# Summary

The author found that being on antidepressants during quarantine provided unexpected benefits for managing their mental health.

# Abstract

The article discusses the personal journey of someone with a major depressive disorder during the quarantine period. Initially, the author was reluctant to take antidepressants but eventually accepted the need for medication. Despite the hope of overcoming depression without medication, the author found that the onset of quarantine coincided with a new wave of depression. However, this coincidence led to timely treatment and access to healthcare resources, which proved to be highly effective. The author emphasizes the importance of mental health care during the pandemic and acknowledges that seeking help and starting treatment at the right time put them in a better position to cope with the lockdown. The experience has shown that what seemed like a setback turned out to be a blessing, as the author gained control over their mental health just as the world was shutting down due to COVID-19.

# Opinions

- Depression is a complex and individual experience that should not carry any stigma.
- Mental illness is not the fault of the person experiencing it; self-blame is inappropriate.
- The timing of the quarantine was ironically beneficial for the author, as it coincided with the need for renewed treatment.
- Access to antidepressants and mental health treatment is crucial, especially during challenging times like a pandemic.
- The author recognizes the importance of acknowledging when one needs help and taking proactive steps to manage mental health.
- The article suggests that sometimes, what seems like an unfortunate event (such as a global pandemic) can lead to positive outcomes, such as better mental health management.

Being on Anti-depressants Turned out Beneficial During Quarantine

You have magic pills, while others may not!

Licensed via Freepik and edited by the author

I have always been vocal about my mental health issues. There is no shame in experiencing depression, anxiety, and other health problems. It’s 2020, and no one should feel embarrassed to discuss this topic.

Every person’s depression looks differently. In my case, a major depressive disorder — the clinical term — affects me in waves. The very first wave was when I first noticed something was wrong and got diagnosed. The second wave was later when I became a victim of bullying at work — yes, apparently, you can go through middle school, high school, college, and never care about bullies; yet at work, it’s different. My third wave occurred recently after I was hoping that depression went away.

Surprise-surprise! It did not. It stayed with me like a loyal friend.

Sadly, despite my long-term experience with mental illness, it hit me extremely hard recently. I was hoping I don’t have to take anti-depressants anymore, and my health went back to normal. Fun fact: life rarely works out the way we want it to.

I was crushed. I felt hopeless, lost, and had lots of emotional pain.

“How could I slip again?” — I kept asking myself.

That was an inappropriate question to ask, as depression or any other mental illness is never your fault. I’ve known this simple truth from the moment my doctor diagnosed me many years ago. Unfortunately, when you’re going to throw a downward spiral, you tend do have too many emotions and ask yourself stupid questions.

I didn’t slip. I’m in no way at the fault of how I feel, or for my mental issue progression. I did my best.

Going back to therapy, establishing a routine, taking time off and regrouping, did the trick. I was ready to go back to society. I planned a lot of things in every area of my life to ensure I’m taking care of my health while living life to the fullest.

Guess what happened? Yes! The governments all around the world implemented quarantine and locked countries down.

Sometimes you look at the Universe and want to ask her:

“You’re messing with me, right?”

Because, in my opinion, she was. How could a global pandemic bright the world to its knees and cause a lockdown the exact same week I was ready to get my life back? How is it possible, the moment I decided to take control of my life, my body and my mental health, I ended up being stuck at home and unable to do anything?

We should all take care of our mental health, along with physical health. During these uncertain times, it is absolutely crucial.

I did not doubt that quarantine will ruin everything for me, and possibly even make things worse. I was assured my health would deteriorate even more.

I was wrong again. But luckily, this time, it was good news.

You see, my doctor selected is an excellent treatment plan, which worked like a charm. It’s remarkable how easy it is to go from a bad place, filled with depressive thoughts, anxieties and constant spiralling; to feelings almost entirely healthy, calm and rational, ready to live your life.

Quarantine is scary, and for some of us, it’s even dangerous. Scientists are talking about the importance of mental health, as many people are expected to experience issues. It’s hard to stay home, unable to go outside for a prolonged period. If you read the news, once in a while, there is an article about someone committing suicide, unable to cope with the pressure. It’s heart-breaking.

We should all take care of our mental health, along with physical health. During these uncertain times, it is absolutely crucial.

So, ironically, this thing I expected to hit me the most ended up being the saving grace. My third wave of depression is what allowed me to get my health back on track, receive proper treatment and get all the help I needed. Even though I complain about the entire country shutting down the moment I was supposed to go back to society, I gained access to health resources at a perfect time. I got treated and made my mental health problem manageable hours before the horrible news hit the entire world: you have to stay home.

Depression or any other mental illness is never your fault.

I got lucky.

I got lucky because had I delayed my treatment for a few months or even a few weeks, I may have entered the pandemic-triggered lockdown in a terrible mental state. Catching a new wave of depression made me seek help almost right away and acknowledge I needed new treatment. This is what allowed me to be in a good position during these scary times. I might even be in a better state, compared to someone else — and I genuinely hope everyone will seek help and support!

We’re in the middle of a pandemic. My anti-depressants are what’s keeping me afloat. To be exact, they are keeping me healthy and well. I suppose I have an advantage. Not because of the access to pills, but because of medical treatment.

Sometimes, things get tough. But if you’re familiar with stoicism, you know that something which may seem the worst one ever ends up being a blessing in disguise.