Larry Godwin's Blog: Transcending Depression

Withdrawing from antidepressants

If you decide to go off an antidepressant, withdraw slowly in consultation with your physician. Allow your brain to adjust to the change so you reduce the risk of a rebound and other distressing effects.

Antidepressant side effects

Don’t despair if your body is grappling with a medication’s side effects. Your doctor may be able to prescribe a different suitable one with fewer undesirable results. If not, keep in mind you may not have to take the drug long-term – a short trial may suffice. And in the meantime, a more body-friendly drug may come on the market.

Have patience!

If you're depressed, be patient. Although some treatments, including a few antidepressants, can yield results within a day or two, many take weeks to make a difference. Follow your physician’s directions – don’t exceed what he or she recommends. Look for gradual improvement rather than significant changes overnight

Depression medication

If you’re taking medications but haven’t found relief, NEVER GIVE UP. You’ll find dozens of antidepressants on the market, including SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics, and MAO inhibitors. Even within each family, every drug behaves a bit differently in its effect on the brain’s neurotransmitters. Also, the FDA approves new antidepressants every year. If your doctor suggests a drug that’s still on patent, ask if an older, cheaper generic might do instead. Fortunately, pharmaceutical companies offer patient-assistance programs that lower the cost of patented drugs for low-income people. Don’t forget to ask your doctor for samples.

If depressed, change doctors

If you're feeling depressed, change doctors or therapists from time to time. Each healthcare provider possesses his or her own area of expertise and personal experience to draw from, and brings a unique slant to your symptoms. If one doesn't seem the best fit for you, try another.

If depressed, get support

Get personal support. Confide in those you trust, whether it's your spouse or partner, a relative, or a close friend, as well as your healthcare providers. You can also join a support group, either a face-to-face one in your community or online. At the same time, be selective in how much you disclose about your illness when a casual friend or acquaintance asks how you are.

Don't suffer in silence

If you're depressed, don't suffer in silence. Call up a warmline, which is a free, peer-run listening line staffed by people in recovery themselves. Check out www.warmline.org. Or call a hotline to speak confidentially and anonymously with a trained support staff member or volunteer. Google “depression hotline” to find Internet chat and toll-free phone options. Your local mental health center might also provide recommendations.

If you're depressed . . .

Get help from a professional. Don’t figure you’ll get better on your own. Make an appointment with a healthcare provider, whether it’s your family physician, a licensed mental health professional, or a psychiatrist. Choose one you feel comfortable with. If you can’t afford the cost for a private visit, call your local county health services department or mental health center for assistance. Or check out the SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Locator at www.findtreatment.samhsa.gov.

If you're depressed. get help

Recognize that depression is not a sign of weakness. Unfortunately, many people don't understand this. A stigma can discourage us from getting help, but know you are not alone. Millions, including celebrities as well as everyday people, have talked about their struggles with depression, received help, and are in recovery.

Free self-help books

For a limited time, I'll mail you free copies of my books Transcending Depression and Surviving Our Parents' Mistakes. Write me at IowaTiger73@Gmail.com.