Anti-Depressants - Do You Really Need Them

Anti-depressants - make an informed decision

When you all get to read my book, you will also be able to read comprehensive information in my chapter 'are you concerned about anti-depressants? - are there other alternatives'. This blog was set up so I could follow on with what is happening in my life and any further updates, but for this post I want to elaborate on the above subject because of what transpired at my latest doctor's appointment yesterday (5 Feb '09).

My story shows that not only was I told by a professional that I did not need anti-depressants and that what I needed was 'talking therapies' (cognitive behavioural therapy), which is not readily available in the UK - it also shows how I fought against being prescribed them by my G.P.

This is the 28th week of being under the doctor and my emotional book shows the personal difficulty I have had just getting through one day to another, and one doctor's appointment to another.

It has been proved time and time again that anti-depressants will only be of help for 'major depressive episodes' and that the herbal alternative 'St John's Wort' (tested and endorsed by myself over many years), can be of far more benefit without the awful side effects of some anti-depressants.

Over 2 years ago, in the UK, there were 31 million prescriptions given out for anti-depressants.

After another doctor's appointment yesterday, and again, being told that there was nothing he could do (which made all my past pleas that I just needed to 'talk to someone', fade into the background), I then got the distinct impression that if I didn't give in to his offered anti-depressants then maybe any further help (i.e. being able to talk about my feelings at the situation I had found myself in), would not be forthcoming, and I would be left with not even this option.

I intend to stick to my principles and nothing on earth will ever induce me to take these horrible tablets, especially after I spent some time on the internet reading up about these. I was reading that if you have 5 out of 9 of the listed symptoms then you are probably depressed and an anti-depressant would benefit you, and I don't doubt that they may do if your symptoms are so severe.

1. Depressed mood (which I do not get all that often)
2. Loss of interest in usual activities
3. Significant change in weight and/or appetite
4. Insomnia or hypersomnia
5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation
6. Increased fatigue (I do not feel any more fatigued than I have done the last 3 years)
7. Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
8. Slowed thinking or impaired concentration
9. Suicide attempt or thoughts of suicide

I have spoken to many people on anti-depressants, all of whom told me that it did nothing to stop stress/anxiety and panic attacks (another chapter on my book goes into detail on these symptoms). In fact I was reading about possible side effects of the anti-depressants that I was prescribed which includes:

• Anxiety
• Agitation
• Panic Attacks
• Insomnia
• Irritability

All the above symptoms being my main ones. Like me, you will probably deduce from this information that anti-depressants would actually be causing you any of the above you may be experiencing!

On starting your anti-depressants it would take at least 3 weeks to work and you would need to take them for at least 6 months to find any real long term benefit. You also could not just stop them as you need to be weaned off them slowly as stopping suddenly could be dangerous. I was horrified to read that under 24's taking them are in danger of suicidal tendencies!

This week, I read an interesting article in my charity magazine 'Candis' in which it states that 'the most effective treatment in so simple - exercise', and that 'walking showed a 90 per cent increase in self esteem and a 71% improvement in depression'. We have had a lot of snow this week, what better way but to go out, have fun, and enjoy it - everything looks so magical.

Other things shown to be helpful is:

• gardening
• walking
• conservation work
• running
• cycling

The above are classed as 'green exercise activities'. Strangely enough outdoor exercise showed a 90 percent increase in self-esteem and a 71 percent improvement in depression, as opposed to indoor walking which had a negative impact!

Another 'lesser know herb' which is one I take and mention in my book, is Rhodiola rosea which can act as an energy booster and ease anxiety because it can help disable the enzyme that breaks down serotonin (said to be deficient in depression cases).

You can also try 'lightbox therapy' - recommended by 85% of people who have tried it as it affects hormones as, in winter months our systems can go haywire - causing mood problems. You actually cannot mix lightbox therapy with St. John's Wort.

Just chatting to family and friends can also help. I have researched enough, and know from my own needs, that CBT would be very effective as you need to talk and work through what is bothering you. I even went on a stress management course and tell you all about it in my book.

Needless to say a healthy diet will also do wonders for your mood, health and well being and I also go into this comprehensively, whilst also giving you samples of my own meals. In a nutshell:

• Avoid sugary drink and foods which puts you on a short high then plunges you to a low
• You need protein with every meal
• Never miss out on breakfast
• Make sure you eat wholegrain foods and fruit and veg (5 a day) which releases energy slowly
• Eat oily fish 2 to 4 times a week (or take an omega supplement - as I do)
• Drink at least 2litres a day but remember, that alcohol does not count and is a depressive

I walk to my gym and go through a park on my way, I really look at the trees and bushes and you can appreciate nature if you take a long hard look - instant mood uplifter. Lots of therapeutic deep breaths to take in the fresh air - what more do you need?

An experiment from Hull's Department of Psychology (UK) and along with US experts also, researched a range of the most common anti-depressants (SSRI's - selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and discovered that they worked no better than placebos for mild to moderate depression and only very marginally for severe depression. It also states that '93% of GP's say they have prescribed the pills against their better judgement'! but because of the long waiting lists for CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) this may be the only option.

It is gratifying to then read that they also endorse 'St John's Wort', as accepted by our 'British Medical Journal's 'best treatments' panel, as it 'maintains levels of the feel good chemical - serotonin', as being effective in cases of mild to moderate depression with mild side effects compared to those of anti-depressants.

It can interact with other drugs so you must check with your pharmacy if you are taking other medication.

Dr. Erick H Turner - former FDA (US Food & Drug Administration) states:

'Most studies with negative results were never published in journals so doctors had no way of knowing how poorly anti-depressants have actually fared, because medical journals are increasingly dependent on advertising revenue from drug companies which results in a disincentive to publish negative results'.

In 2000, a psychiatric 'Times' article concluded 'in fact when anti-depressants are compared with an active placebo there appears to be no differences in clinical effectiveness'.

In can take trying up to 3 different anti-depressants before one could be found to help you.

At least you can now make an informed decision.

My book. which will be brought to you soon, was written especially to help you through reading about my own emotional journey so you do not have to go through what I have.

You can read all about it in the next post.

Please feel free to email me with your own experiences:

howyoucanbeatdepression@googlemail.com

Are you planning to, or have you already written, your own book? If so, I can highly recommend my own publishers. click on the link below for details:

'til next time,

Bonnie

The Truth About Depression and How You Can Beat It (author)