Mulling Over Meds

I clearly remember my initial bout with major depression and the first time that I took antidepressant/anti anxiety medication. When I became sick that first time, I had no idea what was wrong with me, all I knew was that I was extremely ill and couldn't seem to get any better on my own. When I went to my doctor, I learned, much to my surprise, that my symptoms were textbook for depression. My doctor then wrote me a prescription for the then new class of antidepressants SSRI'S (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and give me a referral to a psychologist for counseling.

Later, after I felt better, I would spend a long time accepting the fact that I had what was considered a mental illness, had to use antidepressant medications and had to see therapists. During that time, there were a great many adjustments that I had to make regarding my own self-image in reference to these things, but truth be told, that first time and every time thereafter that I became really sick, I couldn't have cared less, what my illness was called, classified as, or what I was required to do to get well, as long as I was able to begin to feel better. The disease for me, and I'm sure for many is just so severe when it is at its worst, that it is literally mental agony. I was sure that I wasn't going to make it that first time, but I did with much help from my family and friends.

But what didn't help and continues to be detrimental to many people who have depression and other mental illnesses, is the uninformed opinions of people who believe that these are not legitimate diseases and that people who use medication to treat them are weak and are just using crutches to get through life's difficulties. Examples of this can be found in statements by Tom Cruise in reference to Brooke Shields's use of antidepressants during postpartum depression and in some religious approaches to the disease which state that depression should not be treated with medications because it is caused by “pride, self-centredness and self-pity.”

In reality, depression is a complex disease, that has the potential to be caused by both genetic and/or environmental factors. For this reason, most comprehensive treatments for the disease are “Bio-Psycho-Social,” in which a patient is offered both medication and counseling together. Other supports can come from herbal remedies, spiritual guidance and physical exercise just to name a few. In an article titled “ Depression (Unipolar) Unmasking Mental Illness,” Mark Dombeck, Ph.D. writes, “people are not unconnected collections of physical and mental and spiritual things. Rather, they exist holistically.”He also draws a parallel between depression and what is usually considered a physical disease, heart disease by pointing out that both biological and environmental forces can cause these diseases and that both can be addressed medically(pills), psychologically(promoting behavior and thinking changes) and spiritually(prayer). His main point is that there is no reason to take the approach that any one avenue of therapy is wrong.

After a diagnosis of depression, each person needs to decided for themselves, in conjunction with their doctor's professional input, which type of treatment, or combination of treatments is right for them. Medications do have the potential for side effects, and have, in some people, done more harm than good. On the flip side, to not use medication, when you are severely depressed may be deadly. Suicide is always a possible consequence of the disease. If you are not happy with your doctor's response to your questions and/or suggestions about treatment, then seek another until you feel comfortable and your needs are being addressed. If you feel too sick to tackle the medical hurdles yourself, solicit assistance from a family member or friend who you trust to help you wade through the pros and cons of possible treatments.

Over the years, I have done a lot of research on the disease and its treatments, both traditional and nontraditional and I feel that I have come up with a combination that works well for me. I have created coping mechanisms that have allowed me to live most of my life medication free and although I am never symptom free, I am usually able to handle the disease on my own. I do still, however, use medication when I feel that I am losing my handle on the disease. No one blinks when a person who is diabetic takes insulin or a person who has heart disease takes digitalis, so I do not feel any weaker or more ashamed about taking my medication than any other individual who must take medication to control a disease. And neither should you.