Sharing about Depression

I feel like such a failure suffering with depression. I just want to remember what its like to be happy. I feel hopeless and sad and I know that I shouldnt feel this way. I want to try an anti depressent but I never hear anything good about them. Does anyone have any happy endings to share?

I am also very reluctant to use drugs and have avoided them as much as possible. It seems like a slippery slope to me. However, I wonder if I am just suffering needlessly. Have you investigated any more "natural" remedies?
I am a very disciplined person, so I keep working, doing errands, etc etc but I feel like a robot... I am surrounded by natural beauty, opportunity.. and I feel disconnected. Sound familiar?

I have been struggling with depression for the past three years so I can empathize with your issues. My doctor (ob) put me on cymbalta - one for the depression and also because i have cervical degenerative disc disease. I cannot tell that the cymbalta helps with either issue, however, when i try to stop taking it i suffer from withdrawals. Mainly, and this may sound crazy, there is a shocking sensation in my head....my doctor doesnt seem to believe me but i have read where others suffer the same symptoms. This is the only anti-depressant i have tried but would be very reluctant to try another and would love to stop taking the cymbalta!!! I really wonder if the medicines are help or hinder to our depression issues???

I've read online about Cymbalta, and the withdrawels when you stop taking it. It is horrible what the people went through! I'm so glad I researched first, because my doctor had given me some samples to try. That would be the last one I would take! Although I am considering Zoloft, as my niece takes it and it has worked for her. I have to get something, as I have been battling depression as well. There has to be something better than cymbalta. One person said on the tv commercial, it should say cymbalta kills!

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I can relate to whatyou r feeling and was leary of taking something. But I havey been on paxil for about 8 months now and i know it has helped. Not a fix your life but more help u cope, with control. As far as side effects, I can't tell any. But I only read them once, I figured my body would let me know and I do feel better, its ok and worth taking.

I was diagnosed with depression in 1997 and without medication, I doulbt if I would still be here. Medication is an *absolute* necessity if you are depressed and wish to recover. I am constantly amazed by depressed people who complain about their symptoms, yet refuse to take any medication. Depression will NOT resolve on its own, so how else can one expect to recover? People who are so reluctant to take medication also seem so willing to take "alternative" therapies, not realizing this is also a type of medication. Perhaps it is simply their illness that makes them think medications are somehow harmful when they're not. -the key is finding the *right* medication for you. I had to try several types before I got relief and even now, I still have to change medications every 5 to 7 years because they can stop being effective. But this doesn't mean you shouldn't try them. Also, all horror stories about depression medications are the result of a patient stopping treatment *cold turkey*. You must be slowly "weaned off" these types of medication or you will suffer complications. Depression is a TERRIBLE illness, but you CAN feel better if you follow your doctor's recommendations and faithfully TAKE YOUR MEDICATION. Try it, what do you have to loose? Except perhaps your depression...

What would happen if patients with diabetes decided to quit their meds? To me it's about the same thing...the body is not producing the correct chemical (insulin or serotonin. So why are people reluctant to accept the medications offered for depression?

Medication is not an "absolute necessity" for people who are depressed although the drug ads might make people think that is the case. The recent SMART studies show that medication only works for 1/3 of the people and for minor to moderate depression meta-analysis shows that it is no better then placebo (which is because placebo has a very robust response).

Many forms of counseling such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy are just as effective without the side effects of medication and in severe cases should always be included in the treatment plan (vs medication alone) .. in some cases a RX can be life saving but treatment should always take the patients personal preferences and values into account,

In terms of alternative medicines and treatment options for mild to moderate depression exercise and physical activity (walking) is actually effective and is even listed on the Mayo site

Mild depression may not need medication, but I doubt most people who post here only have a "mild" case of depression. Most people with Major Depressive Disorder will not find relief from"exercise and physical activity" alone and anything that can be treated with something as simple as "walking" should be discussed in a separate thread. Most people who come to this type of message board are looking for support because their condition is causing them unimaginable pain and they are trying every way they can think of to help alleviate it.

For anyone who has been diagnozed with severe depression, medication *is* an absolute necessity and to believe otherwise is to simply delude oneself. It has nothing to do with "drug ads" and to post that medication isn't necessary on a site like this is sheer irresponsibility. A person doesn't know if medication is effective for them until they try it. If, as you say, it shouldn't work for them, then alternatives may be considered, but medication should always be included in an initial treatment.

Yes, therapy is helpful if it is in *addition to medication*. And yes, a person has a right to refuse medication, but if they do, they cannot expect to find relief. The analogy someone posted about diabetes is excellent - it's like a diabetic refusing to take their insulin. Or refusing to take an antibiotic if you have an infection. People should stop listening to foolish advice they find on the web and listen to trained medical professionals instead. Doctors aren't just about money, no matter what you read on the internet.