Sorry for the delay.... phone rang and blah blah blah... LOL.

I should have asked you earlier what about it upsets you in particular before I offer any comments but since I didn't I will offer something to get the discussion started.

I do find the debate regarding the use of psych meds to treat depression interesting and even disturbing to some degree because I never know what is best for me and it would be so nice if someone could offer me certainty. I mean I take meds to normalize my thyroid and it is never a question of whether it works or not. It does what it is suppose to do for me and for anyone else with the same condition.

Treating depression with medication is a whole different ball game and the fact that there is not a cure or stabilizer that works with the same kind of efficiency is really disappointing. This article brings that reality home again. The fact that it is a continuous debate makes it real. The fact that depression can range from mild to severe also means that treatment gets increasingly complicated as you move along the range. The article did make the point. Medication is more effective for those suffering severe depression. The major concern I read is that medication may not make much of a difference for those suffering milder forms of depression. For lots of reasons also mentioned in the article doctors may be quick to prescribe meds because other forms of treatment are less readily available.

At the end of the day the reality remains from my perspective that recovery.... that is to say functioning to capacity with the effects of depression always on my heals.... requires a wholistic approach. From what I have experienced, observed and researched over the years those with or without medication, depending on the severity of one's symptoms attention to lifestyle in terms of diet, exercise, work and relationships are just as important. While lifestyle changes need to be lifelong, med treatment may be short term. They like psychotherapy may be useful for short periods of time to give someone the boost to make the lifestyle changes that can help one cope and help one prevent the downward spiralling.

It is always a case of balance and it is distinct from person to person. Just my quick thoughts.