Antidepressants: Are We Too Quick to Medicate?
We really do live in a "fast food nation." We have become accustomed to not waiting for virtually anything. There are 24-hour drive thru's, 24-hour shopping (thank you amazon.com), a pill to treat every emotional and physical ache and pain along with a corresponding commercial, instant access to mail, instant bill paying, instant access to movies and other entertainment. You can even buy and read a book (in digital format) any time of day or night.
But does living in a society that is accustomed to getting what it wants when it wants it, affect our collective mental health? It certainly influences our expectations. For instance if we go to see a doctor for pain, we generally expect to leave with a pill to make us feel better. If a prescription is not given, it's often met with curiosity and sometimes suspicion or anger.
Does having such easy access to everything make us wimpy? Has it dangerously lowered our overall pain tolerance to life? In regards to mental health, I worry that that when we feel any amount of psychological pain we immediately look for instant relief through a pill without exhausting other less intrusive methods such as; talking to friends or professionals, spirituality, nutrition, stress management and exercise?
Does rampant access to instant gratification negatively affect diagnosing and treating depression? It depends on your perspective and situation. If you suffer from moderate or severe depressive symptoms, having instant access to cutting edge medications and a pharmacy to refill those prescriptions at 3:00 a.m. is a godsend. It's a great example of how our modern fast paced lifestyle can benefit those who are in the most pain.
But, what about those struggling with a mild depression or feeling depressed due to an event such as a break-up or job loss. Now I am definitely not minimizing the pain involved in a mild depression because it can be intense. But, the duration may be shorter and the symptoms easier to treat than a severe depression. If you jump the gun and start on a course of antidepressants, you may never really know if relief from the symptoms could have occured organically without medication.
The greatest benefit of temporarily tolerating the pain of a mild depression and utilizing some of the aforementioned alternative treatments is that those activities not only relieve the symptoms but teach you how to prevent them from reoccurring. Also, if symptoms do return, you will have an arsenal of tools at your disposal to organically resolve them. The empowerment you feel in the process can be as potent as an antidepressant.
When we feel psychological pain sometimes we have to tough it out. The reward of working through an issue that is causing you pain can be self-awareness and a more fulfilling life. But, if you are suffering and cannot find relief medications may be necessary and for some the only way to lead a productive and fulfilling life.
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i think that gp docs do tend to prescribe antidepressants more than are necessary. especially since antidepressants work in only about 40 percent of pple anyway. tough it out...that sounds like something someone that hasnt been through very deep depression might say. instant gratification with an antidepressant? gosh i wanta try that one....lol most take weeks to see any results and in the mean time some make one worse still with side effects and such. i dont have much respect for this authors article.
i do think that support from family and friends is at least as important a medicine as any antidepressant out there. sadly many of us have no one to provide a caring compassionate word when we need it most. of course we must try ourselves, but "im gonna try with a little help from my friends" still is often the best medicine for depression.
as far as studies and ptsd, i dont place much confidence in studies. since many are paid for by the pill pushers and they often are just comparing a sugar pill to the actual med. every one is unique, and what works for one person doesnt work for another. thats why all the generalized studies doesnt mean much to me. i never wanted to be on meds again, i tried all the herbal and homeopathic stuff. but ive had to try a new med, just because im worse than i was before. even speaking of how long a drug stays in the system is unique to pple. im one that metabolizes meds slowly so i have reactions longer to the meds than some do. each medicine is different in regards to how it effects the system and how long it may stay with a person. but i agree the patients arent monitored closely enough. that would take time and money, and the docs and healthcare companies are in this game for the profit firstly.
By straybluedog August 26, 2008 5:15pm
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This article is vague and on such an important subject, more detail needs to be given. How do you know if your depression is mild, moderate or severe since depression clouds judgement and you can under or overestimate your problem? As for being a "fast food nation" that is true but I don't think it applies to depression. Having suffered with depression for years, I hardly think I suffer from instant gratification. It's delayed by 12 years.
By soulsearcher83 August 16, 2008 5:54am
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When I first went in to see a counselor about my symptoms, the first thing she did was to start telling me about all the drugs available to help me-sleep, depression, anxiety, etc.-and i had to convince her NOT to prescribe me anything. I'm a former drug addict, as so many of my kind are, and I still have issues with overdoing any meds. Once I explained clearly to her that I have a problem and need to be taught how to deal with it, we got on with the program and I improved enough to be released from counseling after a year. I still need help from time to time, but I can sleep sound now for the first time since 1969, DRUG FREE. My children, who grew up with me in the throes of PTSD, are amazed at how soundly I sleep now, how even-tempered I've become and how much I've changed. A on my own will-power and hard work, sans drugs. I know that not everyone can do it this way, but it CAN be done.
By mtnmama62 August 13, 2008 4:07pm
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I swear so many people are dead because of antidepressants and millions more are ill from them. If you are not taking them don't start inform yourself see what happens to other people. These folks had nobody to warn them you have me I wish somebody had of told me before it was too late!!!
paxilprogress.com
effexoractivist.com
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.co...
By sandy55555 August 12, 2008 7:02pm
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I agree with what Brillante wrote.
In fact, she has started a website to help educate about PTSD. It's filled with TONS of Info...and there is a lot more info to come to be posted on the website!
So, stop by and check it out...bookmark it, and check back later!
www.CarrotofHope.org
By TLCDaisy July 30, 2008 12:47am
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It frustrates me that we throw antidepressants at everything.
Studies show ANTIDEPRESSANTS DO NOT WORK FOR PTSD. What does this mean, when we throw these meds around and people who do not have low levels of these chemicals receive them, we are likely to see them act our in rage at others or even themselves. Whether they commit suicide or hurt themselves, it is still a tragedy.
More caution should be taken when prescribing these medicines and Antidepressants should be CLOSELY MONITORED for MONTHS because they continue to build up in the system and take extensive time to be removed from the system. It's not just children or young adults, there are many other people DYING because of antidepressants in the wrong hands.
By Brillante July 29, 2008 10:31pm
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I started a substance abuse treatment program, and the first thing the counselor wanted me to do is get to a doctor and get meds. I flat out refuse. I am not in this program to keep numbing the pain! I want to release it and get it out of my system!!!! I just don't understand, and she just doesn't understand why I don't want to.
My husband and I completely disagree on this issue. There are healthier ways of dealing with depression and anxiety.... I intend to use those.
By noisynora July 29, 2008 12:34pm
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Well, I feel medicine should be a last resort for people to use. I personally use items to help me with my social anxiety, only problem I have is that they're not socially accepted. I have a set of those baby chew keys that helps me (especially with oral pain from my new crown). I've not taken them into public places that I travel to due to stares and looks I get, which makes it worse. Instead if I feel my anxiety coming I go out to my car and sit with them, chewing of course.
I also have a support group near my home town helps. Though they are more geared to other forms of support when we go 'out on the town' the girl 'assigned' to me helps by comforting me.
Comfort is the #1 method on how I've gotten over many of my anxieties: water (inability to swim more or less), driving in rain, and a few others including opening up about myself to others (your average american lol). Help/comfort from friends and family are the best things I can think of, even though no family member has helped me with my problems due to lack of knowing about them.
I do go to psychs but I tell them right off the bat that I will not take meds unless they get to know me and understand me first, then trying to help in all ways they can without meds.
Hope this helps someone.
By Baby0Grim July 29, 2008 3:03am
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I am guilty about this because I do look for relief from psychological pain with pill
By poohscorner July 26, 2008 5:15pm
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I have never met a person who ran willingly to be medicated - for anything, let alone a mental illness. It is very patronizing to claim that people who are on medication should ditch their meds, and embrace their pain in order to become better human beings. That stinks of the Catholic and other churches' stance that mentally ill people are 'possessed', and need to be 'rid of their deamons', usually through some type of torture. Either way, through delayed treatment or exorcism, they need to suffer for their sins (of being mentally ill). :P
I understand the impulse to write this piece, peddling therapy against the evils of Big Pharma. But therapists are NOT trained to prescribe medication, and should NOT comment on the process. By the same token, most psychiatrist are NOT trained in psychotherapy, and should not pass judgment on its merits. I am lucky to have a psychiatrist who is relatively good with counseling, so I feel safe in my treatment.
By cb72 July 25, 2008 3:01pm
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If we truly lived in a fast food nation, i would have been granted my ssi and ssdi right now. At the moment i'm manic, feverish, barely eating or sleeping, with a huge cold sore.
This sort of reportage is infuriating. Without medication I never would have made it through undergrad, much less graduate school, which was truly by the skin of my teeth. At the moment I'm desperately dependent on it, and all of that "rewarding self-awareness" made my thesis terrifying to most readers.
By angie08 July 25, 2008 6:31am
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Going along with the logic of this article.. how soon is too soon to resort to medication? If we are going to throw out blanket statements.. we should at least be offering the "correct timetable" to wait it out- right???
The point is, depression creeps up on you slowly. I had been declining for months without knowing it. By the time I finally had the nerve to go to the doctor, I had been suffering for well over 6 months. I had tried to "fix" what felt wrong with me... I ate healthy, exercised, etc., but could not get my enegry back, and had no desire to do anything.
Luckily I hadn't read this article in the waiting room for the doctor's office!
My meds cause a host of other side effects. They are by no means a miracle pill.. and I've had to weigh on the benefits vs. disadvantages. I still would rather deal with the side effects than go back...
I feel that there are probably far more out there that are undiagnosed and needing meds- than people who are on meds and don't need them. No picnic here... Think of all the divorces that could have been saved...
By Sadfriend July 24, 2008 11:55pm
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I understand that instant gratification can be a problem, however if my Dr had not given me meds when I saw her, WOW, those results could have been disasterous! I have struggled with depression (chronic clinical) or so I was told, most of my life. If I had been treated as a teen the self medicating might not have been necessary.
I don't think medication can be looked as as black and white. There is far more grey in between that needs to be considered before judging someone for the use of scripts. I for one could be dead or jailed right now without intervention and a quick pick-me-up via an anti-depressant.
I do know that even when one is trying a less invasive "fix" it can take WEEKS to see a therapist, and frankly, there are not always weeks to give.
Does a break-up or job loss always mean it is a less severe depression than say chronic depression? What are the chances that this life altering change could break an individuals will to survive? Given the wait time to see a therapist as opposed to an PCP I am inclined to believe that treatment with meds is not a bad start. I would not be willing to minimize anyones problems enough to say they can wait to see if things will feel different for them in a week or two. What if they don't make it that long?
By akr965 July 24, 2008 7:56pm
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I was scared of this kind of rhetoric and resisted putting my daughter on anti-depressants and mood stablizers even after her therapist and a phsychiatrist recommended it a year and a half ago. I thought she had anger issues but thought much of it was typical teenage stuff. A year later she is addicted to drugs by way of self-medicating. She dropped out of school, ran away, was raped by 2 adult men, placed in a treatment center, escaped when they put her on heavy sedatives and served time in juvenile detention for 2 felonies (escape and theft of keys to escape). She was in intensive psych unit for 4 months and now is in a group home. She is doing well AFTER trying several different medications. She has clarify of thought for the first time in the last 18 months. If only I would have listened and tried then. If your doctor or therapist suggests a "quick fix" without trying other things, GET ANOTHER DOCTOR. But don't put down those people who do need medication.
By misem4 July 24, 2008 2:13am
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I totally agree with you, when i was first hospitalized for feeling really down, no one in the shrink even talked to or counseled me they just locked me up in a room and let me out for group time, but you don't talk to a professional, your just in a room with a bunch of other loons like yourself with a t.v and a radio, and without even being counseled one time they just threw me one some medication right away, NO ONE COUNSELED ME THE WHOLE TIME I WAS THERE! And you know what that medicine worked for like 6 months and then the side effects kicked in and i felt like a total zombie and people would ask me if i was on crack because of how drained i looked from the medication, i finally stopped after i was again placed in a hospital two years later for feeling like a sack of shit and once again they placed me on another medication without counseling me and it made me even more suicidal, and then after that another pill was diagnosed that still made me feel like crap, now I'am free of all prescription medications and I feel a heck of alot better without them, my mother has me taking a natural supplement which is actually used in Europe to treat depression called Samee, i think it helps more than all those pills i took.
By Aubrey18 July 24, 2008 2:12am
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I agree for most things. There are some issues that do require medication and for those I am glad it is there. I have panic disorder and have been on different anti-depressants to help. Each one helped for awhile and then one quit working and the other starting causing panic attacks. I still take Xanax as needed for the quick fix but I am working on other ways to help myself without anti-depressants. Diet, Supplements (chelated or liquid form), meditation, and other things are helping me. Am I 100%??? NO, but I am getting better with each thing I try that is not a medication. Was I 100% on the medication? NO, I was still having panic attacks although not as often at first but I was also suffering through the side effects of the drugs. I can see this both ways. My prayer would be that we could find the right mix of supplements and such that would allow us not to have to suffer at all with the horrible panic attacks and depression and the like so that we can have a little of what other's without these issues feel.....like they are living, not just existing.
By marilynkaye July 23, 2008 5:19pm
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It's funny that I ran across this article today. I'm going to the doc to get prozac again because for 2 weeks straight, I've wanted to just lay in bed and cry all day...which is impossible and unhealthy with a 4 year old to take care of.
I do wonder, though, if I wait it out could I do it without the meds. Unfortunately, I feel like I've robbed my son of too much time already to find out.
By sbras004 July 23, 2008 1:01pm
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Yep, we're WAY too quick to medicate, and it's because pharmaceuticals has become the big American money-maker. What ever happened to spending TIME with people in need, getting to know them personally, taking them out occasionally for an activity? Why is every treatment out there nowadays so 'hands-off', expensive, and short-term?
By juliec3 July 23, 2008 12:57pm
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There is a difference between sadness or grief and depression. We are sad or grieved when we experience a loss. We have the disease of depression when we experience these feelings with no apparent good cause.
Antidepressants are not recreational drugs. With one exception that I know of, they are of no use to persons who do not have depression.
This is a perfect example of why no one should ever listen to "therapists" on the topic of medication. ANYONE can be a "therapist". This is a matter for skilled MDs who are psychiatrists. No competent psychiatrist thinks a treatment for depression should exclude talk therapy.
This is one of the most ignorant, fatuous 'commentaries' I have ever seen in a context such as this, accompanied by certain comments of equal ignorance and fatuity. If you don't know what you are talking about, don't spread your ignorance.
By NoOneLeft July 23, 2008 12:49pm
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I couldn't agree more, as a matter of fact there is a book out now by Charles Barber the cheif lecturer of psychiatry at I believe Yale. In his book Comfortable Numb he states the FACT that doctors are just all to ready to throw a drug at a problem rather then spending the time to find the root cause of it. He states that in 2006 alone over 270 million scripts were written for antidepressants alone. While there are times drugs can help I do believe we are over medicating in this society. I do know a little something about this i have worked with people who are schizophrenic with other features such as Bipolar, dillusional. And some of these folks are way over medicated.Maybe one day money won't be the motivating factor and we will become better listeners, now that would be helping.
By gary4god July 23, 2008 9:27am