Is it ok for me to tell my close friends that I take an anti-depressant?

Question

hi.
Thank you for clicking my question.

So. I take Zoloft. Its a type of Prozoc, but from TMA family. Which seems to work for me. My days now feel full of life. (I do have headaches sometimes as a part of the side effects though).

Well, my question is, Is it ok for me to tell my close friends that I take this anti-depressant?

Its not that they don't really know anything. Almost all my friends have suggested that I see a counselor and seek psychiatric help at one point or the other over the past several years. And a lot of them has seen me struggle through my depression, troubles in my life, hurts, and frustrations. And all of them know that Im sortof nerdy emo lonely easily depressing, quiet type. I also hate to volunteer. So I know my friends more than everybody else, and my friends only knows tid bits of my life,... but everybody agrees that Im very moody and get very sad.

psychlover · Accepted Answer

I usually only tell friends if they tell me they are taking antidepressants. This happens a lot, so a lot of people know. It's not a big deal, especially if your friends are taking antidepressants or know about psychology.  If they were concerned enough to mention the depression to you, then they care and telling them you are at least getting help and/or feeling better will be good. They might still be concerned. However if they are "anti psychiatry" or believe that you should deal with problems by yourself, then telling them may make you feel worse... Your call.

Laredo · Answer

Telling what medications you are taking should be on a 'need to know' basis only.  I don't see the point in telling your closest friends, there is nothing to be gained from it, and even best friends don't keep secrets.  There is a big difference between Zoloft and Prozac because Prozac can cause suicide or suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers.

You are fine with the Zoloft and it is not physically addictive.

Di · Answer

No one needs to know what medications you take or why.  If these were your friends they should understand your ups and downs...Now if you yourself are not quite feeling like you should, go back to the doctor and ask for an adjustment on your medication.

Once you are feeling better, do try and get out a little more...even for an hour or to.  You might find it uplifting to your spirit.  Best of luck 

PS  your health issues are yours and it is up to you who you want to share it with.

Anonymous · Answer

Based on what you said, if you feel comfortable telling them, I would. Taking antidepressants has lost the stigma it once had.Now if it was a co-worker/boss that would be a different story. Being that they already suggested you seek help,and saw you struggling with depression,it might comfort them knowing you got help. GOOD LUCK

friend · Answer

It's fine to tell your friends, I thought they would make a big deal when i told them, but they didn't. They may be a tad curious, but yeah. 
If you are really nervous about telling them, then just tell one person. BTW make sure you tell like only close friends and ones you trust coz, others may start spreading rumors. just be careful though
Take Care

? · Answer

Taking an anti-depressant isn't something to be ashamed of so I don't see why you shouldn't tell your friends.

If it comes up in conversation somehow it'd probably be easiest for you to tell them, but if you want them to know just tell them, since they've seen you struggling they should be happy for you.

employee of the month · Answer

probably not.  Just tell them you're getting helped.  Most friends are not worthy of such information, imho.

Anonymous · Answer

I don't see why not. Just be honest with them. They'll probably be very glad and proud that you found something that works for you :)

Is it ok for me to tell my close friends that I take an anti-depressant?

8 Answers