepressants and counseling make life bearable most of the time for me. I still have periods of crippling depression. It's an endless cycle. I'm 55 and I'm fucking tired of it.

[@NeseretBemient]

It's exhausting at best. I ended a 13 year nightmare with episodes of bipolar depression through holistic lifestyle interventions. As a psychiatric RN, I've seen so much suffering. Depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide today. There are many simple interventions that could be implemented to help you feel better than just surviving and tolerating life. What types of things have you explored besides medication and therapy. I share my experience with putting my condition into remission on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse). I support adults and at risk youth who are losing hope to take charge of their mental health. Let me know if you would like some support around this.

[@Lew114]

@@NeseretBemient I’ve been this way since my teens. The first SSRI was invented when I was in my 20’s, but like many others I believed that my problems stemmed from personal weakness and character flaws. I finally started getting help in my early thirties after a nurse practitioner had a hunch and screened me for depression. I probably would have committed suicide by now if she hadn’t. I’ve tried every evidence based treatment except ECT. This is probably as good as it gets. Looking back, I’m not sure that starting treatment was the best choice. Medicine can keep people alive, but quality of life should be considered. Is it ethical to use drugs to prevent a suicide if the patient is just going to suffer for decades? In some cases I’m not sure it is.

[@NeseretBemient]

@@Lew114 I consider the day I got started on antidepressants one of the biggest mistakes of my life. Because my mental health deteriorated steadily after that. Your question is brilliant! Conventional psychiatric treatment with medications completely ignores quality of life. We've come a long way from ice pics, and lobotomies, but this is a sanitized version of the same abusive, coercive, and unethical treatment of human beings. There's no room for hope, curiosity, or compassion to leave someone on a cocktail and watch them languish for years and decades. It is the epitome of dehumanization. I'm so sorry for your suffering for this long. Please do not lose hope. There is a way out of this nightmare if you're willing to do a few things differently and the next 20, 30, 50 years can be so different for you. I admire your resiliency and strength through all of this untold suffering. Please keep going and thank you so much for sharing here. I'm glad you're here.

[@melusine826]

Thanks! Perfect timing. 3 weeks into starting lexam/ lexapro- bit of nausea and a few hours after i take one i have 5+ hours of pins and needles/itchy over my body which im NOT enjoying. Plus a little bit of the emotional numbness which im not a fan of either. I had something finally get resolved financially this morning- i looked at my bank account and thought i would feel relieved or joyful. Maybe a bit of relief, but fairly meh. And ive finally got time of from work at a job i dont like after this week and dont plan to go back. I should be thrilled but i think cos i dont have anything lined up im still anxious Trouble Sleeping and lack of energy / motivation was pre existing and not improving. Though- my period is due in mext day or so and usually i have a day or two of high emotional reactivity 3 days before and i dont think that i have had that as much. Dr app in 2 days

[@LunaGoreTV]

My depression is the numbness without medication

[@ozymandiasultor9480]

that may be anhedonia, maybe.

[@NeseretBemient]

What is the numbness about with or without medication?

[@tiredcansada]

I’d love to learn about what the signs are when the medication should have the dosage reduced.

[@empathicstarseed8860]

Gratitude. I have always wondered how it suppose to make you feel. I am not on any medication, but never knew how people are feeling while on antidepressants.

[@rolf7135]

Interesting video. I have mostly taken antidepressants for their side effect, sleeplessness, as I struggle with insomnia and doctors usually consider these drugs safe/none addictive. That they are considered safe has always made me wonder, as they are the medication that seems to alter the way I feel the most. The side effect of sleeplessness and huge appetite seems to affect me after the first days. I have probably only seen the "worst" side of antidepressants but it is a bit concerning that we do not know exactly how the medicine works or how it affects us.

[@battragon]

Haha... I'm feeling better already. 👍😁 (Funny how I'm supposedly not clinically depressed, while I'm more or less 'all of the above' of the symptoms you describe.) (I still enjoy some things.) (May go pressure doc for meds.)

[@JuanRodriguez-ce8vs]

When your dose is just right you won't notice anything at all. You'll notice a gradual improvement after two months. It's not magic, and unrealistic expectations are why people stop taking their meds. The only exception that comes to mind is Wellbutrin. I took it for depression, and stopped smoking without even trying.

[@NeseretBemient]

As a psychiatric RN, I've noticed many people simply cannot tolerate psychiatric medications. They get awful side effects or feel numb or worse yet suicidal.

[@TVVENCH]

I like to say that taking Prozac means that I start everyday on a 5 out of 10 mood, compared to a 3 out of 10 mood without it, giving me a better starting point for doing things throughout the day to let myself get to at least a 7 out of ten and feel vaguely content.

[@orthodox_gentleman]

I have had INCREDIBLE results from a combination of Nortriptyline 75 mg and Adderall XR 25 mg for the treatment of severe treatment resistant depression! Tricyclics can be very beneficial for this form of depression!

[@NeseretBemient]

I became manic on tricyclic antidepressant. I was then diagnosed with antidepressant induced bipolar disorder which turned out to be a 13 year long absolute nightmare. I share my story on KZbin about this debacle and my recovery from it. (Confessions of a Psych Nurse) Antidepressants may work for some people and for others they are a source of great pain and suffering.

[@jnab0]

She pronounces it as BupropRion. There's no second R in the name but for some reason i've pronounced it that way too.

[@gamingnerd19]

When I tried taking Lexapro, the first day was always me being slightly hyper and then the next few times I took it I was numb (which will forever be an issue for me) I stopped taking it when I was trying to get rid of the numbness by self harm. I was already taking a bunch of meds because of epilepsy, I didn’t want a med that’ll hurt me more Nice to know why, thanks Doctor Tracey

[@amarixolarasin9795]

Can you talk about limerance and how to heal or treat it ?

[@ilianaboheme]

Hi Dr. Tracy. Can you please talk about 5 HTP for depression and Adhd?

[@BreezyBellefu]

I didn’t ask for a coast but a help through and my doctor did just that. The people I know on antidepressants no longer care about things they used to. It’s sad to watch. Even worse after dose increases.

[@NeseretBemient]

Some people cannot tolerate psychiatric medications. I share my views on the dangers of psychiatric medications on my KZbin channel. I've also witnessed the same thing as a psychiatric RN, that people often get worse and they are non-compliant with the medications because of awful side effects. Psychiatric medications can be life saving in acute crisis but can have huge damage long term.

[@dricka1870]

Taking mine at night before bed was a game changer for me

[@luciefoy1311]

Can you please do a similar video on antipsychotic medication to treat bipolar disorder ?

[@ThatgirlLondon.]

I’m afraid I will never be the same person again! I just had a baby 7 months ago every day I’m feeling severely depressed I’m on abilify but not sure if it’s working. I’m giving up on life. I’ve been feeling so dissociated disconnected from myself, and life.. feels like I’m living in a bubble and I can’t feel anything.. I can’t even enjoy my baby. I’m not here at all!

[@Yelrebmikkim]

Great video, but what about hypo/mania and antidepressants?

[@Pureimagination200]

Celexa made me feel apathy for a few weeks and then I felt better. We added Wellbutrin to the mix and I feel great.

[@NeseretBemient]

Have you explored other lifestyle interventions to help cope?

[@NeseretBemient]

Polypharmacy long term can have damaging effects.

[@nkwhite]

For me, that Wellbutrin and Lexapro combo was 'okay' but still not safe. They ended up just being what I used for my SA. I finally got a breakthrough in hopelessness on an SNRI, instead. Even that, though: Effexor worked as a rescue during hospitalization, but allowed rage and fear episodes out of nowhere while supposedly therapeutic. Was finally ready for therapy once Cymbalta became therapeutic. It just was not a quick fix, finding what worked, unfortunately

[@deborahmoreland1334]

I feel a lot less anxious and stressed.❤

[@mothball5425]

Could you do a video on nondysphoric depression please 🙏🙏🙏

[@chanellechan7770]

My antidepressant was changed to Welbuteron (Voxra CL) due to too much side effects of my previois antidepressants (being someone that has bipolar I’ve been placed on multiple different antidepressants) Welbutron is the best i have ever been prescribed

[@blergh89ify]

It's such an empowering feeling to know that I'm NOT supposed to feel numb. Feelings like this is what's kept me from adhering to medication or trying new ones. Thank you for this video. Quick question. I was recommended a very small dose of an antipsychotic called Quetiapine to help manage my overall depression and severe anxiety. (The doctor I consulted with was resistant to giving me conventional benzodiazepines). If I chose to follow this treatment I understand numbness and apathy could be a potential side effect even at a low dose. Is this still considered a side effect and NOT a therapeutic effect with antipsychotics as opposed to antidepressants?

[@NeseretBemient]

What you experience in any given medication is not a "side effect", it is the full effect of those medications. Both benzos and Seroquel come with the risk of developing dependency. As a psychiatric RN, I've seen this happen with many people. Seroquel long term can have just as damaging effects as Benzos. I share the dangers of psychiatric medications on my KZbin channel (Confessions of a Psych Nurse). I also share simple lifestyle interventions and strategies to cope with anxiety and depression. Medications can be helpful in acute crisis and stabilization period but long term are not helpful.