We tell you more about what antidepressants are used for & how they work, along with information about other treatments for depression
What are antidepressants?
Antidepressants are a medicine used to treat clinical depression. They’re most often used in cases of moderate and severe depression rather than mild depression, where they’re not usually recommended because they’re thought to be less effective.
Antidepressants can also be used to treat a range of other conditions including:
• Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety
• Serious phobias
• Bulimia (an eating disorder)
• Long-term chronic pain (in some cases)
How do antidepressants work?
Although it’s not known exactly, antidepressants are thought to work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and noradrenaline. These are chemicals that are linked to mood and emotion.
It’s thought that neurotransmitters may also affect pain signals sent by nerves which is why antidepressants are sometimes used to help manage long-term pain.
Antidepressants may not work for everyone and, in cases where they do, they can only help treat the symptoms of depression rather than the cause. That’s why they’re often used alongside other treatments for depression, including talking therapies. We cover more information on some of these other treatments below.
Types of antidepressants
Antidepressants usually come in tablet format and the main types include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants and they work to help the effects of serotonin last longer in the brain.
Serotonin & noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
SNRIs work in a similar way to SSRIs, but they also have an effect on noradrenaline levels as well as serotonin.
Noradrenaline & specific serotonergic antidepressants (NASSAs)
NASSAs may be helpful for those who are unable to take SSRIs because of side effects.
Your GP will advise which type of antidepressant and dosage is best for you, as well as making you aware of any potential side effects.
Coming off antidepressants
Your GP will let you know how long to take antidepressants for and how to gradually stop taking them. It’s important not to come off antidepressants without speaking to your GP, even if you start to feel better, because this could result in withdrawal symptoms or cause your condition to return.
Your GP will help you reduce your dose gradually to safely stop taking antidepressants and you should speak to them if you have any concerns during the process.
How to support a loved one with depression
If someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or is at risk of harming themself or others, please call 999 or NHS 111, take them to the nearest accident and emergency department (A&E), encourage them to speak to their GP or the Samaritans on 116 123, or text Shout on 85258.
It can be upsetting when you know a loved one is going through a difficult time with their mental health and it’s normal to not always know what to do or how to help. Here are some ideas of ways to offer your support:
Reach out
It can be hard for someone with depression to ask for support and not everyone will feel comfortable opening up about what they’re going through. Being the one to reach out and ask your loved one if they’re okay can help start the conversation and let them know that you’re there to listen and support them.
Sometimes it can be helpful to ask twice, especially if your loved one doesn’t seem themselves, because many people automatically respond with “I’m fine” when asked first time around. Asking something like “Are you sure?” can help prompt them to open up more and talk about what’s going on.
Afraid of saying the wrong thing? Here we have some tips on what not to say – and what to say instead – to someone struggling with their mental health.
Listen without judgement
Everyone’s thoughts and feelings are personal to them and you may not always understand what someone with depression is going through, especially if you haven’t experienced it yourself. It’s important to accept them as they are without judgement and criticism of what they’re feeling.
It’s okay not to have answers and solutions. Being there to listen to your loved one can help them feel heard and understood.
Check in regularly
Depression can feel lonely and isolating for some people and they may not always have the energy to reach out or make plans. Keeping in regular contact with your loved one can let them know you’re thinking about them and there if they need someone to talk to or keep them company.
Offer practical support
It can be harder to keep up with day-to-day tasks whilst going through depression, so it could be useful to ask your loved one if they need any practical support, which could include help with:
• Grocery shopping
• Household chores
• Travelling to medical appointments
• Picking up prescriptions
Be mindful that not everyone will want to accept offers of support and not everyone is open to seeking help for depression. If they are open to the idea, you could offer support by identifying ways they can help themselves or by helping them find information about the services available to them. We cover more information about these below.
Take care of yourself
Don’t forget to think about yourself, too. Supporting someone with depression can be difficult and it’s important to find a balance with how much you’re able to help whilst also keeping your own wellbeing in mind. It’s okay to set a boundary and take time to look after yourself.
Additional support for depression
There are a number of treatments that can be used instead of or in combination with antidepressants for treating depression, including:
Talking therapies
The two most common types of talking therapies used for depression are:
• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – a CBT therapist can help you recognise unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and find ways to help change the way you think and feel
• Counselling – a counsellor can support you in finding solutions and ways of dealing with problems you may be experiencing in life
Your GP may be able to refer you to talking therapies through the NHS, or it’s possible to self-refer through the NHS if you’re registered with a GP in England and over the age of 18. Here’s how to find an NHS talking therapy near you.
Self-help groups
In many areas there are self-help groups that bring together people going through the same or similar experiences. Sometimes this could involve sitting and talking through shared experiences and other times it could involve taking part in social activities to help improve wellbeing.
You can visit the Mind website for more information about groups that may be in your area, or speak to your GP.
In some cases, a GP may refer you for social prescribing which is where people with mental health conditions can be connected to activities, groups and services in the community, including things like gardening, volunteering or walking groups. It usually revolves around social activities that may help improve mood, such as spending time in green spaces. Your GP will be able to advise if this is something available or suitable for you.
Exercise
Keeping active and getting your body moving has been shown to be effective in helping manage depression because physical activity helps increase feel-good hormones called serotonin and dopamine.
The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity every week, but you should speak to a GP before starting any new forms of exercise if you have an existing medical condition or haven’t exercised in a while.
Need some tips on how to get started? Read our article on how to build an exercise routine that works for you.
Boots Online Doctor Depression & Anxiety Treatment
For more advice, you can head to our Boots Online Doctor Depression & Anxiety Treatment** service for a consultation with a medical professional who can help provide a tailored treatment plan, if suitable for you.
Remember, no one has to face mental health problems alone. Speak to your GP or one of the organisations mentioned in this article for further advice and support.
If you're considering coming off your antidepressants, be sure to talk to your GP before doing so for further support.
Did you know we can help with your NHS prescription for depression?
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Sign up by registering your personal details and your GP. When your repeat prescription is due, tell us which prescription item(s) you’d like to order
NHS number required for patients in England/Wales
We’ll send your request to the GP. Once checked and approved, they’ll send us back a prescription and we can get your medication ready for you.
Collect your prescription from a Boots pharmacy of your choice, or if you’re in England you can have it delivered for free*. We’ll let you know when your order is ready to collect or on the way and remind you next time you need to reorder – it’s that easy!
*Subject to availability. Eligibility criteria and charges apply.
**Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
