Lifesconsultant asked this question on 5/5/2000:
Hello everyone. I'm a new "expert" joining in for the first time. I could answer each question one at a time but I thought by posting "my" view on depression, it could help you to decide if I'm someone you could feel comfortable with, with your situation. I have pasted a letter I wrote to someone with similar questions. I hope this helps.
Dear- Depression and Anxiety isn't an easy ailment to cure. Sometimes medication does help but alone it's just another band-aide. I also think that some depressions can be helped without medication but that will depend on you and your doctor. I believe that counseling and support groups help with or without medication. You need to be encouraged and this can help re-emphasize all the good things you do have. BUT, I also believe that material things and emotions come and go.
The most important thing, is to find out what makes you YOU. Can you be content with that? Life happens and no matter what you do to prevent it or plan for it, something will happen. It's how you allow it to "affect" you, that's the most important "tool" I teach people. Some thngs we have control over and some things we don't but when we make an effort, we can control how we feel, by first learning how to control the way we "re-act".
I understand that most depressions can't be controlled but I believe like any disability, you can learn to live with it and maybe even use it to make you strong. It does take time and hard work, but it is so worth it because you learn to take control of your life. First by understanding your emotions and how they work. This will help you understand more about yourself too.
If you havn't seen a doctor in more than 3 months, it would be a good idea to get a check up. Any medication for depression should be regulated by blood tests. If your doctor doesn't, get another doctor. I also encourage writing in journals. Your feelings are kept safe there and you can almost leave them there for a short time while you try out new things. Keep trying until something works. If you don't......you won't. It's up to you. Never give up because you just end up giving in. Take care. Kathy
Board memebers, I give free advice where ever I post and more "personal" through my own web site. Just another "avenue" for you to find the answers YOU can live with, not to promote myself or take you away from here. www.avaccess.com/kathy My best to each of you.
pain1 gave this response on 5/5/2000:
Hi
Welcome to the site, I am sure you will add yet another style to the topics under which you have listed.
I notice you do not mention, here or in your profile, that you have ever suffered depression?? I may be misreading of course...after all it is very early hours of the morning here in the UK.(2.45am)
I agree with much of what you say because it is true and there are many ways a depressive can seek help. Given we are all diferent we will all need to find different aids in fighting back.
I have suffered for over 13yrs now and do take medication. I agree with your band aid idea but look at it this way.....
If you cut you hand you would apply a band aid?? Once the cut is healed you would remove the band aid yes?? I feel it is the same with drugs. they are there to assist in healing and along with therapy they will allow enough cover, protection, to allow healing to be possible. I feel that a depressive needs some form of drug in order to be able to be at ease with the therapist. Once on the road they can then be slowly withdrawn.
I have never had any addiction problems with any of my drugs, including morphine daily as well as 17 other meds. I live a reasonable life because of the drugs and it is right for me. I agree it might not be so for others and all types of help need to be available if the many are to find some sort of help that suits them.
Once again welcome and good luck in your desire to help others.
Dave (UK)
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