When this research began, the author interviewed many people who used antidepressants as well as holistic therapies. These interviews were completed either by phone, E-mail, or face to face interviews. Clients participating in these stories requested to remain anonymous and this author has honored that request. This appendix contains valuable quotes from the interviews.
“I used to take Zoloft and was switch to Paxil. My symptoms decreased after several months but the side effects were effecting my job, and my personal life. I had chronic intestinal problems and insomnia. I took myself off the Paxil and went onto Same which was suggested to me. I have been on Same for five months now and my depression has lifted (I do have my days) and I have no side effects at all. Same may cost a little more than other alternatives, but I have my life back.”
“I am on two different medications for my depression. These medications do have some side effects for me, but for the most part, the side effects seem minor. I can live my life once again because of these medications. I am able to work again, be part of my family again and most important, enjoy my life to the fullest. I do not care what people say about antidepressants, they have saved my life.”
“I was on Paxil for depression. After four months I took myself off of it. I could not stand the side effects. I was living in the bathroom. I was not crying as much and I did not feel as hopeless when I was on the Paxil, but I literally spent a great deal of time in the bathroom because of the diarrhea it caused. I would rather do therapy and try to find ways to heal my depression rather than spend half my life in the bathroom. That alone made my depression even worse. I could not even go out unless I knew how close a bathroom was. That to me is not a good quality of life.”
“When my daughter was going off to collage, I was very depressed. I was put on an antidepressant and began to notice positive change. I also began to notice I had no sex drive and even when my husband tickled me, I had no body sensation. I am off the antidepressants now and though I cry on and off and become depressed, I would rather feel my emotions than to ever feel that numb again.”
“My husband was depressed, he had suffered from it on and off all of his life. He had hit a depression and so he called his family doctor. The doctor over the phone prescribed Prozac to him. Three days later, my husband was dead. The doctor never did a check up on him and simply prescribed these pills over the phone. I do not know if there is a connection, but I have been doing some research, and I tend to believe his suicide would not have happened if he was not on the Prozac.”
“I am on Prozac. I don’t care if I have to take it for the rest of my life. I know that I am feeling much better being on it, rather than being off it. I think for some people antidepressants work, and for some they don’t. For me, Prozac is like insulin is for a diabetic. Without it, I would become very ill.”
“I am on medication for my depression. It was trial and error for the first year. There seemed to either be way too many side effects, or the medication wasn’t working. It took a year, but I am on a combination of medications that works for my depression and anxiety. It takes patience, but is worth the wait to feel free from this depression.”
“I was depressed. I was even suicidal. My family doctor put me on an antidepressant. I felt no change, but had awful stomach cramps and diarrhea. I also felt an anxiety that I had never felt before taking the antidepressant. My suicidal thoughts began to increase. Now I was feeling suicidal because of how my body was feeling. I took myself off the antidepressant, and the anxiety left, and the stomach conditions cleared up. I am now taking several alternative supplements for depression and have learned to meditate. I have not felt suicidal in over a year, and meditation has taken me into new directions in discovering myself.”
“Everyone was worried about my depression. Everyone said I needed to be on antidepressants. I had done some research and was not impressed with what I was reading. I decided to go into therapy. My therapist suggested exercise three times a week. I was amazed at how well it worked. A few of my friends think I am on antidepressants because they refuse to believe that something as simple as exercise could help reduce my depression. I have also lost some weight and feel like I have much more energy. I know my depression will come and go, but I feel encouraged when I exercise, it just gives me pride in who I am. Pride I once thought I had lost forever. A pill cannot give me that kind of pride. I am glad I made the choice I made.”
I have tried antidepressants. I have tried therapy. I have tried Saint Johns Wort. I tried suicide as a way out. A friend turned me onto her spiritual support group. It changed my life. I am in touch with who I am and ask the powers that be to help me through my depression. I have a social life now, I have love now, and I have hope. After trying “everything” I realized I was not spiritually connected. Now I feel whole.”
“I am on a variety of medications. I have been on medications for many years. I cannot work I am too depressed. I don’t have any friends really they don’t like being around me. I feel sick a lot and everyone says I complain too much. My psychiatrist says I am getting better and the medication is helping. He is all I have, I have to believe him.”
”I discovered my depression was really a thyroid problem. I am taking care of my thyroid at this point and treating that instead of depression. I think I am feeling a little better. I don’t know why my one HMO doctor didn’t check this in the first place.”
“My life was over. When my depression hit, I thought I could tackle it myself. I could not focus and I wanted nothing to do with my loved one. No one in my family understood me. I started drinking here and there for relief. My doctor suggested an antidepressant. He suggested a MAOI. I did not really get many side effects. Insomnia and anxiety here and there, but really it went away after a while. I am not drinking, and I am focused again. The depression has lifted and I really don’t think it would have without the medication.”
I have been on antidepressants for eight years. I am still depressed as hell, but at least the medication doesn’t make me care anymore, so I take it.”
We site of interest