instruction: hello doctor I just went to go today for medication I had to force myself only 30 and suffering major depressive episode had it before I feel I left it too long I have tried some treatment medicines without success I did not really want seroquel but I just got 25 my and 50 my of pristiq my depression is that bad I am basically stuck in my room I know tablets cannot probably get me out of this cause this time it is really bad if they can give me some boost to then be able to do things that could help is that combo possibly effective sometimes they say it might be by adding one I know they have there nasty side effects though would you recommend taking it long term or one month until antidepressant takes effect or what I am so confused
output: hello I can imagine how hard it is for you to be in this situation depression takes a toll on us in the worst ways possible you should appreciate yourself to be able to reach out to get help because many people cannot even find the strength or awareness to reach this point you are correct that only medications will not be able to pull you out from this however you need to continue medication atleast for 8 months even after you start feeling better because that is the minimum duration required for medication to balance the neurotransmitters involved and to be able to prevent the relapse secondly I would suggest you to start counseling therapy session what you can do is start therapy online most of my patients who are not yet willing to go out every week and travel to a therapist opt for therapy sessions online psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy will help you with your thoughts and getting a control over the negative thought patterns which are keeping you in the loop of negativity and depression medications when combined with therapy is going to show good and faster results