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Can the pill and the coil make you feel depressed?
Q: I've been taking the pill for eight years and have tried eight different types. However, I've found that most types seem to make me very low and tearful. I've been told that it's probably because I'm allergic to the progesterone. I'm currently undergoing gynaecological investigation and may have to try Mirena for other period problems. I am concerned that Mirena will also make me depressed.
nemo01

A:The hormone in Mirena is only absorbed into the circulation in very tiny amounts - much less even than the mini-pill. It is therefore much less likely to cause hormone-related side effects than most other hormonal methods of contraception. Side effects that do occur are usually mild and disappear within three months. It can cause irregular bleeding for the first three months, however, and some people bleed continuously at first. By the end of a year, one in five women do not have a monthly bleed - bliss! Fertility resumes quickly after the device is removed. Do discuss any concerns with your doctor before having Mirena inserted.
Dr Sarah Brewer

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What can I do to help my partner through depression?
Q: I am wondering what advice you could give to me as the partner of someone with depression. My boyfriend has been depressed for about 15 years and has previously attempted suicide. Recently things have been very dark for him. He was taking antidepressants but has given up because he says they didn't work for him. He has been to his GP, who referred him to a private doctor, who has now referred him to a private psychotherapist - a very long process with no treatment as yet. He is at his wits end, talking more about suicide and his sleeping patterns are up the spout.

What, if anything, can I do? We don't live together so I can't watch him all the time. It is very distressing for me to feel so absolutely useless. If you have any advice it will be gratefully received.
inight

A: All you can do is to be there for him and support him as much as you can. Make sure he has contact numbers to ring, including Depression Alliance on 020 7633 0557 and the Samaritans on 08457 909090. You can ring them for support too, if you wish. It's not easy trying to be strong for two people and you need support too.

Encourage him to see his doctor and try a different sort of antidepressant - they do work but it can take a while to find the right one to suit a particular person. It might help if you are able to go to the doctor with him next time as often someone who is depressed doesn't have the energy to tell the doctor exactly how bad their condition is.
Dr Sarah Brewer

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Will I lose weight when I come off the antidepressants?
Q: I have been on Prozac since April 2003 and I have put on a lot of weight, which I understand can be a side effect of several antidepressants. My question is, when I eventually come off Prozac will the weight drop off me, will I have to diet to get rid of it or is there something else I should be aware of?

I should add that I cannot exercise very much as I am a chronic asthmatic. I take Ventolin and Becotide via an inhaler. I am not on steroids except for emergencies, which don't happen often.
Thanking you in advance.
Owly_2001

A:The weight should slowly come off once you stop the medication. You still need to eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly now, however, to minimise weight gain, and maximise weight loss once you have come off the program. Eating a high carbohydrate diet triggers the release of insulin, which, in turn, switches off fat loss and increases fat storage - the exact opposite of what you want! I am increasingly of the opinion that a low carbohydrate diet is effective for many people. If choosing to follow a program such as Atkins, however, it is vital that you buy the book and follow the program properly.
Dr Sarah Brewer

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Will I ever be cured of depression for good?
Q:Has anyone been 'cured' of depression after six to nine months of effective medication? My psychiatrist thinks it might be possible (not definite as I have a nightmarish family history of this illness and it could be a genetic thing), whereas my sister's psychiatrist is adamant it cannot happen and that she will be on medication for life or at least until menopause. I'm not really worried if it's a 'for life' thing, but I am curious as to whether you have seen a 'cure' before.
Kiwihelen_70

A: I've had lots of patients who have only needed one course of antidepressants (usually three to six months, sometimes a year) to get them back on an even keel. Once they have been weaned off the medication, they have not relapsed. I'm not sure I would call this a cure as such, as some people are prone to recurrent episodes of depression. However, many people who have had mild to moderate depression can look forward to a depression-free future. Honest!
Dr Sarah Brewer

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Can I try for a baby whilst on medication?
Q: My counsellor thinks I may be suffering from a mild case of depression, however, we are currently trying for a baby and want to know if you can take antidepressants and still try? Also will I be 'allowed' to carry on trying if I am having mental health problems?
misty_dawn423

A: Do talk to your doctor as he will need to assess which antidepressant treatments are best for you while trying for a baby. You will also need advice about the possibility of developing (and hopefully preventing) postnatal depression. Of course you will be allowed to try for a baby even if you have emotional problems at present - don't worry that anyone will try to stop you. Perhaps your best bet at present is to contact Depression Alliance on 020 7633 0557
Dr Sarah Brewer

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