I hear that a lot from people. But it isn’t the number of pills that made you depressed in the first place. Some depressions are just a bit more resistant to treatment than others. It can take a very long time to find a “cocktail” that reduces symptoms and doesn’t cause any difficult side effects.

This feeling of “the more pills I take, the crazier I must be” is a trap. People often want to take fewer pills to feel better, but when they under-dose themselves, it can contribute to a relapse.

Of course, I can’t comment on individual treatment. The key is to find a prescriber you trust, follow their recommendations, be honest with him/her about what you are actually doing or how you’re feeling, and take the medication as prescribed.

It is important that you feel a part of the team that is working to your recovery.

Loren Olson