Should I consider using medications to help my depression and anxiety?

48. Should I consider using medications
to help my depression and anxiety?

Although drug therapy can be helpful, these
medications are not for everyone. They are not
magic pills that will take away all problems; the
problems will still exist, but the medications
may make them easier to manage.

Medications are helpful to some people suffering from
depression, anxiety, and high levels of distress. Depression
and anxiety involve physiological changes in the
brain and can be helped with medications such as antidepressants
and anti-anxiety prescriptions.

Sometimes people are reluctant to take such medication
because they are afraid it means that they are
weak or unbalanced, or that their doctor will treat
them differently. Keep in mind that medications are
concrete means to address specific medical problems
for which they are prescribed. They are meant to make
the people who take them more comfortable and in
control, not to label or to judge them. Taking a prescription
to reduce distress does not mean that someone
is going crazy. Some people are hesitant to try
these medications because of the stigma they believe is
attached; many of these people who later take the
medications wonder why they waited so long. They
feel so much better and are better able to cope and
enjoy life. Often these medications are additionally
effective when combined with counseling and/or
group support.

Although drug therapy can be helpful, these medications
are not for everyone. They are not magic pills that
will take away all problems; the problems will still exist,
but the medications may make them easier to manage.

You need to make the right decision for you. In addition,
these medications sometimes take several weeks to
start working and may produce side effects; you should
discuss the pros and cons of each medicine with your
doctor. Sometimes people have to try different types of
medication to find the one that works the best. Any
physician, such as a primary doctor, can prescribe such
medicines for his or her patients; however, it is worth
considering an initial evaluation and/or regular followup
with a psychiatrist. All of this holds true for your
loved one as well. If his or her distress is high, consider
talking to the doctor about an evaluation for medications
or getting a referral to a psychiatrist.