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?

katmar gave this response on 4/27/2000:

I would be curious to know what your "extreme mental situation" was last year, and who diagnosed you with major depression?

Second, if you keep going downhill, the military is going to know eventually. Are there no doctors there to treat you confidentially?

Third, being on an anti-depressant is only one part of the answer. I like to think anti-depressants keep the "foundation" from falling out underneath me. But that doesn't solve my problems. Therapy is the second half of the equation, and if you're not getting any, you're not going to be "cured" with Prozac or any other drug. You do have to work on the issues. I believe your depression is genetic, and therefore chronic, but if you find an anti-depressant that allows you to function without feeling like you have to struggle every minute, then by all means, get to a doctor, find the one that works, and then make a committment to therapy. That's gonna help you learn how to deal with life just a little bit better. And that's not magic either. That's alot of work on your part, and finding a good therapist. And it takes a long time. But you need to get some support, okay?

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