Can you tell us more about WHY your therapist gave you the "ultimatum"? Perhaps talking about it more in-depth (besides just putting a term to her words) could help. For instance, has she been telling you that you may need antidepressants to see further progress? Has she said that "talk therapy" is no longer effective, or that she can not do anything more for you? Does she feel so strongly that antidepressants could help you, that is is painful for her to see you continue to struggle? Can she recommend you to another therapist if you decide not to use antidepressants?
A few other thoughts:
Have you explored the pros/cons of antidepressants (I am sure you have, but perhaps writing about it could help, too). Have you talked with your therapist about your concerns, and what was her response?
I am always interested to learn more about why people take strong stands 100% for, or 100% against, something. There are few behaviors or choices in life that can be labeled as "always" or "never". Are you willing to explore these feeling with us? You said you do not "feel right" about taking "any medications of any kind". Why? Is this including over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, for example), or only prescription? Is it only medications that have a bad societal context (unfortunately, that could be antidepressants), but what about medications for cancer treatment? Or just gas relief? What if a person tried all of the natural and herbal remedies, but still can not find treatment without medication.
Are medications "bad" if they are helpful?
Lastly, is there a "happy medium" between you and your therapist? Are you able to try a mild dose of antidepressants for a short time, to see if they help? Are you able to try some other forms of therapy that does not involve medications, that could be recommended by your therapist?
Comment Reply
Can you tell us more about WHY your therapist gave you the "ultimatum"? Perhaps talking about it more in-depth (besides just putting a term to her words) could help. For instance, has she been telling you that you may need antidepressants to see further progress? Has she said that "talk therapy" is no longer effective, or that she can not do anything more for you? Does she feel so strongly that antidepressants could help you, that is is painful for her to see you continue to struggle? Can she recommend you to another therapist if you decide not to use antidepressants?
A few other thoughts:
Have you explored the pros/cons of antidepressants (I am sure you have, but perhaps writing about it could help, too). Have you talked with your therapist about your concerns, and what was her response?
I am always interested to learn more about why people take strong stands 100% for, or 100% against, something. There are few behaviors or choices in life that can be labeled as "always" or "never". Are you willing to explore these feeling with us? You said you do not "feel right" about taking "any medications of any kind". Why? Is this including over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, for example), or only prescription? Is it only medications that have a bad societal context (unfortunately, that could be antidepressants), but what about medications for cancer treatment? Or just gas relief? What if a person tried all of the natural and herbal remedies, but still can not find treatment without medication.
Are medications "bad" if they are helpful?
Lastly, is there a "happy medium" between you and your therapist? Are you able to try a mild dose of antidepressants for a short time, to see if they help? Are you able to try some other forms of therapy that does not involve medications, that could be recommended by your therapist?
I hope to hear back from you!
August 19, 2010 - 2:42pmThis Comment
Reply