Anti-depressive medication is often given to people who are diagnosed as depressed. Many people are ambivalent about taking medication but believe that if only their mood could be alleviated, they would gain the strength to move forward in their life and move out of debilitating depression. Psychologists too, whilst understanding the potential benefit of medication helping seriously depressed people even ‘get out of bed’, they know the importance of identifying the contributing factors to the depression. Additionally, they know the importance of creating a lifestyle that supports individuals moving out of depression including adequate self-care, exercise, nutrition, social interaction and creating meaning and purpose in life.
If you are suffering from depression, remember that anti-depressive medication can’t cure you of depression. Neither can it cure you ‘of life’. Your depressive symptoms highlight something not working in your life – and whilst chemical changes might accompany your mood and behaviour, each are intimately related. Seek out a skilled and sympathetic psychologist who can help you find out what your depression is about and assist you in creating a meaningful life.