If you have depression, do you have to take meds or do therapy?

I'm getting checked out to see if I have it tomorrow. I really, really don't wanna talk to the doctor.
WHY can't I let it get better or something?

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You dont have to, it is your choice. But like I said, it could really help with the way you have been feeling and the thoughts about yourself. Usually the doctors that I have been to have told me that it is good to do a combination of therapy and anti depressants, but you can choose which one you would rather do. It is so nice to be able to talk to someone who understands and someone that wants to help. I think that you would really benefit from medication and therapy but that is not for me to decide, it is up to you and the doctor. Things wont just get better on there own if it is a chemical imbalance. Sometimes you need medication to help fix those imbalances. I remember when I was told that I needed to go on anit depressants, I really didn't want to because I thought they would change who I was as a person. They dont, they just help with the angry and sadness you feel.

You don't have to take meds or do therapy. You don't HAVE to.

Honestly, if you are experiencing depression, it may be good for you to speak with a professional for a period of time. Being able to speak to someone who is non-biased, non-judgmental and on your side is really helpful when you feel like no one in the world understands how you feel.

Depression is not something to take lightly, and if you haven't experienced it before, it may be good for you to have a professional to talk to about how you're feeling. Overtime, your depression will lessen, or you will learn how to maintain a baseline.

I would recommend talk therapy for at least 6 months before you go on medication. A lot of work can be done that will lessen the necessity for medication.

You should do something if you think you have depression. At least go to therapy. That might be all you need. I have depression due to the loss of my newborn. She had a congenital heart defect and died when she was 31 days old. I am currently doing therapy and medication because of the severity of my depression. Not all people fall into this category though. You may just need therapy. Ask your general practitioner or call the crisis hot line in the front of your phone book. They should direct you to someone. Good Luck and try to keep a smile on your face.

if you have true clinical depression, it's typically genetically/chemistry issue, get evaluated from a prudent psychiatrist, some will need medication and therapy, some just need meds, a true clinical depression will not allow you to get normal just because you want to, regardless of your environmental situation one is still depressed,

it's one thing having healthy grief or loneliness which allow you to come out of it, it's another thing when there is internal physiological issues that you don't have much control over, good luck

My goodness Courtney dear YOU are only 13 how can YOU be depressed when you have barely lived yet? Sweetie, it is all up to you. You can look at the world and your life as a cruel and terrible thing or you can focus on the good and wonderful things in this life. I will now tell you that I have had many tragic events in my life not the least of which was the suicide of 2 of my sons. I do not focus on their death but rather on the essences their ever living souls. I know with-out a shadow of a doubt that I will see my sons again and that they are free from the pain and suffering that drove them to take their own lives. PLEASE dear do not focus your mind on the bad things in this life that you as a young person have no control over. Look toward the brighter side of things and your depression will go away all on it's own. Peace&Love be with you...~M~

yes i do.

i take a nice little 'cocktail' every day to keep me going.
As much as you really don't want to say anything, it's really a really really good idea. I don't regret it at all.
You can let it get better, that's what you Doctors are there for, to help you get better. They're not going to laugh and gawk and point and escort you out to the waiting room announcing your illness to the occupants. THEY ARE THERE TO HELP.

Please go, please ask.

It won't hurt to talk to the doctor. Just let the doc know you want it to stay between you and him/her. Then let it all come out. Be honest and open for suggestions. Your teen years are so hard. You experience so many emotions and all of them in extremes. Before you go, make a list of all the things that have been bothering you...everything! Parents...siblings...responsibilities...... school. Write it all down and in detail if possible.

Whenever we have any medical thing happening, we are responsible for our own health and well being. Taking medications may be indicated if other methods don't work. Trying to help your own mental, emotional, physical and spirit health with meditation and affirmation techniques works for some before medicine is necessary.

I don't have depression, why do you ?? live is great, live it, be it, make it a difference....

How cares about medicine and terapy... watch a good comedy, or something funny. Laughter is the best medicine.