The Perinatal Project: Mental Health Advocacy for Mothers: MHA releases public statement on use of antidepressants

On the heels of last week's decision by the FDA to extend the pediatric "black box" warning labels on antidepressant medications to adolescents and young adults up to age 25 - a demographic that includes thousands of young mothers - Mental Health America (MHA) (formerly the National Mental Health Association, NMHA) has released the following statement:

As with any medication, decisions to take antidepressants must be well-informed and their use must be cautiously monitored. Mental Health America offers the following tips on how best to approach this decision. Seek help if you feel depressed or experience distress that impacts your daily life.

Request a full evaluation from a doctor. Discuss all available treatment options and carefully weigh the risks and benefits associated with each. If your provider prescribes an antidepressant, make sure to request continual follow-ups and careful monitoring—particularly in the first several weeks.

Know the warning signs of suicide and act quickly if concerned. Many people are afraid to discuss suicide, but it is
actually better to be open and direct.

Separate “fact from fiction” by using credible sources based on sound medical science rather than rumor or
opinion. Beware of extreme claims, such as antidepressants are “always dangerous” or “never effective.” Such statements are harmful and misleading.

Remember that the worst possible situation for anyone with depression is to go without any treatment at all.

If you are taking an antidepressant, do not abruptly discontinue use. This can lead to significant side effects. Instead, discuss any concerns or questions with your treatment provider.

Depression is a very serious health problem that affects 19 million American adults each year. Left untreated, it can
lead to significant problems at home, at work and with peers—as well as to life-threatening problems such as heart disease, substance abuse and suicide. In fact, 90 percent of all suicides are attributable to an untreated or under-treated mental or substance abuse disorder, particularly depression. Fortunately, depression is highly treatable with
therapy, medication or a combination of the two.