I had an appointment with my primary care doc. In the appointment, I explained all the incidents that had been going on the about the last year in my personal life. I ended the conversation that right now, I do not feel myself and that I am worried about my emotional and physical health. After pouring over my record and seeing I have lost close to 15 pounds since the beginning of the year, gave him reason for concern. (Course, I was already concerned!!!)

I have been going to this doc for several years, and when I tell him something is not right, he quickly understands. Knowing my history of mental illness, specifically depression, and seeing that it had been over four years since I was on medication, he agreed with me that some course of antidepressants were called for. In addition, after looking at the notes on my chart made by the nurse, he also decided to prescribe a course of anti anxiety medication as well.

Let this be a lesson to all of you. If you personally suffer, or know someone with depression, please urge them to get help! This is not something to joke about. I have been living with depression for over 20 years and I have my good and bad days. I don't talk about medications lightly. Once you realize seriously that you can't control it on your own, THAT is the time to talk to someone who can help. In addition, once you start treatment, make sure your friends and family are supportive. They will enable your recovery, If they don't let your therapist and treatment professionals know this.

I do not mean to be so preachy, but this is a serious problem in our society today...the stigma attached to mental illness and I want to try to change that.