Anti-depressants or no?

[Badevine]

There are a few kinds of depression, two very different causes, and I've discovered that the two different causes can be confused often, and people sometimes take the wrong steps for them.

Sometimes there's a certain chemical level that causes severe depression, something that can't be helped and is even passed on from parents to child...

But there's also the depression that is just over circumstances, but people decide to take drugs for it anyway. Sorry to break it to all of you, but that's just like taking downers because you broke up with your honey.

Depression is an emotion. It's like sadness, anger, or fear. If its not clinical, then chances are its a reaction to something in your life that just isn't right. So instead of just turning to drugs all the time...fix the PROBLEM, not the SYMPTOM!

[ozzie]

I think there is a lot of truth to what you are saying. In my case though, there is some chemically caused depression as well as depression caused by circumstances.

I've tried various anti-depressants over the years and they may help for a while but what has helped me the most is therapy. I've had lots of years of therapy and highly recommend it to anyone with either kind of depression.

[Calypso]

Just speaking for myself, I'm bipolar and if I don't take my anti-depressants I crash...and it isn't pretty. The anti-depressants don't keep me from feeling the ups and downs of every day life...they just keep me out of the psych ward when my chemistry goes whacko.

[tater03]

I do agree with what you are saying. I do think that a lot of people could benefit from therapy but a lot of the times sadly this is not covered under peoples health insurance.

[Badevine]

There are many kinds of therapy. My family has never had health insurance, and I was sinking fast. But there are programs out there that are free, or sometimes its as simple as rooting through your life and very slowly disconnecting yourself from what's causing the depression. Mine was my cabin fever.

I'm not saying that no one should take antidepressants. I'm simply saying that a lot of people turn to it far too easily, without even considering the fact that it could be something other than a chemical imbalance.

[SageMother]

Originally Posted by Badevine

There are a few kinds of depression, two very different causes, and I've discovered that the two different causes can be confused often, and people sometimes take the wrong steps for them.

Sometimes there's a certain chemical level that causes severe depression, something that can't be helped and is even passed on from parents to child...

But there's also the depression that is just over circumstances, but people decide to take drugs for it anyway. Sorry to break it to all of you, but that's just like taking downers because you broke up with your honey.

Depression is an emotion. It's like sadness, anger, or fear. If its not clinical, then chances are its a reaction to something in your life that just isn't right. So instead of just turning to drugs all the time...fix the PROBLEM, not the SYMPTOM!

If your depression lingers beyond what you are comfortable with, or interferes with your daily life for more than a couple of months, then you need to consider looking at relief. Events involving loss can bring on clinical depression!

[ken7700]

Depression is very tough to diagonse and treat as well. Some people tell you drugs do wonder and of course some do it without drugs through counseling. I guess it comes down what works for the person.

[rollergirl]

Originally Posted by Badevine

I'm not saying that no one should take antidepressants. I'm simply saying that a lot of people turn to it far too easily, without even considering the fact that it could be something other than a chemical imbalance.

I am one of those chemical imbalance people, but I just wanted to say I hate those ads that say "If you have experienced these symptoms for *2 WEEKS* or more, this drug may be for you."

2 weeks to me does not clinical depression make. :/

[Taggart]

Generally speaking, I'd try to fix problems in my life before taking medication for them, but as some of the above posters point out, there can be clinical reasons for some people to take medication.

I think it's a very important decision to begin most medications that requires a study of each case in question.

[mollyL]

And then there are those who will blame their depression on anything other than chemical imbalance. Chemical imbalance is far more frightening sounding. Those who have dealt with it, and understood it, though, are getting closer to the answer.

[Lyndsey]

Don't anti-depressants also come with potential side-effects? I've seen people get tired easily, gain more weight, etc.

[justontime]

If the symptoms of depression start to effect your daily life and get in the way of your ordinary responsibilities you need to seek help. If you speak to your doctor you will find that there are various options, not just medication. In some cases medication is necessary and it certainly should not be seen as a sign of weakness.

[Serenity]

The thing is, not everyone is even willing to accept they're depressed. They've got so used to being that way it's the norm and they don't remember it being much different anytime. I saw it like that but when I was better, I could see the difference in hindsight.

[justontime]

Originally Posted by Serenity

The thing is, not everyone is even willing to accept they're depressed. They've got so used to being that way it's the norm and they don't remember it being much different anytime. I saw it like that but when I was better, I could see the difference in hindsight.

That is so true, I have seen that happen to someone. The sad thing is that they put up with the way they are feeling, but with help/treatment they could feel a lot better.

[mollyL]

That's why I think it's important for a professional to have the chance to diagnose a person. A person may think they're depressed because they broke up with their honey, but it may be underlying problems that only manifest as them feeling "blue".
Another problem is not understanding how to take the prescribed meds. These meds are cumulative and must be taken correctly over time to work. Some folk think that if they take one pill for three days and they don't feel better, the pill isn't working. They've just short-changed themselves out of a support and tool out of depression.

[Lyndsey]

But if people are abusing anti-depressants, it sounds like it's too easy to get them. Is that the case in the U.S.?

[justontime]

Originally Posted by Taggart

Generally speaking, I'd try to fix problems in my life before taking medication for them, but as some of the above posters point out, there can be clinical reasons for some people to take medication.

I think it's a very important decision to begin most medications that requires a study of each case in question.

By the time many people recognise that they have a problem they are way past being able to address any issues in their life. They need time, help and (usually) medication to help them get to a point where they could try to address issues. Unfortunately clinical depression does often lead to problems with work, relationships, housing and finance. Sometimes it is hard to tell if the problems cause the depression or the depression causes the problems.

[Wendy Love]

My guess would be that the only people who would say "NO!" to antidepressants are those who have not experienced a full-blown depressive episode that cripples their ability to participate in life. I have also heard so many people say terrible things about giving ritolin to and ADHD child and I would guess that many of them never lived with an ADHD child. In an ideal world, we wouldn't need medications, but this is not an ideal world. If a person is suffering terribly from depression they should seek professional help and let the professionals come up with a plan that suits.
Wendy Love

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