Anonymous asked this question on 5/6/2000:

I am having severe problems in dealing with my depression at the moment. i am not at the lowest I have been, and have been seeing a doctor, but am not willing to start taking anti-depressants again, as it would seem that this is going to be a lifelong depression. I have seen psychiatrists and counsellors and the general consensus is that my depression is simply a lack of serotonin. I am looking for alternative means to stop myself cutting myself, being an insomniac, and generally being apathetic. I also have a tendency to overdrink and have been taking quite a lot of ecstasy. I would greatly appreciate any help or advice you could offer.

targhee gave this response on 5/6/2000:

Dear Anonymous,

It sounds like you are going through some rough times. It appears that you are now trying to cope with your depression on your own (without anti-depressants or therapy). You are also doing some self medication right now with the alcohol and ecstasy. If you do want your life to be different I would encourage you to try another therapist and/or another type of anti-depressant. I have read much lately on depression and it appears that treatment for depression is getting better, but it is also recommended that if you don't succeed in the first go around or two keep trying. That is my recommendation. In addition, I also recommend that you sit back and evaluate what it is that is triggering your depression. Is it a life event or events or is it biological? Regardless I recommend that you continue to seek help.

I wish you the best

Targhee