If Drugs Don't Help Depressed People, What Does? Read On!

B'SD


18 Shvat 5770


The hero in my first novel teaches his colleagues that a person is "a work in progress." I use that phrase often in my coaching work. That helps my clients to put their stresses into some perspective.

"It's all good, and it's all a test," is nice phrase for someone not involved in wrestling with complicated issues. But it's no comfort to someone deep into despair.

Exercise and pets are proven methods for effectively improving low moods. Rewarding hobbies ease anxiety, too. Psychotropic drugs, however, do not seem to help people to leave depression behind them.

Newsweek magazine in the USA just put out an article entitled, "The Depressing News About Antidepressants: Studies suggest that the popular drugs are no more effective than a placebo. In fact, they may be worse."


US president Abraham Lincoln suffered from depression. He coped by honing his sense of humor. Once a lawyer, he'd managed his anger with clients and opponents by writing scathing letters that he never mailed. He expressed his anger on paper and kept the hot words to himself in a special drawer, never embittering anyone and never burning bridges. He was beloved by many people. He was a jokester and a compassionate man, despite his dour appearance (his features had been affected by a disease).

IMPORTANT UPDATE: See another point of view from psychiatrist Dr. A. Twerski. I deeply respect him and hope that his take on this issue can bring you more relief.

I pray that you'll find a solution to your depression. Make small, gradual steps to participating in life more and more. Do productive things that interest, amuse and please you. Music, writing, sculpture, painting, volunteer work, crafts, gardening, exercize, nature walks and other soothing activites are yours to indulge in. Look for outlets that will benefit you.

lists several "Suggested Reading" titles in the GLOBAL RESOURCES section. Many of them address depression and how to attain happiness with realistic methods.

Cry if you need to. And learn to dry your tears. THAT can help you to EMPOWER Yourself to Cope with a Medical Challenge.
Yocheved Golani
Coping with a Medical Crisis?
Make the Changes You Need in Your Life