Depression Support Group
Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.
I am new here, and have been reading a number of discussions at this board which alarm me.
I get the feeling I am the only one here who isn't taking a pill for depression. Not only that! I am beginning to wonder if anyone here on medication isn't a little bit concerned about it.
I live in a country which has socialised medicine, so I don't have to pay that much money for medication, and psychiatric care is included in my program.
Still, the government in this country has a sort of moritorium on prescription drugs that affects the brain, because of the potential addiction danger. Prozac is on the red list. So are a number of benzo drugs. Mood affecters are not allowed to be prescribed for longer than 8 weeks max.
But I hear about people taking serotin drugs for months and years. Some posts even mentioned something about losing their medical insurance and not being able to cope for even the shortest time without their mood drugs.
It sounds really scary to me taking all those drugs everyday. I don't want to do that. I am not allowed to do that. Does anyone else here actually try to combat their depression without taking drugs? If so, what do you do?
I get the feeling I am the only one here who isn't taking a pill for depression. Not only that! I am beginning to wonder if anyone here on medication isn't a little bit concerned about it.
I live in a country which has socialised medicine, so I don't have to pay that much money for medication, and psychiatric care is included in my program.
Still, the government in this country has a sort of moritorium on prescription drugs that affects the brain, because of the potential addiction danger. Prozac is on the red list. So are a number of benzo drugs. Mood affecters are not allowed to be prescribed for longer than 8 weeks max.
But I hear about people taking serotin drugs for months and years. Some posts even mentioned something about losing their medical insurance and not being able to cope for even the shortest time without their mood drugs.
It sounds really scary to me taking all those drugs everyday. I don't want to do that. I am not allowed to do that. Does anyone else here actually try to combat their depression without taking drugs? If so, what do you do?
I have taken anti-d's and benzo's (klonopin) for 6 yrs. My depression & anxiety are medical illnesses which in my case require medication to treat. I fear I would be dead w/o my meds - no different than a diabetic who needs insulin for survival. So to answer your question, no concerns about pills that keep me alive.
But this chemical 'defect' pre-disposes us to depression.
Medications should not be used at the drop of a hat, however. I do realize that some will take one just to take one. That is not the right way to handle it.
I saw a very understanding psychiatrist many, many years ago who told me that I will most likely be on this medication for the rest of my life to bring some stability to the brain chemicals. At first I was angry about that; but I have learned to accept it. God uses the medicine to keep my brain chemicals on an even keel so I may life a full life, as He intended.
I also believe that one needs to measure the depth of the depression. Are suicidal tendencies involved? Or is it just hard to get out of bed in the morning? The severity should determine the need for medications.
In mild to moderate cases of depression, many things can be used to 'fight' it. Exercise, high potency B vitamins, no caffeine, low sugar diet, prayer, meditation. All of these are very useful tools. It is the person who is physically (chemically) unable to have enough mental strength to begin using those tools who should seek medical advice regarding the use of medications.
Hope this helped a little!