If you see a doctor for depression, I can guarantee 100% that you will not leave his office without a prescription for a pharmaceutical pill that will leave you in worse condition than when you began. Everyone gets depressed. And more and more we are being conditioned to view it as a sickness. In fact, medical and psychiatric journals have ensured over the years that we will. If your are suffering from depression or you know someone who is, I sincerely recommend that you seek an alternative to pills and potions that ruin your eyes, kidneys and liver. It's just not worth it in the long run. Depression is not a disease. It is a condition and for many people it is a temporary one. Make a judgment call (that's what any doctor will do) on whether this depression is related to a situation in the life of this person, then find a safe, non-toxic herb that is known to improve overall mental well-being. If you feel this situation requires medication and you see a doctor for it, by all means learn your rights. You have the right to something called "Informed Consent". This means that you can ask this doctor if there is an alternative method (other than toxic pills) that will help your situation. You further have the right to know what you can expect with and without either or both treatments. There is more to Informed Consent and you can GOOGLE the term to get more specifics. I give this advice because I am certain that we are not meant to become prescription pill junkies in this life. God Bless.

It's obvious you have absolutely no idea what you're talking about. Next time do a bit of research before you insult the millions who suffer from mood disorders. How 'bout bipolarity and anxiety? Not "diseases" either? And safe, non-toxic herbs? How naive.

I have to agree with Bill. If it weren't for Effexor, I'd probably committed suicide. I spent 4 months in severe clinical depression wanting to die. Threatening to just do myself in. I'm not saying it takes only pills---it takes a great doctor who listens, regular meeting with a psychologist (every week), a network of people (family) who love you and let you talk, cry, freak out...but still love you and let you know. My life is so much better with Effexor. It's not a fix, it enables you to WORK on getting better. ps My depression is the result of a TBI, not choice. It is never a choice!

In a really interesting book, Borderline Personality Disorder Demystified, Dr. Robert O. Friedel writes, "Does this mean that borderline disorder has biological, rather than enviornmental, causes? The problem with this question is that it suggests a split between the mind and the brain. There is no such split. All psychological functions of the mind depend totally on the activity of specific neural pathways in the brain." With regard to Borderline Personality Disorder, Friedel writes, "To a significant degree, Borderline Personality Disorder is the result of disturbances in brain pathways that regulate emotions and impulse control. In other words, this is a true medical disorder and, basically, is no more under one's control than diabetes or hypertension." The mood, anxiety, and psychotic disorders are no different!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

...and for the same reason (disturbances in the brain pathways that regulate emotions and impulse control), I suffer from severe depression...because of a brain injury! A true medical injury that resulted in a true medical disorder that I have no control over. Oh, and I also acquired cognitive, sequencing problems, anxiety, PTSD, balance problems and hearing loss. None of these are under my control either!

Mental health problems have been around for centuries and our understanding of them, what causes them, what would help them, how can we prevent them is closer now than it was 30 years ago. I know my parents had no understanding of depression as I grew up, thus the behaviors I presented with were dealt with in a behavioral manner but not one in which I used with my own children. As my own children started displaying some of the signs of mental health problems as they grew up, I wasn't "up to speed" on signs and symptoms of depression. But clearly I had an advantage, I didn't live in a rural town anymore. I had access to help, education, and support from others. Medication along with therapy was/is what controls my depression. The physician who diagnosed my depression I will never forget. I didn't like her to begin with and I only went to see her because my own physician couldn't find a "physical" problem. So it must be "all in my head?" At the time that was my thinking and understanding. It was a naive approach to a complex issue. Depression is as much of a physical disorder as it is psychological however not everyone knows that and education regarding mental health needs to be a part of prevention. I know from experience that each person has their own opinion; I also know from experience what works and what doesn't. And I trust in the professional that treat me, as well as the research. There are those who are anti medication and if you can deal with the problems without medication, and changing your diet, exercise and sleep habits that is great. But there are many who need medication and therapy as well. I do not fault others for opinions--nor would I mislead a person because of my beliefs. My beliefs are based in experience. I would recommend a medical work-up first to rule out any medical conditions; after R/O of medical conditions I would recommend a therapist as well as a psychiatrist to deal with the issues that are presenting. Depression isn't just a sad mood, there is so much more too it. And that another reason peer support is great for those of us who suffer mental health disorders. It also helps to educate those who have never experienced mental health problems or know of anyone who has experience them.