Posted by Cam W. on March 23, 2001, at 15:01:32
In reply to Re: Celexa, posted by allisonm on March 21, 2001, at 19:52:42
I agree that meds are needed in serious cases of depression. They readjust the neurochemical mix, thus alleviating some of the depressive symptoms, and, as Allison says, "puts the floor under one's feet". But I would also like to stress that, like insulin or antihypertensives, antidepressants are only a bandage. Psychotherapy, be it taking to a psychologist, clergy, or a good friend, helps to change the mindset and "fix the sh**" that caused the depression in the first place.
We are all born with a level of stress tolerance and life experiences (environment) raise or lower this level. Too much stress uncouples our body's stress response mechanism (HPA axis) resulting in the phenomenon we call depression. Sometimes this uncoupling is permanent and we may need to keep taking medications for life. Sometimes the uncoupling is repairable, as one comes to terms with the cause.
In mild cases of depression, sometimes talk therapy is enough, but one has to be able to understand and deal with the causes of the depression. Antidepressants can help bring about the ability to understand and I believe this to be the "floor" from which the doc or therapist can begin to work.
Just my opinion - Cam
poster:Cam W.
thread:57052
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010319/msgs/57289.html