I am Sorry but I feel I have to draw my Knight protector sword here, what you say at least in part Gambier is just plain wrong and in my opinion giving dangerous advice, and given the importance of who you responded too here Gambier I have to speak up. Saying depression is not a disease is just plain and simply wrong. It is like saying diabetes is not a disease. Depression is a complex and often debilitation condition that can in fact be caused by many, many conditions. Some temporary and environmental, I agree, some can be helped by better diet and exercise. However some forms of depression are without doubt due to chemical imbalances in the body and can only be addressed by the correction of those imbalances. And the blanket advice that Drugs are not a solution to depression is irresponsible and dangerous. I will leave this part of my response there.
My advice is this.
- If you suspect your medication is not needed, talk to your Psychologist and GP.
- If you are unhappy with there advice, perhaps a second (professional) opinion is in order.
- That does not mean go GP shopping looking for someone who agrees with what you want to hear.
- Never just stop taking medication on the advice of someone like a forum member, or even your local health food shop, or naturapath.
- Make informed decisions that are well researched and directly applicable to your circumstances.
- But above all, don't only listen to well meaning folks on a forum, least of all me.
My eldest son is almost 28, and my ex wife has suffered what was initially Post Natal Depression and now may or may not be something else. I have another family member battling depression, and you know at least a portion of my story. So for me that's almost 30 years of being in the middle of, and dealing with depression and the one thing it has taught me is
How much I don't know.
First and foremost keep your medical providers involved. Also if your personal circumstances support it, keep your family close by, beginning with Mum and Dad, But most important of all, never make a potentially life changing or threatening decision about medication changes solely on the advice of the members of a forum,
least of all me.
Take the well meaning advice with you to your professional for their thoughts if you think it may apply to you.
But never just stop medication that has been prescribed without a professional opinion.
OK, Knight protector Sword back in the scabbard.
Oh yeah,
And don't forget to wear Sunscreen