Do you think people who have mild depression should use Prozac or other anti-depressants?

Question

40 000 000 people are on anti-depressants, and many of them don't even need them. Some people feel like they need it when they are having a bad day, and many doctors prescribe them when they are not necessary. All it takes to fix you bad mood sometimes is just going out for a run or doing a fun activity. Share your thoughts and opinions.

Answer 1

well sometimes its hard when your whole life you;ve had major anxiety,sadness,odd thoughts, feel uncomfortable in your own skin, and crying alot, one minute your fine the next your flippin out, some days u lay in bad andtry to figure out what is so wrong....i think need some help.....i have tried living a good life like meditation,walking by the beach,seeing a psychiatrist so its not like i gave up, i think, i just can't stand how i am sometimes its a long story..and i guess i had to resort to meds cuz i don't know what else to do.

Answer 2

I agree with you that a lot of ppl are on them and probably don't need them... mild depression can usually be treated without meds by doing the things you said and talking out problems with a friend/relative/doctor... that being said, I hate when ppl say that no one should use them ever because they do help many people and there are lots of ppl who really DO need the medication along with other forms of therapy such as talking, and doing fun things/good diet.  

Answer 3

I tend to agree with you, and yet some folks just aren't ready to try running, they want a magic pill.

For some folks, the meds have saved their lives and for others, just a change in diet, exercise, and new job have done it.

Either way, I think folks should have the right & freedom to decide for themselves.

Answer 4

Most people medicate because they do not like their reality that they created.  When a body is out of balance it is natural for the body to correct itself.  Meaning it will purge through mental illness or psychosis or disease.   Keeping a balance in one's life is crucial.  It can be done through exercise, positive thinking, mediation and taking a spiritual (non religious) approach to life.  It is so sad that people feel they can find their answers in a pill bottle or booze bottle.  

Answer 5

Mild depression?  No.  I think if they can't find their own way out, they should be in therapy.  Only if a serious effort at that fails, should meds be discussed at all.

The thing is, who's defining mild? (not that I don't think therapy comes before meds in most cases)