Posted by Melanie on September 29, 1999, at 17:04:37
In reply to Re: now what ???, posted by dj on September 26, 1999, at 21:33:49
I just want to add a few points. It may be simpler to think of depression as a physical disease, not a "mental illness." I mean, if you were diabetic, you would be encouraged to try dietary changes and exercise first, perhaps. But then, if you were unable to control the disease without medication, it would be risking your life not to use it. I tend to think of depression in the same way--why live in a fog when there are alternatives? Depressed people are more likely to suffer illnesses, be less productive at work, and be poor parents. Why chance it?
My point is this--if you have been diagnosed with major depression, or even dysthymia, you may need to come out of the depths a little before therapy will work. At that point, cognitive therapy, as was mentioned by someone else, could be especially helpful. But, in my experience most people can't "will" themselves un-depressed, no matter how much they want to. They simply don't have the energy to fight it anymore!
So, I guess what I'm saying is that for an otherwise healthy person experiencing situational depression, such as due to grief, psychotherapeutic intervention may be all you need. But for ongoing, long-lasting depression that is pervasive, medication may be the impetus you need to clear your head enough to let therapy be effective. However, if you have been dysthymic and experience a major life stressor, like a death, then that could just push you over the edge. With the advent of SSRI's, there's no reason to be afraid to do a trial of medication to see if it is right for you.
Just a few more thoughts to add to the mix!
poster:Melanie
thread:11902
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/19990914/msgs/12261.html