11–20 of 152 posts
Cognitive behavioral therapy is also very effective in many cases (and can work on its own without medication, depending on the situation).
It is important to note, however, that the person must commit.
What if you're depressed because you're afraid of death? (I wouldn't say I'm depressed -- not in the clinical sense anyway; but I do spend what I imagine is an abnormal amount of time thinking about it because of mother's passing away when I was younger).
Most people have exposure to death when they are young, but for some people -- for whatever reason -- it's more traumatic. It can become corrosive, subtly or not so subtly, affecting the decisions you make in a harmful way. Personally, I had cancer at a young age, and for years it screwed up the way I saw the world, without me even recognizing it. It took another crisis-type event for me to recognize it. Trust me, if it is something you are already cognizant of, it's better to deal with it now to prevent future crises, then to wait until then.
I want to add one thing. Working with a doctor is important, but work with a psychologist as well. Especially if you are resistant to going on meds (and I don't blame you if you are...). A good psychologist may be able to offer you treatment options that better suit your needs.
Also, if you aren't getting what you need from your Dr or Psychologist then move on and find a new one. Keep doing this until you find someone who genuinely cares about you, and wants to work with you to get you feeling better.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is also very effective in many cases (and can work on its own without medication, depending on the situation).
I'm a huge fan of CBT. Recent studies have shown that if a person is dedicated to CBT it can actually have the same positive effects on the brain as medication, without the negative effects of medication. It is important to note, however, that the person must commit.
What if you're depressed because you're afraid of death? (I wouldn't say I'm depressed -- not in the clinical sense anyway; but I do spend what I imagine is an abnormal amount of time thinking about it because of mother's passing away when I was younger).
They can occur together too...
I'm really happy that these posts are getting onto the front page. They are very important. I want to add one thing. Working with a doctor is important, but work with a psychologist as well. Especially if you are resistant to going on meds (and I don't blame you if you are...). A good psychologist may be able to offer you treatment options that better suit your needs. Also, if you aren't getting what you need from yo…
YMMV, but I find that every (exceedingly legitimate) objection I have towards medication simply became immaterial in the face of feeling better.