FAQs
Q. HOW HAS DEPRESSION EFFECTED YOUR LIFE?
A. When going through a depression episode, I have often thought that it is like being in the bottom of a well... Plus, I have experienced anxiety attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder on top of the depression. So, the well gets deeper and deeper. In the early days of my depression experience, I always knew 'something was wrong'...but I didn't understand what. And, I over-compensated by acting happy...giddy...crazy...life of the party. So, most people would never know how bad things have been...or believe it if I told them what I have been through. I became a master of hiding the truth. And, it was very easy to just duck out of sight until the storm was over. Depression is evil...it has robbed many good people of the pursuit of happiness.
Q. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EFECTIVE TREATMENT FOR YOUR DEPRESSION?
A. Medication. Because it is genetic, my depression stems from an imbalance of brain chemicals. Therefore, it was important to restore that balance. Paxil worked for me because it not only dealt with the depression, but the anxiety and OCD as well. I have been paxil since October, 2000. As much as 30 mg...to as little as 5 mg. However, the bottom line is...I don't think I will ever be able to completely be off medication. Of course, I would like to be...and tried to go off a couple of times. I gained weight and endured the side effects just like everyone else does. It stinks....but so does depression.
Q. IS THERAPY/COUNSELING NECESSARY?
A. I have been to therapy twice...My therapist is great. However, talk therapy did not get to the heart of my problem, which was chemical. Of course, there are emotional factors in dealing with this whole mess...and therapy can help you understand the symptoms of your mental illness better. So...if your depression stems from a loss or separation, therapy is great. If not, it can be beneficial...but don't expect to feel better if you are not addressing the real cause of your illness.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR LONG TERM PROGNOSIS?
A. Baby steps, I guess. Stay on at least a minimal dosage of anti-depressant. Exercise is good. Find something you enjoy. (My thing is swimming) At the height of my illness, traveling was torture. Going across a mountain...or over a bridge (because of my panic attacks) was traumatic. Now, I can go out to eat...on vacation...church....lots of things without being totally traumatized. However, don't be afraid to feel depressed...or feel grief...or feel anxious...it is part of life. Just do not become consumed by it. If you do, then you have crossed the line, and you need help.
