[atsaloli]

I took anti-depressants for about a year, bridging my last year of college and first year of work. The anti-depressants numbed me -- suppressed feeling sad or glad. They covered up the problem (spiritual travail) without handling it. Getting enough sleep, exercise, good diet and effective counseling (that had me look at the source of the pain and discharge it) was more effective for me than taking anti-depressants.

[NumberCruncher]

>> They covered up the problem without handling it.

Exactly. Taking anti-depressants lifelong for depression is like taking painkiller lifelong for toothache. Unfortunately healing is not as profitable as selling drugs. Because of this it can be really hard to find a doctor who is interesed in healing you instead of in your money.

Edit: I forgot to write about the alternative solutions. Two of them are discussed in the followig books:

- A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine

- How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World by Harry Browne

[ruraljuror]

I think this view is dangerously close to further stigmatizing mental illness, which is a big problem in the US. Or at least it's a really bad simile.