Esperanza Hope To Cope: A Critical Change in The Treatment Of Depression

by Carol L. Rickard

It has been 30 years since the last break through in the treatment of depression.

What was that break through?

Prozac!

For those old enough to have lived through it – what was available to people
suffering from depression before then was quite limited.

BUT – 30 years is a long time. Too long!

This past week, I had an incredible opportunity to travel just outside of
Washington, DC to be a part of a panel discussion.

I was invited by Phyllis Foxworth of DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support
Alliance) to share my experience of living with depression.

DBSA is committed to bringing the voice of those living with mood disorders,
including family members, to discussions and having that voice recognized.

They are also committed to encouraging new treatments are developed.

Just as importantly, when it comes to those new treatments, their critical
point is to look at the person as a whole and not just the symptoms.

An important part of this discussion involves looking at:

“What is wellness?”

Is it simply the absence of symptoms?

Or is it more than that?

I know for me, the episode I experienced this past summer left me barely able
to FUNCTION.

One of my biggest challenges was having a brain that just did not want to work!

As long as I was doing something I could do on autopilot, I was able to do it.

Anything else that required me to actually USE my brain – I just couldn’t.

The amazing and also frustrating thing when it comes to depression is that
it can be so different in other people.

When your depression strikes – what is most challenging for you?

“What is WELLNESS for you?”

Please take a moment and share your answers in the comment box below.

For me, WELLNESS is the ability to live fully and participate in life!

My hope is we get to a day, when treatment for depression is able to allow
many more people suffering to have their lives back.

~ To Living Well TODAY! ~

 

 

 

via Esperanza – Hope To Cope
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