Considering Medication (Advice and Kind Words Needed!)

"Combatting Stress & Depression" Program participant's may post support questions here
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HopefulMeditator
Posts: 2
Joined: Sat May 03, 2008 9:22 am

Post by HopefulMeditator » Tue May 20, 2008 3:02 am

To start things off, I am very much against the over prescription of drugs, doctors just giving meds to anyone for any little sad bout they experience. My mother is also very much addicted to meds that she is prescribed to so on that level, the topic of medication is really pulls on my heart heavily.

But I am truely starting to believe that what is going on with me is something beyond my control. I've been depressed throughout my lifetime and gone through several "low points", almost committing suicide in high school. My depression has never been something I "create", I believe, which means all this cognitive behavioral skills will HELP but not cure me. I know I make my anxiety, and that's why this program has been helping me, but my depression hits me at time when I am most positive, most active, most healthy. Now, school is out, it is summer and I should be relaxing and enjoying life, and I want that SOOO badly, but I am void of emotions, crying at the drop of a hat, wanting to stay in bed all day, total loss of appetite, losing 10 pounds over 3 weeks, no desire to make myself "presentable" (make-up or nice clothing), and a constant, general feeling of hopelessness.

I know in my heart that I need medication right now, but I have been trying sooo hard to do this naturally, by doing this program, eating well, stopped drinking caffeine and refined sugars, "feeding" my brain with only positive and inspirational reading and movies, taking daily vitamins, even acupuncture, but with all the efforts, it is not effecting my depression at all. It HAS, however, helped me with anxiety, and for that I am extremely grateful.

I dont know why, but I feel like taking prescription drugs is like admitting "defeat" against this disease. But you wouldn't say that to a diabetic who needs insulin, right?

Has anyone else had successful experiences with medication but had a difficult time admitting to themselves that they do in fact need medication?

And thank you to anyone who has read this, it ended up being a bit long winded! :)

Guest

Post by Guest » Tue May 20, 2008 7:20 am

There is nothing wrong with taking medication. You aren't defeated by anything. Some times emotional issues don't go away on their own, and your body needs a little help getting back on track. Maybe your depression is a chemical imbalance in your brain, and that is why you are having such a hard time snapping out of it.

I don't like being on medication personally. I would much rather not take anything. But I don't know if I will go back to being the way I was without it, and I defintely don't want that either.

Guest

Post by Guest » Tue May 20, 2008 9:00 am

hopeful

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using medication and b/c you are doing everything you possibly can (program & lifestyle changes) and you are still depressed, you probably should try it. It seems like it is affecting your quality of life and no one should have to live like that. This does not mean forever and if it's one thing you learn from this program is there is no such thing as failure. Stop beating yourself up about the use of medication and start telling yourself all the things you will do when you start to really feel better! Good Luck.

maggiep
Posts: 9
Joined: Thu Apr 05, 2007 7:10 pm

Post by maggiep » Tue May 20, 2008 11:54 am

Thank you all for the kind words. I called a prescriber my therapist recommends but she hasn't called me back. I'm going to try her again tomorrow. It's just a weird situation because I'm studying to be a therapist, and I could easily tell my loved ones or clients that medication does have benefits to those who need it. Its just sooo hard for me, for some reason, to admit that I do need it.

Guest

Post by Guest » Sat May 31, 2008 10:44 am

I kind of feel the same way about meds. Just don't want to think that I actually NEED to take a pill. But I do know that my anxiety issues have a definite family link since all my siblings and my father and grandfather have had issues with it. So, I feel that my genes just make me predisposed to some of these issues with anxiety and depression. So, I'm currently taking Klonopin which is an anti-anxiety drug. Small dose, but I feel that I need it right now. Good luck to you!

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