Originally posted by K9soul
Pets are indeed wonderful therapy, and I think they always help when feeling down, but true clinical depression can be utterly disabling and sometimes medical treatment is truly necessary. It can be medically treated very successfully. I think too often it's viewed as a sign of weakness when someone resorts to medical treatment of depression, or a sign of strength when someone holds back from medical treatment, since it is not often viewed as much of a disorder as diabetes or hypertension. It is not (usually) someone taking a pill in order to be happy, which seems a common misconception.
Well said K9.

My first anti-depressant choice : My hubby
Second : The critters *something about waking up to a gecko staring at you is wonderful, don't know why though*

Honestly though, Ive been on LOTS of antidepressants and the only ones that honestly work on really bad days is stuff that is natural, like St. Johns Wart. I don't know but it really works for me and it doesn't make me dizzy like a lot of antidepressants do. I have a really bad reaction to most medications in general, *I can't even take most over the counter pain relievers* so I have to be really careful as to what I take or else I could get very ill. Sometimes, I feel like I'm fighting a losing battle because I want to be better and I can't just will the depression and ainxiety to go away. Also it kind of doesn't help when doctors can't agree as to what exactly is wrong so they try to use the aproach of "Lets throw a medication at it and see if it works". So not only do I have the original problem but also I have the problem that the meds are making me sick. Since I've been researching more holistic methods, I find that actualy there is something out there that works for me. My life is getting on track and I feel so much happier and less anxious.

This poll is a good idea sirrahbed.