the cure is: talk to someone.

see a psychologists, tell your doctor, or even just talk with a close friend about it. Seriously. Pills should never be used as the only treatment. The side effects are insane, you should only take anti-depressants if you're in danger of hurting yourself or others.

my dad is currently reading a book by Joachim Bauer, which says that the newest research strongly suggests that:

1. there is no such thing as "just a chemical imbalance" (but of course, it is politically incorrect to say it, as it implies that some people are just "weaker" than others, though thats not really what it means. Of course, the debate on that is still going strong. The companies have a strong interest in lobbying doctors to prescribe their drugs)

2. There is always an underlying psychological cause-- often this is even unknown to the depressed person, though. It can even be something small or seemingly insignificant. It does not make it the depressed person's "fault" and It does not mean that the person can just "pull themselves together" without help.

3. people who go on anti-depressants without any other treatment (that is, psychotherapy) are much more likely to develop chronic depression.

there was recently a report on the radio here about mental institution admissions, how admissions for schizophrenia have consistently gone down, showing that we're dealing with it properly, but, admissions for depression are going up and up, and, quote, "even though" prescriptions for anti-depressants have gone up and up, too. Huh, maybe a pattern?

4. anti-depressants should only be used in extreme cases and in combination with therapy.

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