Antidepressants in the News
February 26th, 2008Couple of interesting links in the news today.
Persistence found to be key to treating depressed teens
Study doubts effectiveness of antidepressant drugs
My own take on medication for depression is that I would prefer to not take it, but realistically I know there are times when it’s called for. If your black dog is keeping you from functioning by all means see your doctor and ask about medication. If you’re laying in bed all day and can’t focus on anything but the sadness you’re drowning in, then you need some help to get you up to a level where you are well enough to try other therapies.
Years ago after my divorce, I was very down and the medication I took literally lifted a heavy black cloud from me. I felt human again and could enjoy my life. Both family & friends have benefited from antidepressants too. Still, overall I believe they’re too easily prescribed and while they may help you for a while they are also masking the underlying causes of your depression. For me it became too easy to ignore my problems when I could pop a pill and feel better. The ideal would be to find a medication that helps you feel better while you also deal with the underlying causes.
It’s kind of hit and miss with them too. If one prescription doesn’t work, then you have to try another and another until you find one that does give you relief. Like all medications there can be unpleasant side effects to deal with and interactions with other medications. All you have to do is Google “antidepressant side effects” and you’ll find out more than you cared to know.
The good news is the Therapeutic Lifestyle Changes program has proven to be as effective as medication. Outside of the cost of a light therapy box and Omega-3 fish oil, there’s no cost. There’s no bad side effects either. You just feel better.
*NOTE: If you are on medication Do NOT Stop until you clear it with your doctor! If you’re wanting to start the TLC program you can do it while still taking meds.
February 27th, 2008 at 1:57 pm
For me, the strong appeal of TLC is that antidepressants are not required (though they’re not prohibited, either). When I started working with my therapist, I was adamant about not wanting to go on meds unless we found that nothing else would work. She was fine with that.
We launched into a “positive” approach to treating my depression, using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy. To counteract my feelings of sadness and ill-being, I googled for the words “happiness” and “well-being”… which eventually led me to the Happiness Project blog, then Zen Habits, then Walking the Black Dog, then TLC.
When I took a break from therapy six months later (it was getting too costly to keep up), I asked for her observations. She said that I came up out of the deep depression pretty quickly without needing antidepressants - it seemed to her that I was determined to bring myself up, and I drew upon all my strength to do it.
I think my determination not to use meds came from my past experiences with depression. I’ve come up without meds before - the last time was when my mother died. When I saw myself dropping into that abyss again this time after my love relationship broke up, I was so frightened of going down into that black hole that I fought with all my strength to get out.
Even so, I don’t completely rule out the use of antidepressants if nothing else will work. But I am SO grateful that TLC is working for me without needing to use meds.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
Just a warning here to anyone:
Do not quit any SSRI-type drug cold-turkey. Do so under the advice of a physician, and taper off gradually.
The withdraw symptoms can be pretty rough.
This is a controversial position - but it does not hurt anyone to be careful.
I agree that these drugs CAN help people; HAVE helped people. Even when they’re inappropriately prescribed (all too often), they DO have effects which can seem helpful, in the short term.
That’s a debate for someone else. Just be damn careful getting off that ride.
February 27th, 2008 at 4:28 pm
Faith, you always write the nicest comments. Thanks for sharing your struggle with the black dog. I’m very happy for you that you’re doing better. I hope my other readers do as well as you have.
Jackal, You bring up a good point. I went back and edited the post to include a warning to not quit taking meds without talking to your doctor. Thanks!
March 2nd, 2008 at 3:04 pm
All of us have different DNA and different metabolisms. Some herbs and vitamins work better than others. The first thing that is needed is proper nutrition and a good physical exam. As the director of Novus Medical Detox, I often see patients who are on alcohol or opioids, central nervous system depressants, also taking antidepressants. When they detox they find they don’t need the antidepressants.
This is good news because a Swedish study showed that 52% of the 2006 suicides by women on antidepressants. Since antidepressants work no better than placebos and are less effective than exercise in dealing with depression.
There is a prescription drug epidemic and these are leaders in the list of terrible abuses.
Steve Hayes
http://novusdetox.com
March 2nd, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Well said Steve.
I appreciate the comments from a professional in the field.
Thank You.