Some people know their depression will come back–or take that chance, anyways–if they stop taking their antidepressant.
So why would they want to do this and take that risk?
Many people are curious why someone with a disabling depression, that’s actually subdued by a drug, would THEN want to quit the antidepressant.
An obvious answer might be the side effects.
But there are those who quit their antidepressants despite having zero side effects.
So then, what compels a depressed person to stop taking a medication that helps elevate their mood?
“Unfortunately, no ones wishes to have any illness, let alone a mental illness,” says Rupali Chadha, MD, former chief of medical staff at Metropolitan State Hospital in Norwalk, CA.
“If you have one major depressive episode, you can try to taper off antidepressants,” continues Dr. Chadha.
But for two serious episodes, especially if hospitalization is required, she says, “It is recommended to stay on medication for life.
“Oftentimes, people do not want to be labeled having a mental illness.”
This then begs the question: What about people who can easily conceal their diagnosis and easily hide the fact that they have a little orange bottle of Effexor, Cymbalta or Zoloft in a bedroom drawer?
For some individuals, it may come down to personal knowledge, even if hiding the diagnosis and prescription from family, friends and coworkers is as easy as 2 + 2.
It’s that knowledge of, “I have a psychiatric condition.”
It helps to think of depression — the antithesis of happiness — as a HUMAN condition.
It just so happens that it can be treated by a drug that’s prescribed by a doctor — who isn’t always a psychiatrist.
Antidepressants are also commonly prescribed for depression by primary care or family physicians.
Your medical records will likely say “depression” rather than “mental illness.”
Nevertheless, some people can’t get past the stigma of having a “mental issue” (even if it’s a secret) and thus, quit their antidepressant.
Dr. Chadha also points out, “Other times, people experience side effects, and for whatever reason they are not communicated to the doctor (to adjust or change the medicine) — or rarely, there is no other alternative that works.
“Sexual side effects in particular, like erectile dysfunction in men and anorgasmia in women, are a big deterrent.
“The good news is not all antidepressants cause this in all people. An open dialogue and regular contact with one’s doctor (MD) can help.”
How to Make Sense of Quitting an Antidepressant
My mother has been on an antidepressant for some years now (no side effects), and there’d been occasions that she announced wanting to quit, that she feels great.
Her depression seemingly arose from underactive thyroid, but over time, it’s been clear that in addition to the thyroid medication, she absolutely needs the Effexor (previously she’d been on Cymbalta).
We’ve told her, “The reason you feel great is because of the Effexor!”
See the Situation for What It Really Is
You’re taking a tiny pill for the rest of your life. This is common for Americans.
If you don’t have to inject yourself with a syringe full of insulin for diabetes, remind yourself of that, as there are diabetics who’d love to trade places with you.
My mother has stopped her antidepressant more than once… and it wasn’t pretty.
If your antidepressant has side effects, then ask your doctor to work with you on a solution.
In addition to general psychiatry, 
