Anti depressants.

Mum2bellaandwilliam said:

Another thing if you are on
Another thing if you are on antidepressants, did if make you feel less tired ? I have read depression make you lethargic, I guess. I am kind of hoping they might make feel better as well as happier.

Liz.

Hello Liz
I have been on CSN for a couple of years now but never really read the discussion boards much until recently. Your post actually gives me an opportunity to share from my experience and hopefully I can offer some support on this matter.

We all struggle with depression from time to time. Depression, true depression is not as simple as say being upset because the dishwasher broke and the mailman forgot your mail that day. Depression is usually a real chemical issue that often requires medication. I have been on anti-depressants before and I am on them now. The reason I am on them now is because I need them. It was also explained to me that our treatment can affect our chemicals in such a way that it is not just a want but a real need. One of my oncologists prescribed anti-depressants before I even started chemo the first time. I never questioned it, I just assumed he thought I would need them. It never occurred to me that the chemo might in fact bring about a real need for them but it can and does.

There is absolutely no cause for shame in needing chemical and/or emotional support to see us through our treatment and survival. It is about quality of life and if depressed that quality is diminished, period. While I understand the "old school" thought of only the super needy take anti-depressants and seek therapy....it is not true. That is just simply not true.

I am about as happy, confident, and productive in life as anyone can be and yet I need this support from time to time because I do suffer from chemical imbalances that cause a depression. Other than this stupid cancer, there is NOTHING wrong in my life and yet I sense a void in my life, a angst that I can't put my finger on but I know or rather knew something just wasn't right and by George, anti-depressants and counseling was the ticket once again. To be back on the happy side of life is a great place to be and probably would not have happened had I not taken the drugs.

As you probably understand fully, we all react to medication and treatments differently. The side effects of anti-depressants are both unique to the specific drug and based on the individual taking them. While one might work for one person it may have unwanted effects for another so a different drug may be needed. Sometimes it take a couple of changes and/or upgrade in dosage to get it right but it does work.

I cannot support taking anti-depressant enough for someone in need. There are not strong enough words to share that could convey how strongly I feel about people seeking counseling and medication should they need it. In some cases, by choosing not to take the drugs or seek counseling is tantamount to choosing to remain on the Titanic and refusing to help yourself....doesn't make much sense when you have a life vest and boat right in front of you does it?

I usually know I am depressed when there is nothing wrong with the world but I see it as crashing around me. Those of us that are dealing with life altering issues such as cancer GET DEPRESSED! We can curl up in a corner and waste away or we can pull up our big kid pants, take what meds are needed, and march on. There are the two choices and the only two choices we have.

Please do encourage your loved one to consider anti-depressants as well as counseling. It makes all the difference in the world sometimes.

I hope I have helped out in some way.

Kelley