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.

desertphile gave this response on 5/5/2000:

Hi. Not that my opinion matters any, but I think you did a DANDY job. I have often seen and read about people who do not benefit from medication until they also receive psychotherapy. The improvements sometimes cease once a person quits the medication or the psychotherapy, but both together seem to effect recovery better than either or alone.

It is me belief that medication allows a person's body and mind enough clarity to allow the psychotherapy to achieve its goal--- new perspectives. One cannot think well when one is in pain; ease the pain first, then work on the cure.

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