Life is a mixed bag of routines and unexpected surprises. There are times where every breath is a joy. We’re on top of the world, feeling grateful for who we are.
Then the unforeseen occurs throwing us into shock. Unbalancing our lives. Questioning our whole existence. The aftermath of such an event can send us plummeting into depression at a fast rate.
Doctors refer to this as Situational Depression. Also known as a condition called Adjustment Disorder. A traumatic event/s changes our circumstances. Our normal routines have been zapped with an upheaval.
Life’s high stress factors.
- Faced with unemployment and not knowing how you will pay the bills.
- The pain of losing a loved one, either through death, illness, separation or divorce.
- The fear of the unknown, having no idea which direction to take.
- The effort it takes to work in a job all day that gives you no joy.
- How lonely it is to be in a relationship that ended months ago, yet you still exist in it.
All these events make us feel as though we have lost control of our lives. There is no comfortability in the present moment. The immediate future looks dim. Overwhelming our sensors making life difficult to manage.
Feeling out of depth, thoughts steer towards a visit to the local doctor. Considering anti-depressants. You have valid concerns over your mental state of mind.
This is the precise time to face the storm for exactly what it is. Hardship and emotional distress have entered your life. Digging deep and finding strength within ourselves to draw upon. Doing the best we can with what we have.
Hardship and emotional distress can creep into our lives. Dig deep & find the strength within. Share on XWhy do we find it acceptable to reach for anti-depressants when life is not what we had hoped for? Yet taking a pill to relieve ourselves of the burden we carry is not a worry at all.
Making an informed decision about the drugs you put in your body should be the critical stand point. We have become accustomed to believing that anti-depressants are a comfortable alleviator.
Evaluate your circumstances before considering Anti-depressants.
- What are the reasons for considering anti-depressants? If the answer is, I have depression. Do you know the cause of the depression?
- Will modifying or dulling your emotional pain, fix your situation and make it go away?
- How long do you intend to take these pills? Has an end date been discussed and decided upon?
- Once you ween yourself off the medication will your problem be solved?
Alternatives to Anti-Depressants.
We have learnt to take the easy route. Accepting anti-depressants. Rather than taking advantage of the body’s ability to stabilise our moods.
- Exercise releases endorphins into our body. Reducing stress levels and producing its own feel good remedy.
- Meditation not medication (Attend group meditation. Use guided meditation DVD’s or meditate by yourself).
- Affirmations (A process of repeating a positive statement. Either spoken out aloud, written, thought about or listened to. e.g. I have the strength and ability to get through this hardship).
- A massage to relax and rid the crinkles from your body due to stress.
- A counsellor, seeking professional advice.
- Consider a Herbalist or Naturopath?
- Visiting a friend for a shoulder to lean on. Getting everything off your chest. It does not change your situation, but it certainly helps to talk about it.
- A foot spar, all your pressure points are on the souls of your feet. A cheap alternative is a bucket with marbles. Sinking your feet into warm water, breathing in the steam. Dimming the lights while sipping tea. Facing your situation.
- Aromatherapy oils to calm and destress.
There are people out there with chemical imbalances. They have to take a pill to remain stable. Most individuals in this category loath this obligation. They would prefer to be free of medication.
Signs of depression.
- Constantly in a low mood.
- Restless.
- Can’t concentrate.
- Mind constantly focuses on your problems rather than anything else.
- Can’t sleep.
- Loss of appetite.
- No enthusiasm for life. Nothing to look forward to.
- A sense of hopelessness and helplessness.
- Your body feels heavy.
- Easily agitated.
- Avoiding people and life when possible.
Research highlights that exercise alleviates all the above stressor. It does not change your situation but it certainly does assist in bringing some calm into your mind.
Relationships are hard work when we are depressed.
Our close relationships can be affected when we spend lengths of time in depression. Explain your needs in this period. Others can then appreciate and understand where you are at even if you don’t.
- If you are unsure of what you are feeling and thinking – express that. It can be as simple as saying, ‘I need some space’ or ‘things aren’t good right now’.
- If you want to be alone express that.
- Tell that person you rely on that you want them to sit by your side but don’t want to talk.
It’s an obligation we have to ourselves and the relationships we care about. In times of mental anguish some of us tend to ignore and brush people off. We’re loaded down with enough.
Myth: Some people are stronger than others.
Life will throw us tough circumstances. They unbalance our thoughts. Make us feel desperate and depressed. This affects how we see the world for a while.
It’s down time. A period where you do what you must. Fulfil your obligations. Then spend time nurturing yourself. How you go about that is up to you.
It is not about being stronger or weaker than others. You can allow yourself to sink. The alternative is to use every dam resource you can think of to come through your heavy phase. These are your only choices.
You can empower yourself. Feel your pain. It’s hard, sad and a miserable period. Spend time in your agony. No; it’s not comfortable. It may take months to recover. Then you can slowly come back from it. At your own pace. Life moves, it’s up to you to stay where you are or move with it.
Think about all those who were mentally punched in the face by the 9/11 attaches. One minute people are going about their day, the next life has been changed forever. Either witnessing or hearing about the buildings explode sent shock waves through the world. 2996 people were killed that day and over 6000 were injured. Then you have all the relatives, friends and associates that had to come to terms with their loss.
What about the excruciating pain of losing a child? A cruel fate for a parent to outlive their off-spring. Adults have long said losing a child is a daily hardship. They face a void that never goes away. All they can do is manage their grief.
The above examples are not to under mind what you are currently going through. These people have suffered. Living through great tragedy. Giving all of us hope and strength in times of hardship and doubt.
What you are going through is real. At times hard to face.
No one escapes the dark hours. Humans must proceed through the grief cycle.
- Denial: This helps us manage our situation. We pace our feelings when in denial. Taking on what we can cope with. Helping us get over the shock.
- Anger: At yourself, the circumstance, others involved, even God. Anger and pain walk together. Never ignore anger, it is nothing to be afraid of and is a part of the healing process.
- Bargaining: The ‘if only’ stage. Associated with guilt. Reflecting on all the possibilities of the past. What if you had done something differently?
- Depression: The intensity of the situation is at its peak. You feel the full brunt of what you are facing. You may need time alone to feel your pain. This is a part of the process and not mental illness.
- Acceptance: Coming to terms with the situation. It does not mean you like your predicament nor are happy about it. You adjust to your circumstances.
We move back and forth through these phases. This is not a linear process. We have to accept that there will be period when we feel down and out. These are long trying days. You are moving through the grief process when you are feeling these emotions.
RELATED: Ten Stages of Healing.
This post briefly discusses the grieving cycle. Highlighting a natural process we all must pass through when faced with traumatic events.
Make a conscious decision.
Only take anti-depressants if you have thoroughly thought about it. Not because you’re conditioned in thinking a pharmaceutical tablet is acceptable behaviour.
Your doctor has handed you a prescription for anti-depressants.
- Has your GP discussed alternative remedies?
- How long will you be on this medication?
- How long have you known your doctor?
- Would you take drugs from a person you have known in 15 minute intervals in any other situation?
General Practitioners have monetary incentives for handing out prescriptions. They are encouraged by pharmaceutical companies to become your local legalised drug dealer.
Advertising has made reaching for a pill normal.
Promotional campaigns have normalised every day medication. Advertisers leveraging sports stars or models to promote a product. Celebrity mums to endorse children’s medicine.
It’s little wonder we are comfortable making our first choice a pharmaceutical remedy.
Test the theory.
When there are three or more people in hearing distance (e.g. at a café with friends or at work with colleagues), speak up and say, ‘I have a head ache’. Rub you temples. Look a little pained. See what comes of it.
Majority of people will be able to reach for some sort of pill. There will those that carrying them in their handbags. Some will have their stash in the glove box of the car. Others have their supply in the top drawer of their desk.
Not one person will say, ‘what bought that on?” Most think its showing care and concern when they offer you a quick fix.
Wrapping Up.
We know life will deliver challenges right to our door step. Therefore we had better come to terms with having to manage the unpredictable and unbearable. Ignoring it won’t make it go away.
Doctors refer to this as situational depression. Our circumstances have changed. We are mentally impacted having to find new ways of coping. Managing as best we can by feeling our emotions is all we should expect of ourselves. Hold on!
Swallowing anti-depressants should be our last consideration. When all other alternatives have been exhausted.
Reaching for medicine without questioning it, is a learned behaviour. Advertising campaigns normalise popping pills by having celebrities endorse products. Your local doctor hands out prescriptions validating your reasons for anti-depressants.
Situational depression is real. Intense emotions are what we are meant to feel through tough times. We can take anti-depressants or we can accept the grieving process. You are human, not a robot. Feelings aren’t something we need to escape. They are telling us mental pain is upon us.
If you enjoyed the post, don’t forget to share it with those you know.
As someone who battled depression, I have to say, some can’t find the strength to go on. When I was faced with a divorce, out of the blue, I was devastated. My world went spiralling into turmoil. I had no idea of where I would live due to having a bully dog, how I would be able to keep the lifestyle I had, and how I could drag myself out of bed in the morning to go to work. I deprived myself of sleep and lost 20 lbs. in mere months. Antidepressants were my way of being able to continue on with my life until I could emotionally and mentally come to terms with it. I have dealt with the death of my mother when I was a child. The death of my father. Declaring my brother deceased and so many other what I call tragic, emotional events yet facing divorce was the ultimate for me. I’m now off the antidepressants and am mentally healing and not divorced, thankfully. When you can’t pull yourself out of bed, there is a definitely a problem and help must be seeked. If it comes in a little bottle with a therapist, I’m down with that.
I agree people deal with things differently. Those that can tackle it without medication, power to them.
Thanks for this great article, Rachel. I really enjoyed your thought process.
B
Brenda P recently posted…8 Great Tips to Keep Your Relationship Happy #Infographic
Hey Brenda,
I appreciate your open honesty. The divorce was the one thing that immobilised you. That getting out of bed is a tough one, for me as well. It’s the indicator of where I am at. It has happened several times before.
Brenda can I say, I have wondered what it would be for me, that one incident that would be my down fall. I don’t wait for it, I’m not prepared for it – because I will battle and challenge life. But I have wondered.
Life mentally kicked you around, you choose anti depressants. I only advocate informed choices. You even got assistance with therapy. Brenda you were attempting to work through your stuff. What you said “Antidepressants were my way of being able to continue on with my life until I could emotionally and mentally come to terms with it.” That is a powerful statement Brenda.
This post was more about – those who reach for the bottle without thought and don’t go about working on themselves. That is what I get scared for. Society has set up the Western world not think in terms of emotions but numb them. I say never numb, feel unless your coping mechanisms have gone berserk. Then it is time to think about how you will deal with your mind and situation.
I am glad to see you off the pills Brenda and divorce is no longer an option. I truly hope you are happy.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
Wonderful post indeed, and I’m glad you wrote about this topic 🙂
As Bren mentioned, sometimes people going through the tough times find it really hard to go on, and for them perhaps antidepressants are the only life support. I guess people who are going through such a situation would know best, so we cannot really judge.
However, I am with you totally that we need to work ourselves out of such situations, and there is no one but ourselves who will be able to do this. That is where the power of the mind, the will comes in, isn’t it? Antidepressants will work only for a certain time or help to calm you and how you feel etc, but they rarely cure or help you overcome the thoughts, and you shouldn’t get addicted to them either, as they have several side effects as well.
Loved all your apt tips, and you are right, doctors will prescribe pills left right and center, and they sell. But you need to realize where it’s all going to lead you. Life is full of challenges, and as you mentioned, we just need to be ready to take them up and be prepared for such times. A strong mind always helps.
Thanks for sharing this with us. Have a nice weekend 🙂
Harleena Singh recently posted…How To Achieve Leadership And Rise Above Entry Level
Hey Harleena,
An informed decision when taking Anti-depressants is what I advocate. We have so many choices when it comes to services available to us, that anti-depressants in a Western world seem like the likely choice. I sincerely get scared for people. When I am in conversations or hearing people talk about medication I instantly become alert, because we seem to rattle off all (very comfortably I might add) all the tablets on the market that are available.
Oh boy Harleena, the side effects. While researching this subject it was repeated that the first pill prescribed may not be the one right for you. It’s about trial and error, then they don’t start to work for three of four days. The side effects alone should have people thinking of every thing else but anti depressants. The fact that you have to come off these pills slowly scares me for others. It seriously does. We are talking heavy duty.
I have taken a week off when bad news is upon me. Closed my doors to visitors, ignored the phone, stared into zombie land. And I would do that any day than take a pill. I have gone about my life full of obligations to get through, as most of us all have. Those pills just plain old scare me.
I don’t have the coping skills for all the challenges I have faced but when I look back, I did what was right for me. I hope others can find their way out of emotional upheaval as best they can. Life does challenge us – The good would never be appreciated as much as it is, if the bad did not knock us around. Both are impermanent and we can get ourselves out.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
You done an awesome job on a touchy subject. If a person never experienced depression or know someone who has, they can cause more harm than good.
My wife has seasonal depression and it took me a long time learning the proper way to support her.
I thought if I gave her positive encouragement talks she would be motivated to move.
But it doesn’t work like that. What has helped is me letting her know I’m there for her.
A lot of times we don’t need to understand what people who have depression are going through.
Most of the times they need to know they aren’t being judged or forced to do something they dont have the ability to do.
Thanks,
Vernon
Hey Vernon,
You certainly have learnt a lot about your wife’s seasonal depression. It must have been hard at first to attempt to help your wife and be supportive and want to help her out of her depression. To find you can only be there for what she needs. A tough yet wonderful lesson Vernon.
I could not agree with you more. Not judging or forcing someone because that is our issue which creates more problems for the person facing depression. We can’t emotionally rescue others. But we certainly can (like you said), make it clear that we are here for them.
However in saying all this, it must be tough on your seeing your loved one go through depression. Hats off to you Vernon.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
I can’t speak for anyone who relies on them for a severe and unexpected tragedy. After reading Brenda’s comment, I can see why she felt she was in need of something. That just sounds like a lot of intense hardships to go through.
In her case though, she didn’t continue on with them indefinitely and did the work necessary while she was on them to alleviate some of the intensity. She consciously worked through things. That’s how I would recommend anyone else use them as well – if they decided they needed them.
Personally,when I’m feeling down and depressed or in pain, I invite my emotions to speak to me and I listen.
Sometimes, it takes a while until the pain lessens…but I’d rather know thyself than cover it all up and avoid the gifts of self-awareness and assuming personal responsibility for myself.
The tips you shared are valuable.
I had a really crappy day last week and sure enough, a good workout was enough to make me feel much better for many reasons.
You’ve brought up an excellent topic here Rachel because I know that plenty of people use them for chronic anxiety, depression, etc. These are usually the effects of a cause within ourselves that require our attention. Masking them won’t solve much of anything except delaying taking a good, hard look at our lives and seeking awareness into why things are the way they are.
Dana recently posted…Exercise Motivation: 5 Tips to Get You Moving
Hey Dana,
After reading Brenda’s comment, I believe she made an informed decision about her situation. I am not anti pills, but just want us to all be very conscious of what we are doing. We condone drug dealers and illegal drugs and I don’t know about you, but I can’t pronounce half of the words on the back of a pill bottle.
It’s mighty brave of you to take charge of your pain. I go into avoidance mode for a little while. It is my style. I don’t want to know for a bit. Then I allow it in slowly but surely. Feel the full brunt of it. In the middle of a storm there have been times where I have observed it (a very odd way of dealing with pain) and there was something worthy of it. Something so raw. Like a mental operation.
I know you would have had the feel good chemicals running through your body after a work out from a crappy day. The issues that you were dealing with on that day did not disappear, you were able to manage them better after a work out. I find just going for a walk can do that to me. First I might start off slowly, then as I think away I get to marching, them get angry and my heart rate starts to increase. By the time the walk is over, I see it differently.
I am going to delve into to chronic depression and anxiety further on down the track. But what I say to those who are on Anti-depressants, it is of great urgency. Working on the self, getting experts to assist, do what ever it takes so there is an end date to that pill. It may not be in the foreseeable future but working on the self is the absolute urgency. Never just take the pill without working on the self. Not one without the other.
Dana, you certainly take on your pain with great care. A style that faces and nurtures at the same time. What a great way to deal with it.
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Your honest and authentic look at anti-depressants and situational depression is very refreshing to me. I feel like this article could receive some backlash, so I think you’re rather brave for writing about this.
There have been times where I’ve been depressed enough to believe that anti-depressants would be the way to go. I go through phases where life isn’t the best or something terrible happens, and all I want to do is isolate myself from the rest of the world and shut everyone out. This just makes me feel worse and eventually I spiral in to a cycle of loneliness that is even more depressing than the original depression.
So, talking to others, expressing your need for support or space or anything that would be beneficial is so important.
The feelings of hopelessness and apathy and heaviness that accompanies depression can make it so easy to want to reach for a bottle of pills that promise some sort of relief. I haven’t done it though, and I’m so thankful for this. It takes a lot of courage to face painful emotions, but knowing what is causing them and coming out the other side is the ultimate victory.
I love your alternatives as well. So many of these I have used to battle my own emotions. Meditation, massage, exercise, talking to a friend, all of these are so right on.
There are those who need medication; there have been times where I’ve been on the brink of needing it myself. But there are so many other times when we end up accepting our emotions, working through them, and eventually feeling better than we could have after taking medication. For those of you who do need medication, I truly hope it helps you to come out of your depression on the other side, ready to somehow face the world.
thank you Rachel for writing a genuine article on this issue.
Be blessed,
rylie
Hey Rylie,
Thanks for your honesty about your encounters with depression. It is the toughest to face. The cycle you talk about (first the initial reason for being depressed, then the isolation), is exactly how it happens. I sometimes feel grateful for my obligations, even if at the time I wish they were not upon me. They get me out of bed, washed and following a routine. The problem with us isolating ourselves is we can form a habit that is no so healthy.
When we come out of depression, we look back and see we managed. How it was tough. We don’t want to forget these times as they have many lessons in them. Rylie – I don’t doubt there are many reasons to head for that bottle of pills, but you have enough experience to see you can get yourself through almost anything. Great reflection I must say. Very impressive.
I loved that you thought my post my create some backlash. It means people are thinking. It is a controversial issue and I promised myself not to skimp on subjects that I was very passionate and concerned about. Medication is one of them. I get very scared for people and I don’t have to know them. I know in times of vulnerability we may think that we don’t have the coping mechanisms to see out our grief – and society is set up for these times.
I’m not anti medication. On the contrary I am all for it. I support those who need it. But I want it to be the decision of an individual, not just because. When we make informed choices – then it is our own decision. When we naturally reach for a pill without thinking about it I am horrified. And we are certainly set up for being oblivious to some of our actions.
Hi Rachel
A very informative post on anti-depressants. We all face tough times but how we handle it is the big question. People who find it hard to overcome such situations go on pills. While others try to face such situations and with their determination and will power move on in life.
it is we who have to keep motivating ourselves to come out of this situation. anti depressants work for a while….what after that? Personally am totally against popping up those pills. I believe if we have the power we don’t need such pills to come out of any kind of depression.
Life is full of challenges….face them and fight them! if your mind is strong you can achieve anything.
Thanks for sharing a great post!
Sonal Talwar recently posted…10 Amazing reasons to Smile everyday!
Hey Sonal,
I’m with you fight for your right to life. Struggles will pop up right through life. Take down time if you must. Recover, do what ever it is you need to do. Then fight. Not immediately. When the time is right.
Others will take pills, my only advice is when you decide to take prescribed medication is that you have exhausted all other ways of attempting to rid your stress levels. And you make an informed choice, don’t just reach for these pills because so many others do. Because the one thing we all remember pain, how could we not it kicks us around, but when we are in the storm we all feel tormented.
And again I agree with a strong mind (which we all are capable of having) we can achieve anything. Now that is exciting. Thanks for your comments Sonal.
Rachel.
Hi, Rachel
Your post will help many people facing the big word “Depression” out there.
Brenda’s story made us to understand why some people may need the anti-depression pills for a while before they can stand up to handle the mess in front of them.We are not in their shoes, judgement is not fair to them.
Your tips are so valuable in dealing with depression. Just like you said, pills are not the real solution.
When negatively thought comes to my mind, I sing or speak to myself (because speaking can break the chain of thought in my head), I go out to have a walk to get some fresh air, then I come back for meditation section at which I listen to myself to see what the real situation is .
Thanks for sharing!
-Stella Chiu
Stella Chiu recently posted…10 Keys to the Success of your 2016 New Year Resolution
Hey Stella,
You are so right, it is not up to us to judge people. The depths of depression and despair can cut to the very core of each of us. What I appreciated about Brenda’s story was she did not just take medication she reached out and got specialist help. Once you read what she had already endured and passed through, for her to say now I need some help is self awareness, understanding her limits. And the best relief is she is no off them and it is not ongoing.
I love that you sing or speak to break a negative chain of thought. Big smile. I want to break into song myself sometimes. I too walk Stella. Some times at a dawdles pace, other times like I am running late for an appointment and I have no time to spare. When I am speed walking I certainly have something on my mind. I like that you go into meditation and work it out. Sounds like you are on top of your thought processors. Thanks for you way of working.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
There was a time where I needed anti depressants. I couldn’t get out of bed and function. I had to raise my daughter and needed to be a mom to her. It did get me over the hump. But a pill will never solve a problem. One must seek therapy to get at the root cause. It can be hard work, but it is healing.
I can only speak from my own experience, but it was a life saver for me. I think it all depends on the severity of depression. If it is severe, one must seek help. But for those bouts of depression we need to realize we live in a society where popping a pill is the “answer” and we can no way rely on that.
-Donna
Hey Donna,
Thanks for sharing your experience. After getting to know you a little, for you to say you took anti-depressants I don’t think you would have taken them lightly. There was your daughter to think of.
This post was more to get everyone’s thinking juices flowing. Informed decisions is what I advocate. If anyone is going to reach for an anti-depressant, I want them to make sure they are thinking about the right way. Not the way society has set us up to take rather than think.
Getting over the hump with depression must have been a heavy burden. Life hands us challenges, some floor us and we get through. Others floor us and it takes a bit to get over. This is when we are in the depths of depression, it can be tough to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Glad you got there with help from several sources. Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel
Now this is so cool because you have gone deep and discussed about depression which most people struggle with daily. I am aware of anti depressants but never knew people would take them to ease their stress.
I believe that as long as we live in this world, there would always be challenges. It is true that some people would need pills to ease their pain but I don’t think that would be a nice option which is why I love your tips to combat stress like exercising and meditation.
Thanks for sharing this post/ Have a lovely week.
Hey Ikechi,
I find there are only two reasons people reach for an anti-depressant. One is because they have become so decentised to medication and are not thinking just doing. Or the other is that they are not coping at all and have thought about medication to ease the pain. The later means their situation is way outside of their usual coping mechanisms. The first is a learned behaviour and needs to be stopped or squashed out.
Some stress just does people in. However in saying that – I have seen people handle a lot in their life and one event changes them dramatically and they go down hill.
I agree Akechi as long as we live in this world there will always be challenges.
Thanks for your comments. You too have a great week.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
As you said, life can fall anywhere between routine and surprising. One day you can be trucking along and be completely blindsided. And there really isn’t much you can do about it.
I’ve learned it all comes down to how you handle it. Which is why many people turn to vices, such as drugs, to cope.
Meditiation is a good way to gain balance and clarity but I think it’s most helpful to do it as soon as you experience stress. A lot of people expect instant results and can’t appreciate the progress their making when they’re really stressed out.
Thankfully I have not reached for anti-depressants to cope but I’m sure many will have an epiphany due to your post.
~Lea
Lea Bullen recently posted…How to Live by Choice (Even When You Don’t Think You Have One)
Hey Lea,
Challenges happen while we are going about our routines. Tough stuff knocks us about. The one thing I always remember is that I have been through crisis before. I remember that I had coping skills. Your right there is not much we can do about. I always say when we first feel the initially shock of an event, cope best you can. If you need to leave work and are able (do), if you are at home and its time to close down – (do). Whatever you can do to get through.
Meditation is a great way to seek clarity. However I have been doing meditation for years now and I know that when I get whacked there is no way of me sitting down and meditating. Not immediately. I need to pace, let off some steam. We all have our own thing when crisis strikes. If one has never meditated then sitting down to meditation straight after receiving bad news – certainly wont help, it would probably be more hinderence than help.
I could not agree with you more Lea, it is all down to how we handle it. After reading a number of your posts, I would not have thought you would have reached for a pill. Thanks for your comments. Always good to see you.
Rachel.
Hi, Rachel–
well done. Thanks for sharing alternatives to medication. While some may find meds necessary, others can certainly achieve a healthy balance in their emotional life by using other strategies.
Thanks for promoting some of those that are lesser known, and giving guidance.
Blessings!
Hey Chanler,
I agree there are some that will find meds necessary, but I still ask the same question. Have you tried every other alternative first? Look at a time when we feel depressed who wants to exercise? But if we force ourselves we are not going to be on top of the world but will feel balanced. Reaching out to experts so they can guide us through grief is an option. And from others have said in the comments is what people have used as well as medication.
I am all for informed choices. Thanks for you comments Chanler.
Rachel.
You have a lot of information I am book marking to keep it as a reminder. I do agree that exercise is a great way to reduce stress. I don’t get that depressed but I know the struggles that I have had to help my husband with.
Hey Sandy,
It’s your first time to my blog so welcome.
What a wonderful compliment. When I book mark something, it is so I know where it is and I can refer to it at any time. So thank you.
You are right, those who are around people who are depressed also feel a lot of pain and angst for what they are going through. I may write in a post on this in the future. Thanks for your kind words Sandy.
Rachel.
I have always been an advocate of treating things like depression wholistically, doing things like what you mentioned. I think often we reach for medication when there are many others ways we can help ourselves in addition to a prescription. I really appreciate the fact that you’ve highlighted them, and that you’ve differentiated between situational and chronic depression. It does make a big difference! Thanks for writing this.
Hey Megan,
It’s your first time here, so welcome.
I agree a holistic approach is certainly what I advocate. As a society we have picked up some bad habits like reaching for a pill without thinking about it. That just horrifies me.
It’s situational depression that has the potential to use alternative remedies. Chronic depression is a totally different area completely. I briefly touch on it, when I say some people take medication because they have no choice, yet most people in this category loath this responsibility. I have heard this on many occasions.
Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
This is such an important subject and you provided a lot of great information. You did so well presenting your information on such a touchy subject. As a society we need to recognize those symptoms and do what we can to help support each other. Sharing!
Hey Cindy,
Welcome to my blog, I know it’s your first time here.
I agree it is an important subject. If we are going to take medication then we need it to be an informed decision we are making. Not taking medication because that is the done thing. These are drugs, they affect the brain and the body. My they scare me. Like you said we do need to support one another.
Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
This is really an important post. I’ve suffered from anxiety all of my life, and do take medication for it, but not after many years of trying to do it without it. I actually hate taking medication, but the benefits outweigh the risks for me. I do believe that situational depression is a very real thing, and that you should try the alternatives before going on an anti-depressant. There are many side effects from pills and it’s hard to get off them too. Great post. Thank you!
Shann Eva recently posted…Ask Away Thursday and Hands-off
Hey Shann,
I am annoyed with myself. I was going to get in contact with you about the post. As we have been in contact with each other of a few months I wanted you to be one of the first to see it. Out of respect for you. I am passionate about this topic.
As we have talked about this before, I know you have done lots of work on yourself Shann, I hope you are still dancing.
This post was more about making informed decisions about taking medication. Advocating that people be the decisions makers in their life. Doctors can prescribe, but as individuals we really have to make our own minds up. You Shann have had your battles. It is ongoing. Not situational. So please know I appreciate your circumstances.
Thanks for sharing Shann.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
Your writing has a lovely way of sharing and informing with a little bit of a necessary push to try and get people to seek alternatives!
In my first serious bout of depression, my psychiatrist proscribed an anti-depressant. I I did not like the way they made me feel, and had to argue with my therapist before she would agree to take me off them.
She wanted me to adjust to the pills, because in her experience, she knew they could be beneficial. Each therapist has their own approach to helping you work your way out of depression or anxiety that may not be what’s best for you.
Sometimes you have to shop-around and find the person who will work with you, while making sure you’re keeping yourself and other people safe.
Great post – thanks for sharing!
Quinn
Hey Quinn,
Good to see you. How concerning that you had to argue with your therapist before she would agree to take you off the medication. I don’t know how it went down. One thing I do know, you don’t need added pressure when you are seeking out specialists and want something changed.
I get that your therapist wanted you to adjust but you are saying I don’t like what they are doing. Did she not listen to you. You are so right Quinn, there are services out there and you do have to find the right fit for you. This is critical when medication is being prescribed. It gets me worked up even though it was your situation.
That’s what this post was about. Making informed decisions. Not anti, anti depressants. Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you found someone else to assist you Quinn.
Rachel.
Hi Rachel,
Thanks for sharing your views on this topic. I really liked the way you write with so much passion. I have a few friends who have now become slaves to anti-depression pills which were prescribed by their doctors. They can not concentrate on their career, and often experience emotional outbursts when they are relating to their friends and family members. I really feel sorry for them and to see that they are getting isolated from the society, and becoming a burden for their families.
For me, even if I get into a low mood, I’d first practice deep breathing and meditation for few minutes to elevate my mood and morale. A walk in the fresh air or a cup of hot tea is the only medication I will go for to get myself out of the blue moods. I have declared to myself that never in my life I want to be a slave to such anti-depressants. I strongly feel that doctors should not prescribe such medication when they are aware of their long term side effects.
Sarika recently posted…Benefits of Eating Broccoli During Pregnancy
Hey Sarika,
Its appears to be your first time to my blog so welcome.
That’s why I wrote the post. I find it very concerning that people are slaves to anti-depressants. How dare doctors be so careless when they have gone under oath and pledged ‘to do no harm’. If there was an audit done with everyone who was prescribed an anti-depressant and specialists assessed the individuals, I imagine 75% (rough estimate) could be off their medication.
Don’t you feel so sad for your friends, who were probably lively with personality before they started taking these dreaded tablets. Its just irresponsible. Doctors still hold a high degree of power. People believe their word to be God.
I carry the same thoughts as you Sarika – I made a deal with myself, that I can be down, want to yell and scream, cry, lose sleep but under no circumstances with those tablets ever be considered.
Look there are people out there that need them as I wrote in the post. If you read some of the comments, people used them in the dark hours, with help from other specialists – counsellors or psychiatrists. They were on them for short times. But there are those who use anti-depressants as a crutch, an excuse to give up or not continue. And you don’t need the doctors permission or a pill to give up you just stop.
You got me all fired up and the comments are about you. Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.
I totally get the gist of this article. Seek other alternatives before resorting to anti-depressants. I also understand the part about facing our feelings. Not rushing to escape them. As they carry a strong message. It does take time, but tough times eventually blow away. But, like you said, we have different coping mechanisms. However, I’ll always recommend exercise, biblical meditation, surrounding yourself with your loved ones, as well as professional counselling above taking anti-depressants. When they fail, you can go for anti-depressants.
Iyabo recently posted…Blog Commenting Challenge â 10 Lessons Learned in 30 Days
Hey Iyabo,
Its your first time to my blog so a big welcome to you.
It sounds like you have thought over things when it comes to depression very carefully. I commend you on what you would do first before considering anti-depressants.
All I know is life gives us ups that we really love. We move through happiness with ease. However sadness and being down are equal emotions to happiness, neither is permanent. And for me that is what I acknowledge. Rachel you are too high, know it will pass, Rachel you are sad, know it will pass. We never stay with one particular emotion. And if we do then it would be time to see alternative remedies.
Sounds as though you have a strong belief system that would keep you strong in very sad times. Thanks for sharing what remedies you would use first and foremost.
I look forward to coming over to your blog. I am a couple of days behind and will be there before the end of the week. Thanks for your comments.
Rachel.