I've been discussing this whole depression thing with people more often lately, just trying to get different points of view on various kinds of therapy, bad habits and good ones, etc. The other night a friend and I talked about it, giving each other general ideas, (because not all details need to be discussed loudly over pitchers of beer in a jazz bar,) of what we've been or are going through.
We talked mostly about what we do or have done to self-medicate, swapping stories about our experiences with anti-anxiety medications, alcohol and various other mind-altering substances. Surprisingly, when I told her that I had started seeing a therapist and considering going back on anti-depressants, her reaction seemed less than supportive. So I have the notion now that she is anti-psycho-pharmaceutical therapy, and so far the only person I've come across in my journeys who is.
The conversation bummed me out. I walked away feeling weak because I think that I need chemical therapy to get myself back on track. But when it comes to depression we all have to keep in mind that what works for one person, doesn't necessarily work for the other.
Why is psycho-pharmaceutical therapy that is supervised by a licensed therapist "worse" than medicating with other substances, unsupervised?
ReplyDeleteI get that some people feel like therapists are a racket, but I don't. And I think it's ok to have someone there who is separate from the emotions of what I'm going through, to be able to bounce things off of, get advice from, and yeah, even get medicating help from, if need be.
I am sorry you felt weak. I think you're actually very strong and an amazing woman. I know I only see you filtered via the internet, but I think the internet allows us to be honest on a level we don't always achieve in person, where body language and eye contact can be odd sorts of weapons and shields.
I think your last sentence is perfect. Hang in there.
I totally agree with you - it's nice to have someone who is unbiased, and a professional on top of it, to get feedback from, and knowing the help is there is somewhat a relief. What I personally struggle with is the fact that I know I can be okay without meds, I have the mindset that "I've done it before, I can do it again, dammit." But since I've come to the end of my rope, I'm open to having a licensed medical professional help me find a medication, or combination of meds, to balance me out because I don't know what else to do.
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