Medication Or No Medication?

Medication or no medication? That has been a big issue among some about dealing with depression. Remember Tom Cruise's and Brooke Shields' debate? Yes, counseling and other things may help but medication can too. I was leery myself. I didn't want to get started on depression medication and be on it for who knows... the rest of my life? I didn't want to feel like I was drugged all the time. I didn't want it to change who I was. Well, the fact was I was not me at that point anyway. Yes the medication can bring about changes in you, especially when you first start taking it. After watching TV commercials and hearing the radio ads where the side effects seem to be worse than what you start with sometimes, it's no surprise that there will be some adjustments to be made. And it does take time. Unfortunately, you're not gonna start taking it when you really need it and be 100 percent better. Even after taking it for weeks, months, or years, you may not feel like yourself again. It's each person's choice. If the medication helps you function as you're dealing with the depression, then take it! Medication or no medication... I say medication!

Do You Have A Support System?

Everyone's so busy... everyone leads different lives... everyone has their own issues they're dealing with. So you kind of feel guilty when you share your problems with others; therefore, people experiencing depression keep things inside many times instead of sharing with others. I am guilty! I kept things so deep inside... a smile on the outside and pain on the inside. When I finally did seek help from doctors and counselors, I heard over and over that a support system is very important... from family and friends that is. And I kept getting asked by doctors and counselors, "Do you have a support system?" Honestly, at that point I did not feel like I had a support system at all! Well, I hadn't really shared what I was going through with too many people... so I thought how could they help and support me if they don't know? I told myself "That's a very good point!" The thought of actually following through with it is scary though... I guess it's the fear of rejection, maybe even the fear of shame. But I began slowly letting people around me know what I had been going through and continue to deal with. It got easier and easier. And yes, it does help! Look at me, I'm now sharing it with the world (if they all read my blogs)! So, "Do you have a support system?"