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?

pain1 gave this response on 4/26/2000:

Hi

I haven't read the other replies as yet, but, knowing the names tells me that there will have been talk of no need for medication, or that medication only masks the real problems. Of course that is so but.....

If you cut your hand would you take away the bandage if it continued to bleed, just because you didn't like the bandage??? If you broke your leg would you remove the cast just because you didn't like that??? Of course not. It is the same with medication.

I have been in constant, chronic, pain for 13+yrs now and as a result I have had major depression for the past 5/6yrs. I got to the suicide level and was also put on Prozac...and within two weeks I too lost the feelings/pain from the depression, it stemmed the flow of frustration, anger and misery...all the signs of depression. Like a bandage it was holding back the problem while my body has a chance to heal itself. There is nothing wrong with wanting to prevent something in your life from hurting you.

You do need to see a doctor again, be reassed and prescribed a drug that will work. Depression is a major illnes, it may be invisable but it is there and believe me, and regardless of those who think diferently, I am willing to take the drugs if that makes me better able to cope.

If you went untreated, or refused to take a prescibed drug, then went out and commited a crime these same people would be shouting because you had not been on the drugs to prevent your actions...Remember one thing.."Prevention is better than cure" There is very little need, in this day and age, for anyone to suffer because there are so many advances in medicine.

You want to get on with your life and why should you be stopped from doing so??? If it means a pill a day to have a better life is that not a small price to pay?? I am on many major drugs, for the injuries following my accident at work, including morphine, and I am not addicted to any one of them, I know this because I often reduce, or stop, them when things seem a little better. I do this so that when they are really needed they can be effective...that means I do know that I am not addicted..I have no problems coming off any of my drugs. Addiction happens when you start to rely on the drug not while the drug is doing its job. If the problem is gone then so should the drugs, that is why most people who say they are now drug free also say they are better than they have ever been, because the problem has gone and the drug has no further purpose!!

At the end of the day it is your life, your sanity and your decision. If you feel that the signs of depression are returning then see a doctor. If that doctor feels you need a drug then accept their word for it...very few doctors will prescribe antdepressive drugs without good reason.

I wish you luck and best happiness. Please see someone before the depresion gets too bad.

Dave (UK)

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