Do you think it's right that so many people are told that depression can only be helped with antidepressants?

Question

I am not saying they don't work or people shouldn't take them. I am on them now, but it's just not natural that I should have to take these kinds of pills for the rest of my life. And even if you had in exercise and other things like that I am still depressed. I have felt like there is something wrong with me. That there is something I am missing, probably in my diet. My dad gave me this website to look at where it gives you a lot of helpful information on health and other things. I am going to try adding some of things they mentioned, which are just basic things like fish oils and other stuff. But also sitting in the sunlight for an hour a day is also another good idea, especially if you have S.A.D. But I just think its wrong that nobody ever suggest alternatives when it comes to people in the health profession. But I've been told they have trouble thinking outside of what they were taught or what they believe to be true. But we should be given alternatives to pills.

Just think about it logically. People have depression, it's really not a natural thing. No matter what people say. Yes it's an illness or a condition. But we can help it too. Exercise is good, but I've done that and it still doesn't help even after doing it everyday for a month straight. I've been on I can't even count how many antidepressants and I am only 22. I don't want to live the rest of my life like this. Antidepressants are not the only solution. And even the FDA has said that certain antidepressants increase suicide thoughts in children and teens.

I didn't avoid mentioning therapy because I have been in therapy. I am in it right now. But it hasn't helped me either. I don't hide anything at all anymore. I did when I was 15, but when you become suicidal there is not much you care about hiding anymore. So yes I have a psychatrist, a therapist and a counsoler.

Answer 1

I'm struggling with the same things. I wish I knew the answer. I think our lives are all so hectic and stressful, we just don't know how to cope. I agree that there must be another answer besides pills. Maybe if you find the things in life you are truly passionate about that will be enough to make you feel happy. That's what I'm hoping for. I wish you well. :)

Answer 2

Therapy may be appropriate for you. Sometimes people have negative thinking patterns that create a depression situation, and if you get your act together and change your attitude (the only thing in life that you HAVE control over) then the depression may go away, and for sure will be less. Or, if you have depression anyway, such as genetically, then you will have fewer depressive episodes in your life, and maybe less often.

Fish oil has had mixed results. I just read a study that said it doesn't do any good. Then there are studies that show it is good. It's good for heart health, but it does have calories too, otherwise should be OK, just won't help much.

The light box thing works great, even if you don't have seasonal affective disorder. If you live in a northern area and tend to have more depression in the winter, you may want to think about investing in one They are about $300 online, the Sunray is good. Don't go to your local medical supply, they charge too much, and a lot of what they sell isn't bright enuf unless you look right into the thing.

Most people don't want to take the time for counseling, and antidepressants get you up and functioning for work or school pretty fast. Therapy takes a long time, and you may be out of a job before you get results, if you do (I'm bipolar, therapy doesn't help me very much). The light box helps within a couple of days. I also paint my rooms yellow and put brightly colored things around and make sure I listen to happy music (easy to leave the lights off and listen to dreary music when you are depressed). Getting out and socializing, even when you don't want to helps a whole lot, even for people with the most severe symptoms. I'd have to say socializing is my number one recommendation.

You may want to look into the mental health "consumer" movement, support for and by mentally ill people. There will be a lot of mental health wellness tips.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I used to be very depressed as a teenager. I'm 35 now and I have gradually come to realize that I have no control over how other people treat me. I am responsible for my own actions. Whenever I get depressed, it's usually because I am doing something that I know I should not do or I'm ignoring something that I should do. In the beginning of this year I sat down and wrote down a few things that I want to improve about myself. At the end of each month I look at that list and on a separate sheet I write comments about how I'm progressing and ideas to do even better. Here's a portion of my list: 1. Gain 35 pounds by the end of this year. 2. Add to my piano repertoire 3. Walk with God: Bible reading, Prayer, Decent thoughts

I've never taken antidepressants. If I had known about them as a teenager I probably would have. I would suggest that you do as I have done with the writing stuff down. Make a list of areas in your life that need improvement. Write down a plan to strengthen those weaknesses. At the end of each month check your level of progress. Read books on subjects that will help you. I read alot. It's important to be aware of the fact that there is alot that we don't know and we can learn very much by reading. Yahoo Answers is an excellent tool too.

Answer 4

There are natural things you can try, I suggest you go to a naturopath. I remember one new thing called phenocane (sp?) that was found to really help with depression that isn't a drug.

I feel that too many people are being prescribed antidepressants that don't need them at all. It is terrible. Doctors are drug whores and make lots of money and perks prescribing drugs. Drug companies send doctors on expensive vacations, give kickbacks, etc. It is so unethical. Lives are being ruined.

Diet is important; don't drink alcohol, it is a depressant. Sugar is a depressant. Eating healthy helps your body chemistry. Limit fats, sodas are a big problem, limit sugary foods, dairy and junk foods. Oatmeal was found to be good for depression, you need to eat in the morning to help with body chemistry and mood. Eating at least three good meals per day and if you get hungry, healthy snacks like apples are great.

Exercise is very important, you need to do it daily and for at least 20-30 minutes. This increases endorphins, a natural "upper" you create in your brain. Fast walking is a great way to get some exercise, it exposes you to sun and hopefully you will walk in a nice place to enjoy nature.

And last, but certainly not least. It is proven in studies that prayer and a connection with your Creator helps your life; your outlook, mood, etc. If you don't have a relationship with God, I strongly suggest you begin to seek Him.

Answer 5

You avoided mentioning therapy. That very avoidance may indicate you have problems you don't want to face and thus need therapy more than any of the other temporary fixes. Which, as you say, don't work either.

Therapy can basically be just talking to someone who has been through the same thing. I'm not that crazy about support groups, but you might even find help there.

Answer 6

There are alot of good answers on here. The reason doctors prescribe meds is because there is a "malfunction" in the way your brain is functioning. That's what all of these disorders are. You have neurotransmitters, serotonin levels, synapse cords....all of these different psychological things going on in your brain......and sometimes they don't operate the way they are supposed to......thus causing depression, bi-polar, anxiety...etc. Doing 50 pushups, reading a book, or meditating is not going to make your neurotransmitter process the correct information to your brain.....that's why they used medication. The medications often "fill the gap" on what is malfunctioning in your brain so that you can live a more normal life. It really is a medical situation.....just nobody has a procedure to fix it. They used to do and still do sometimes....electro shock procedures where they shock your brain and send you into a seizure.....hoping to "reset" the transmitters so that your brain processes things "normally." The extreme is using the labotomy technique where they "probe" your brain trying to get the same results. Bottom line is that it is a medical issue......we know what causes it.........we don't know how to fix it permanently though. There isn't any surgeries, just medications. The things you listed can help in dealing with your depression....but they aren't going to cure it. Right now....that's the best the medical world can hope for.........just making it so we can "deal" with the disorders so that we can live a productive life. Hope this helped a bit.

Answer 7

Depression can be helped with many things besides antidepressents. I used to be horribly depressed. I took a number of different antidepressents and none of them helped. What I did was change my entire way of thinking. I stay aware of my thoughts and feelings and try to keep them positive. The more I do it the easier it comes. When I start to get depressed I tell myself to quit it. It's all in my head. I can choose to be happy. When life throws things at me I work through them. Also, I don't do any drugs or drink. It worsens depression horribly. I used to do drugs and drink to try and numb myself, but it only created more things to be depressed about and made me into something I don't want to be.

Answer 8

Yes, same problem with me too. I'm on anti-depressants for quite a long time. My Doctor suggested me not to stop the medicine until he says to do so. But I've been facing side effects with such medicine. I've taken this to his notice, but he said no alternative exist. So, I've reduced consuming the medicine without his permission. I'm taking only when I feel depressed, though it is not suggestible.

Answer 9

I think that each person should be well informed of all the different ways to be helped and alternatives to each therapeutic possibility available to each one of us.

I really believe in the lights a great alternative and cheaper way to go is a GROW light AKA plant light. they help is you have a bird and in a sun deprived area like the PNW it is greatly advised to use one so it can help the bird not get depressed. how much so would it be beneficial for a human?

Answer 10

Millions of dollars go to pharmacy companies' pockets every year and doctors who prescribe pills they make.
Nonetheless, it is good for them to run into conclusion. Yes, some are ready to prescribe you pills before you open your mouth to say how you feel today.

I am glad you have someone around who love you and really care about you.
I don't say pills are useless, but like you, they've been overprescribed over the years and there are other options for many cases.