I'll take 'medication' over 'meditation' anyday for a real illness. We all go through crappy experiences and get depressed. But if your friend just 'never really seems to come out of it'...sounds like he/she should see a doctor.

They have in the last two weeks began taking medication prescribed by the doctor. They slept almost solidly for 3 days and seem a bit wiped out with no energy to do much but lie in bed. I have coaxed them out though but they don't seem right. We paid another visit to the doctor who said things should kick in and the drowsiness should fade after 3 weeks. I'm concerned that they'll become dependent on these pills and won't be able to deal with the depression by themselves.

My two pennies:

There are different medications...give it time. My sister suffered for years with depression. Finally, went to a doctor and discovered that it was chemically based...a medical condition treatable by medication. Her words:

'It is like the difference between night and day. You don't know how bad you are until you feel better.'

I would suggest that you simply 'be there' for this person. If they need meds, be supportive about finding the 'right one' instead of suggesting that some wholistic alternative can fit the bill.

Thanks for your advice harlan, I appreciate it.

Chanters,
Many medications for depression take up to two weeks to take effect. Most medications used for depression are not considered addicting. Some medications for sleep can be habit forming and should be used sparingly. As you friend gets used to the meds and their mood becomes more stable they may become more willing and better able to learn and grow in ways that will contribute to their wellbeing in the future.

Oldman is correct as to my experiences. My sister takes medicine for depression and when she is off for a while and starting back up it takes a bit for her to get on schedule and it does mess with her sleep schedule.

There is also a fine line between reminding/encouraging her to take the medicine and bothering her about it. Sometimes I just have to let her be, but she always knows that I'm there for her no matter what.

Here's another way of thinking about this. Contrast:

Quote:

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I'm concerned that they'll become dependent on these pills and won't be able to deal with the depression by themselves

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with:

Quote:

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I'm concerned that they'll become dependent on this cast and won't be able to deal with the broken leg by themselves

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Very often, depression is a disease. To treat it as anything less can be dangerous, and sometimes even fatal. I have severe reservations about how many disorders, esp. depression are treated esp. in the U.S., but in my experience it is a big mistake to conceptualize depression as (simply) something one has to "deal with". People deal with a stroke of bad luck. People treat disease.

Thank you all for your advice.

Last night they seemed to have higher spirits and it's encouraging to see them with a smile on their face and being a bit more talkative. But now they've found out that the company they work for has gone into receivership but they haven't been made redundant as yet. They've never been happy with their job and I think this may have aleviated some stress in a strange way.

Thanks again for all of your advice, I was finding it difficult to cope with and felt helpless but in perspective I'm fortunate not to be the one suffering the depression.