Anonymous asked this question on 4/26/2000:

I have had feelings of being different and alone most of my life (I am 28). At age 19, I attempted suicide. After that, I just accepted the way I felt as a permenant thing. Last year, I was in a extremely mentally situation and was diagnosed as having severe/major depression. I was prescribed Prozac and although I didn't feel "better" I felt numb to the pain. I stopped taking it for fear of my military career. (the military is unaware of my suicide attempt and my diagnosis). Now the feelings are being more and more prevalent. Do you think I need to back on the medication?

Desertphile gave this response on 4/30/2000:

Hi. Please note that I am not a doctor.

There is -NOT- need to live with major depression these days, as there are many effective treatments. If Prozac does not work, a combination of Prozac and another anti-depressant often does. Has your psychiatrist suggested a combination?

PLEASE consider taking the Prozac again. It will take a few weeks to kick in, as I am sure you are aware. Depression can be a terminal illness, and left untreated it often is.

You did not say what dosage you were taking. Is it enough? Ask your doctor if a larger dosage is enough.

When I read your question I went and looked up something in the book "Listening to Prozac." The author, Peter D. Kramer, wrote about a patient whom he calls "Hellen" that tried Prozac and found no relief so she quit taking it. After a few months she tried Prozac again and it worked miracles. The author said that several times he found such a even to occur: going "back on" Prozac the second or third time showed marked improvement over the first time.

Finally, about your suicide. Please know that life can have rewards and can be very much worth living. So many people hurt themselves attempting suicice, and so many actually kill themselves, that it makes me both sad and angry. Depression can be treated! There is no reason except ignorance, confusion, and bad (FALSE!) publicity about depression that people just try to "live with it." You wouldn't try to "just live" with a broken leg, right? If your arm were crushed, would you leave it that way?

PLEASE start the Prozac again as per your doctor's instructions, and then talk to your doctor. mental wellness requires hard work some times, but I believe it can be worth the effort.

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