Posted by DustBuster on November 9, 2004, at 19:43:21
In reply to Re: Long standing depression - question, posted by woolav on November 9, 2004, at 18:30:14
> now at 32 I understand what is wrong with me and am on meds to fix it.
I'm glad you are feeling better, but unlike an physical illness, I don't agree that just taking meds will 'fix' anything. Yes, the meds will keep you from feeling really horribly depressed, but unless you get therapy, or do something to change the way your thought processes work, you really aren't going to stop thinking the distorted thoughts that cause your depression.
Please consider reading Feeling Good, by Burns (or The Feeling Good Handbook, also by Burns). Just spend an hour or two at the bookstore and read the first chapter or two, and you'll see what I mean.
Otherwise, you'll eventually find some reason to stop taking the meds (too expensive, bad side effects, you haven't felt depressed in months), and you'll likely find your symptoms returning.
> but i do agree that it needs to be caught earlier.
I admit, my life would probably be much different if I'd got treatment when I was much younger, but there's nothing wrong with getting help now. Also, remember that treatment for depression has changed dramatically in the past 10-15 years. They didn't have CBT back in the 70s.
Good Luck!
Patrick
poster:DustBuster
thread:413755
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20041108/msgs/413995.html