Need some advice on depression vs bipolar

Hi all, 

Stumbled across this forum and felt like there’s finally a place to express my concerns.

I’m one of the most self confident and self believing characters you can meet yet, for the last 8-9 months everything’s felt pointless, dull and a dead end. 

I used to love music and work but all that’s gone.

At the 6 month mark that was normal, my energy for life has always come in waves. Yet for some reason I’m now 8-9 months in and things are getting worse and worse.

My business is struggling and I just don’t care for life or love, I’m on 100mg of sertaline as of 1 month ago but it hasn’t done anything. It numbs the highs and dulls the lows?

I’ve suspected bipolar before but have always been hesistant to suggest that, when I’m on a roll life is so perfect...but that could just be how life works right. 

My questions are: what do antidepressants do? Are they meant to dull all of life out?

If this is the poking head of bipolar, will SSRI’s cause any harm?

Finally, if sertaline is dulling life, are there alternatives that don’t?

Many thanks 

Hi, I am not on meds but have suffered from clinical depression and have been on meds in the past.

But, what I wanted to say is I dont think you are bipolar but depressed. Your post didn't mention any mania which would be a big part of bipolar disorder.

Getting over depression is a battle, but you can win. I would suggest a min of 30 min cardio exercise, 4 times a week.

Eat healthy, cut out sugar as much as possible.

Stay away from reading the news and any outside negativity that you dont need right now.

Don't isolate yourself, talk to people, go out. But dont talk too much about your mood, even the best of friends cant handle it, come here and perhaps a counsler and relieve your burden away from friends

If you are spiritual, pray

Hey thank you for the reply, when I’ve felt good is doing all the things you’ve mentioned.

I can win yeah  

I know it is a struggle, a big one. I have been through it. 

Take small steps and gradually build on them, so soon it will be the bigger part of your life and the depression is less.

Also, i found volunteering for others in need helped. It gave me purpose and meaning to my life.

And someone had also told me to do gratitude lists every morning.

LIke, "Thank you God, that my car is running." Thank you that i have no physical pain and so on