 |
Depression feels intensely personal because it affects our sense of who we are. For example, we say, “My arm hurts” or My head aches,” but when we’re depressed we think, “I’m not worthwhile” or “I have no hope.” These feelings can lead some people to stop taking medicine in order to prove that their inner selves are “okay” without it.
Yet depression is often a chronic condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or congestive heart failure. With medicine, the symptoms of these diseases can be minimized so that individuals can enjoy their daily lives. Certainly you wouldn’t advise a friend with diabetes to stop taking insulin therapy if it was helping. We need to apply this same compassion, concern, and caring to ourselves and those we know who may be experiencing depression. Taking medicine to stay well should be an important goal and supported by those around us.
Depression is not like a headache---here one minute and gone the next. It’s glorious to feel “better,” to be free of the depression that drains the pleasure out of life. But remember, the medicine is an ally in your fight to stay well and continuously improve your underlying condition. Sticking with your medication and your treatment plan when you’re feeling well, will keep you on track toward continued symptom relief of depression.
