From the age of seven, I’ve been navigating the stormy waters of treatment-resistant depression. This condition has cast a long shadow over my life. I spent countless hours in my room, crying and wishing for companionship, while facing relentless bullying for being that emotional kid. I’ve battled self-harm, starved myself, and even had a near-fatal overdose that only left me sleeping for days. Managing my mental health requires seven different psychiatric medications, and last year, I spent a couple of weeks in an outpatient facility for support.
A well-meaning friend recently suggested I stop taking my medication to “find my true self.” This is absurd; my “true self” is someone who contemplates suicide. It’s the medication that allows me to be present for my family, to love and parent effectively. You wouldn’t tell a diabetic to toss their insulin in hopes of discovering freedom through cheesecake, yet it seems acceptable to suggest that my meds alter my essence. Insulin keeps you alive—so do my medications.
I’ve also encountered the idea that yoga could save my sanity. Honestly, if that were true, the Beatles would have never moved past their early albums. Sure, some yoga poses can be beneficial, but they won’t prevent me from slipping into darkness if I stop my medication. When I last discontinued a single medication, my energy plummeted, I became irritable with my kids, and my bodily functions seized up. Yoga isn’t going to fix that.
Light therapy is another recommendation I’ve received. However, it primarily benefits those with Seasonal Affective Disorder, a specific type of depression tied to seasonal changes. I might experience a bit of that, but my struggles persisted even in the summer. Sunlight cannot fix my brain.
Then there’s the Electronic Freedom Technique, which involves tapping while focusing on your issues. My issue is a long-standing feeling of worthlessness. I call this approach into question, as it feels more like a gimmick than a genuine solution.
Let’s not even get started on essential oils. I only know a couple—lavender, which is ubiquitous, and patchouli, which sounds intriguing. When people mention essential oils as cures, I tend to zone out. I need serious interventions, not vague herbal remedies. Do you know what “serotonin reuptake inhibitor” means? If not, take your multi-level marketing kit elsewhere.
And yes, serotonin is produced in the gut. I’m fully aware, but no trendy diet is my salvation. Gluten makes me feel miserable, but it’s due to non-celiac gluten intolerance, not some miraculous cure for my psychological struggles. I’ve tried various diets, including Paleo, and even a restrictive elimination diet consisting of just chicken and rice. Despite all that, my mind still wandered into dark places. So please spare me the dietary advice; I’ve tried more than you can imagine.
Now, about exercise. Sure, I could be more active. I’ve hiked mountains and ran eight miles a day at one point. Yet, during those times, I still felt isolated and inadequate. Exercise is excellent, but it won’t cure my depression, and suggesting otherwise is frankly insulting. I could run marathons, but without my meds, I would still be facing those dark thoughts.
So, please, don’t tell me to abandon my medications or propose some quirky alternative you read about online. I live with treatment-resistant depression, and I rely on my medication to function. When I take them, I’m okay—and without them, I’m not. So yes, I will continue with my prescribed medication, thank you very much.
For more information on home insemination, check out this post, which offers valuable insights. If you’re considering a journey towards parenthood, this site is an excellent resource for everything you need. Also, don’t miss March of Dimes, a fantastic source for fertility treatments and support.
Summary
The article discusses the author’s long struggle with treatment-resistant depression and challenges the common misconceptions surrounding alternative treatments like yoga, light therapy, and diet changes. It emphasizes the importance of medication in managing mental health and dismisses the oversimplified solutions often suggested by well-meaning friends. The author stresses the need for serious medical interventions to cope with depression.