advertisement

No easy way to deal with depression

Maybe it was serendipitous. Or maybe I just need to do a better job of staying on top of my mail.

Anyway, the second piece I picked up to skim through was a magazine with a lead article on the newest antidepressant.

The third was a consumer newsletter with a back page piece about recent research that concluded the new anti-depressants are no better than the older - and cheaper - ones.

In fact, this newsletter noted, studies showing the newer drugs are more effective are almost always funded by the same drug companies that have invested millions of dollars in developing them.

And, the report added, there is still no evidence any drug is better than psychotherapy when it comes to dealing with depression.

Confused? Actually, we know a lot more about depression than we used to. Obviously, though, there is still more we don't know than we do.

It does seem clear that depression can be mild or severe, acute or chronic. It can have its roots in our body chemistry, our individual psychology, the social environment in which we live or, most often, some combination of the above.

We also know that most of us who struggle with depression benefit from some sort of help. With more severe depression, a combination of antidepressant medication and psychotherapy seems to work best. With mild depression, often psychotherapy alone can be sufficient.

Even then, though, an antidepressant medication may be helpful in getting us over the hump.

Medication alone, however, is seldom enough. Even if our depression is primarily biochemical in its origins, the symptoms of our depression - loss of energy, getting too much or too little sleep, emotional numbness, perhaps some anxiety or agitation, difficulty in focusing, a loss of appetite or overeating - have a negative impact on our life as a whole.

We will need at least some short-term help in putting things back together, with or without the help of medication, as we pull ourselves out of depression.

Which medication and which psychotherapy is best often depends on the physical and psychological makeup of the person using them. Sometimes it is a matter of trial and error until we can figure out just which combination works best for which people.

If you've been experiencing some of the symptoms I've mentioned above, especially if they are becoming more severe or have lasted for a while, first talk to your primary -care physician. It also may be a good time to consult a psychiatrist or psychotherapist.

Though each of us is unique in the origins of the depression we may be dealing with, and similarly unique in what sort of help will benefit us most, we can all benefit from getting that help. We can be certain about that.

• Dr. Ken Potts is on the staff of Samaritan Counseling Center in Naperville and Downers Grove. He is the author of "Mix Don't Blend, A Guide to Dating, Engagement and Remarriage With Children."

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.