Are ANTI-DEPRESSANTS the solution?

Question

In our quick-fix society, anti-depressants r growing ever more popular, but are they really the answer to our mental problems. Shouldn't we just talk to the sufferer rather than just mask the difficulties by just pumping them full of drugs

Answer 1

For me there is no question, anti-depressants are the answer. I live with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The only way to control the effects of this disorder is to return the brain chemicals to a "normal" level. At this point in time the only proven effective way to do this is with anti-depressant, anti-psychotic and/or anti-convulsant medications. There are some other natural products (Omega-3 fatty acid for one) that may provide some benefit in addition the these medications. But nothing can replace them yet. In addition to the standard medications some patients benefit from counseling/therapy, but therapy is not enough alone. Bipolar disorder is incurable and is a life long disorder. Daily medication will be required fro the remainder of the patients life.

I know there are many who disagree with me, but I am telling you from my experience. Many who are so against the medications have had a bad experience with side effects. They then fail themselves by not trying other medications. This is in fear and ignorance. They do not realize that not all people or medications are equal. What works for one may or may not work for another.

I hope I have answered you question satisfactorily.

Sincerely,
Terry

Answer 2

They can be the solution for some people. After all, depression has something to do with chemicals in your brain and it's the anti-depressants that 'fix' these chemicals again. Depression isn't always caused by a specific event (EG death of a loved one), so sometimes more than talking is needed.

At the end of the day, it just depends on the individual person. Some people may need/feel they need the anti-depressants as well as regular talks with a psychiatrist or whatever.

Answer 3

I think anti-depressants are a last solution rather than a first one.

I know what makes me feel better when i am depressed: if somebody takes the time to talk with me and show me that they care about me etc. You know a hug does wonders for people in this state. In modern society we are frightened of touching each other in case it's taken the wrong way. But we were made to touch one another (not necessarily in a sexual way!) and the body needs human contact.

Simple examples of this are a pat on the back; a hug; a hand shake etc. etc. Just natural really.

Answer 4

I would say the later part of your statement is the better way, talking through the depressed emotions so that expression rather than depression can be achieved.

Drugs can help in stabalising people in order to give them a steady platform from which to start the work they need to do, but are in the long term unhelpful as they do, as you say, mask the problem not treat it.

Answer 5

Your question hits a massive problem right on the nose! I suspect that even doctors have an addiction to prescribe out of sheer routine ....... they don't have to think too much then let alone reach out a human hand of kindness now and again ......... Most people who are clinically depressed ( I believe ) actually enjoy the black mental cloak that they wear ,,, gets them out of society for a while ...... and taking drugs simply 'rubber stamps' their need to be recognised as 'ill'. I reckon that everyone who complains of depression ought to be counselled thoroughly by people that care ...... trouble is that takes too many people, too much time and too much money .... the answer .... more drugs, its instant, readily available, keeps the drug companies rich and gets them out of the surgery. A cold and calculating view I fear but terribly correct !

Answer 6

I would say no. A good Doctor, Counsellor/Co-Ordinator, Support Worker and supportive friends & family are more helpful. Plus time, patience and accepting you may never be the person you once was and creating a new you are a healthier long term option.
I took Anti-Depressants, they didnt work for me. But the above did.

Answer 7

i suffer with severe depression and i would not be here if i didnt have my medication. yes talking is good but depression is an illness, a real illness and requires medication. i have seen a psychotherapist and a councellor but it hasnt made me better. medication and my dog are the only things that are keeping me going. i think slight depression may be helped with just therapy but for severe depression, u really do need medication. most people do not understand depression and i dont think u can unless u have been there. depression is a very serious and debilitating illness.

Answer 8

Until the cause has been established possibly - but only short term. In the long term other forms of therapy and counselling and rehabilitation. The money hungry drug companies would probably favour pumping the patient full of drugs - but I personally do not agree with it as it is dangerous and addictive.

Answer 9

Sometimes, yes. Talk doesn't work for someone who has a real chemical imbalance. My mom took me to many shrinks, psycologists etc. when I was in grade school, jr high, high school. Talking doesn't help, because with depression there isn't necessarily anything wrong with your life, just your brain. It wasn't until I was in my early 30s that I got ANY real relief. The relief was anti-depressants and they were a God-send to me. When my daughter showed all the signs I had in took her in--same thing she needed the medicine.

Answer 10

there is not enough money, to have enough people to be there to be able to talk to people who suffer deppresion,when its needed so, rather than let a person get so deppressed that they might reach rock bottom, it would be far better to know that they have help at least.....most anti deppressants are now non addictive, and if they help a person out of the hole then thats the best treatment for them till they do get help talking. ....but some deppression problems are not cured by talking and medication is the nessecary option, i know im one of them, and without that medication i would be in a very bad way...