I have a sister that has been depressed for a while and she refuses to take any medication or to see a therapist. any thoughts?
2006-12-27 08:38:38 · 11 answers · asked by suzzieQ 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
of course, like with any medication antidepressants have side effects, but the result of being able to wake up in the morning and be grateful to be alive, and not want to cry and wish you were dead is the best - lack of motivation is one of the worst symptoms of depression - asking her to give it a chance - realizing that the right medication can take 2-3 weeks to "kick-in" is also important. i doubt she's looking for sympathy - faking depression isn't that common...who would want to be depressed!!?? good luck to you both!
2006-12-27 08:48:38 · answer #1 · answered by Gugie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is only one professional relatively - it improves your mood which will lead to a further method or outlook on life. Cons - possible facet effects comparable to being like a "zombie" on them, that's happened to particularly a couple of men and women who don't believe themselves even as on antidepressants, they are able to have an effect on getting drunk as in you cannot drink in any respect or you get fairly tousled in case you do (again this is not continually just for some persons on specified treatment), usually they make you extra depressed/suicidal than you began off with, plus the treatment invoice for it lol, but i mean it is all worth the hazard if it's going to support you in the end. They're also very difficult to get off of once you have began, your body will get bodily used to them so for those who omit a dose or two that you would be able to get beautiful sick.
2016-08-10 04:01:52 · answer #2 · answered by rothenburg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My thought is that your sister has a good sense of self-preservation. Anti-depressants are dangerous and do permanent brain damage without doing anything about the underlying problem. In fact, one withdrawal symptom (among many) of antidepressants is depression. Sweet, eh, for the pharmacuetical company - you think "your" depression has come back or is still there, when in fact it is a withdrawal symptom. Unless you learn better, you are on them for life usually escalating numbers and types to do ever more damage. Look for the underlying problem - often it is found in unhealthy eating habits - a lot of sugar and refined carbohydrates (macaroni, spaghetti, white bread, cereal, sodas, french fries, pizza, etc.) Also it is likely that the omega 3 to 6 ratio is way off - we get way more omega 6 than 3 and they should be almost equal. The best way to balance them is cut down on omega 6 fats and take a good fish liver oil for the 3. A good fresh oil does not taste bad at all, or you can take capsules. Should take a tablespoon (or equivalent capsules) a day. Be sure to eat lots of vegetables (corn is a grain) - all kinds - cooked and raw. It will help prevent cancer, diabetes and hopefully, depression. There could be other problems as well - hypothyroidism causes depression. etc.
2006-12-27 08:53:59 · answer #3 · answered by sick-ovit-all 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
At our clinic, there are sometimes no way around the medication, but the pro's is some improvement wtih many things. the cons is the side effects, sometimes worse than others, but that comes with any medication. I sometimes hear the saying if the benefits outweigh the risks, than go right ahead.
2006-12-27 10:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by mikeyv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are so many more pros than cons... yes, some of them have weight gain side affects. But I take Zoloft and it helps me with my depression so much. You being her sister can't make her take meds though... only she can make that decision. But you can strongly encourage her, and if you have a mother or father / guardian in the picture, talk to them about it also. Good luck!
2006-12-27 08:48:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like she doesn't want to be labeled "depressed" so she is a long way from getting better IF it IS clinical depression and not just a stage. Be kind and loving to her, always. Sometimes more attention and love from significant others is enough to pull them out of it, not that it is in any way someone else's fault. Never give up on her.She needs to know you love her no matter how she feels or acts, and you do or you wouldn't have asked this question. Wish I had a brother just like you.
2006-12-27 08:53:37 · answer #6 · answered by Dovey 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
these days there are so many antidepressants to chose from. a good psychiatrist or even a general doctor can prescribe one and monitor the person for potential side effects. Most of the newer antidepressants are pretty safe and effective. they take a few weeks to kick in and sometimes they have to be increased or occasionally changed. best of luck in helping your sister.
2006-12-27 08:42:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You could try getting her a light. They make special lights that put out light like the rays of the sun do. This should help a bit. I know cause I live in the northwest and we have a high rate of depression. hmm gee I wonder why? lol j/k it is due to the lack of sun. I live in the greater Seattle area so we get a ton of rain.
2006-12-27 08:42:29 · answer #8 · answered by WINGS 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main pro is saving your sanity. I haven't had any con's. Talk to your sister and tell her that it is worth a try. There isn't any sense in staying depressed when there is help out there.
2006-12-27 08:44:13 · answer #9 · answered by DL 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If your sister refuses to seek help, then she is getting something out of being depressed, or acting depressed. Sympathy maybe?
Antidepressants and counselling only help those who are motivated to help themselves.
2006-12-27 08:41:17 · answer #10 · answered by essentiallysolo 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋