2007-06-14 02:30:30 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
I can only speak for myself here; I was treated for bipolar/manic depression for several years. I needed BOTH medication and counseling in equal doses. I was told that mine was hereditary (from both sides of the family).
Fortunately I'm much better now.
It also depends on the type of depression and the person being treated. No two cases are alike.
2007-06-14 02:38:49 · answer #1 · answered by Barry 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes counseling is better depending on the counselor. I would try that first and if that didn't help then ask your physician to give you something to help. I've been down the depression road, been to counseling, psychiatrist (not so much for the depression but to get meds right) but I did take an overdose of medication when I was in my 40's. Some of my depression came from having low self esteem as I was growing up and then marrying a nut when I was 19. I stayed married to him for 26 yrs. Medication when put on the right one can help. It can take it a couple of months sometimes to kick in but it can change your whole outlook on life. I don't talk anything now but I don't feel depressed. I have felt like I was in a deep dark hole that I had to jump up to touch bottom. Get counseling first, then if that doesn't work go to meds. I don't like taking anymore than I have to so now I fight the depression. I just refuse to give in to it anymore. I am 58 yrs old, have Parkinson's disease and depression goes with it. I've had alot of sickness the last year and recently lost my oldest sister. My history is long so won't go into all of it but I do know that God is my refuge above all else. If you believe in him, then ask for His help along with getting counseling.or taking meds. Read your Bible, it's amazing what changes can occur through prayer and reading the Bible. Read the psalms, pray them back to God, He's the best counselor that any of us can have.
2007-06-14 09:47:25 · answer #2 · answered by grandmabonnie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It really depends upon what's causing the depression. Clinical depression, which is common to bipolar disorder may always need treatment with medication. If you are simply depressed and feeling 'down' counselling may well be the answer.
Many people these days get depressed because of stress-related problems in everyday life, but there are a number of reasons why we get depressed, which can be anything from illness to the death of a loved one, which is often best treated with a good common-to-garden health check, or a few sessions of counselling. If you do decide to go down this latter route, make sure you choose a good counsellor who is properly qualified and listed in the BAC's (British Association of Counsellors) directory. Very often just talking about things puts us back on the road to recovery!!!
Good luck
2007-06-14 09:43:33 · answer #3 · answered by messenger 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Counseling in conjunction with medicine is much better for you than just doing one or the other... The medication dulls the symptoms, but it's great to talk to someone about why you might be feeling the way you do... I'm doing the counseling instead of the meds... I feel so much better, I don't think I need the meds....Good luck and be well.
2007-06-14 09:38:44 · answer #4 · answered by pebblespro 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
follow up mine:
is it stupid to ask for counselling about counsellors and medications over the internet?
2007-06-14 09:38:33 · answer #5 · answered by Ernst J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The most effective way is both of them together...otherwise it depends on the person which is better for him/her.
2007-06-14 09:38:10 · answer #6 · answered by Victoria G 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
depends on the type of depression
2007-06-14 09:34:11 · answer #7 · answered by Mopar Muscle Gal 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋