What? Me, Take Medicine?

5. "I've tried one; it didn't work."
Yes. You tried one kind. Was it prescribed by a physician or by someone skilled in psychopharmacology? Was the dosage strong enough? Was it the right kind of antidepressant for you? Until you've tried a variety of these little pills, you really won't know if the doctor was the right prescriber, the medicine works for you, or the side effects are just too upsetting to put yourself through these trial and errors.

6. "I hear they're harmful; I take herbal medication instead."
There is some indication that long-term use of some anti-depressants can be harmful. You need to discuss this issue carefully with your psychiatrist or psychopharmacologist and make your own decision.

However, what about those herbal medications? Are you talking about St. Johns Wort? That's a very popular herbal that is touted on the Internet as the solution to depression. It's used in Germany a lot, prescribed by physicians. It seems to work in some cases, though not in major depression. Again, this is a discussion you need to have with a physician or psychiatrist. The warning? Herbal medicine can also have side effects and may, at times, fight other meds you might be taking.

In short, nothing is certain in this world of ours.

Where have I left you, on balance?

Only with my opinions and experience.

The rest is up to you and your psychiatrist, physician, or psychopharmacologist.

C.L.