FabSwingers.com > Forums > Ireland > Medication v meditation
Medication v meditation
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Following the debate on the treads lately regarding not enough serious topics here's one for ye :
I seen a tread earlier that piqued my interest about depression. The OP asked the question along the lines of " in a world where depression is rife, if more of us took anti depressants, would we be happier?
A subject I definitely have a strong opinion on having suffered with depression in my mid twenties. I refused to take any medication (personal choice) but realised I needed to change something to be happy. I started to practice meditation (something at the time I thought only weird people done) changed my diet and got out more. 10 yrs later, still have the same stresses, but havnt had a anxiety attack or bout of depression since. And couldn't be happier.
Interested in hearing your opinions. |
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I meditate. It was hard at first but it's part if my daily routine. I'd be a different person without it. If I don't get a chance during the day I do it when I go to bed....I call that my beditation. Btw people it's not all about incense and chanting . It's been proven to lower blood pressure, releave stress and the over all health benefits are are unbelievable. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Following the debate on the treads lately regarding not enough serious topics here's one for ye :
I seen a tread earlier that piqued my interest about depression. The OP asked the question along the lines of " in a world where depression is rife, if more of us took anti depressants, would we be happier?
A subject I definitely have a strong opinion on having suffered with depression in my mid twenties. I refused to take any medication (personal choice) but realised I needed to change something to be happy. I started to practice meditation (something at the time I thought only weird people done) changed my diet and got out more. 10 yrs later, still have the same stresses, but havnt had a anxiety attack or bout of depression since. And couldn't be happier.
Interested in hearing your opinions. "
yes meditation is supposed help I use deep breaths when I get bad aniexty and healthy diet usually means healthy mind tho hard eat healthy sometimes when depressed. I don't like taking my anti depressants but when I stopped taking them for months my depression got worse so unfortunately I need them for time being anyway  |
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"Following the debate on the treads lately regarding not enough serious topics here's one for ye :
I seen a tread earlier that piqued my interest about depression. The OP asked the question along the lines of " in a world where depression is rife, if more of us took anti depressants, would we be happier?
A subject I definitely have a strong opinion on having suffered with depression in my mid twenties. I refused to take any medication (personal choice) but realised I needed to change something to be happy. I started to practice meditation (something at the time I thought only weird people done) changed my diet and got out more. 10 yrs later, still have the same stresses, but havnt had a anxiety attack or bout of depression since. And couldn't be happier.
Interested in hearing your opinions. yes meditation is supposed help I use deep breaths when I get bad aniexty and healthy diet usually means healthy mind tho hard eat healthy sometimes when depressed. I don't like taking my anti depressants but when I stopped taking them for months my depression got worse so unfortunately I need them for time being anyway "
Medication is prescribed when needed so take them if needed. Diet and exercise is a must also. Meditation is an added bonus. Sometimes its a long road but look after yourself and you'll get there.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Following the debate on the treads lately regarding not enough serious topics here's one for ye :
I seen a tread earlier that piqued my interest about depression. The OP asked the question along the lines of " in a world where depression is rife, if more of us took anti depressants, would we be happier?
A subject I definitely have a strong opinion on having suffered with depression in my mid twenties. I refused to take any medication (personal choice) but realised I needed to change something to be happy. I started to practice meditation (something at the time I thought only weird people done) changed my diet and got out more. 10 yrs later, still have the same stresses, but havnt had a anxiety attack or bout of depression since. And couldn't be happier.
Interested in hearing your opinions. yes meditation is supposed help I use deep breaths when I get bad aniexty and healthy diet usually means healthy mind tho hard eat healthy sometimes when depressed. I don't like taking my anti depressants but when I stopped taking them for months my depression got worse so unfortunately I need them for time being anyway
Medication is prescribed when needed so take them if needed. Diet and exercise is a must also. Meditation is an added bonus. Sometimes its a long road but look after yourself and you'll get there. "
thanks  |
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Just my opinion if people disagree thats fine. Medication will help alleviate the symptoms. So if you have been prescribed them its for a reason and taking them isnt a bad thing. However they wont help you cope with the underlying issue. Until thats sorted then you will be in a cycle indefinitely. You think you're fine stop taking them and then a little while later you are down again.
I agree that mediation doesnt need to be sitting with your legs crossed chanting. It can be as simple as taking a few moments to yourself and having a few deep breaths. Or what works for me is taking a little time to go to a quiet room and read a book for a bit.
So to surmise myself i think meditation is a proactive measure to help cope with stress, medication is a modifier that can be helpful but i personally dont think should be relied on as a long term solution.  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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My opinion for what it's worth.... Meditation/mindfulness will work for some people but i think it depends on the "type" of depression or anxiety... for some therapy just won't cut it and medication is needed. I would always say try different avenues first if possible but if medication is needed it's not the worst outcome it could just mean that the sun can start coming through that cloud over you again |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I was the same, suffered from depression in my early 20’s then I started rock climbing, just being out in nature and exercising completely changed my outlook on life, I guess it’s a form of meditation |
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Don't get me wrong, I would never advise someone to stop taking medication. I would always however advise people to explore other options and decide what works best for them.
I don't agree medication is always prescribed where it's needed. I certainly didn't need all the pills that I was advised to take. Personally for me I'm glad I didn't go down that avenue. |
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For me, I eat fairly healthy and do sports often not for any aesthetic reasons but instead I train for the buzz
Exercise leaves me with a positive attitude and has helped me let off a bit of steam and deal with stress many a time  Of course, Fab deserves an honourable mention there too  |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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You cant generalise with this subject. If the depression is environment, brought about by stress then yes, meditation and CBT all the way.. but actual clinical depression is the mental manifestation of a physical condition, an imbalance in serotonin.. in this case medication has to be the primary treatment, meditation is helpful though |
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I think a combination if needed is the best course of action. Its good that people are not afraid to talk about mental health issues and that they know There is help. As other posters haves said it can be as simple as breathing deeply. To do something as simple as that can make a difference. It means for that short time you're concentrating on your breathing and giving your head peace. |
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By *adame BWoman
over a year ago
C'est moi Boudoir |
Great topic and points of view being discussed.
People are diverse and so are their issue's. There is no one band aid for depression.
There are various medications and different dosage levels that requires time to figure out and it's important to give it a chance however I do believe doctors are a bit over zealous in their willingness to prescribe.
There are various types of counselling and psychotherapy again what works for one may not work for the other.
There are various coping methods like meditation, tapping, yoga, exercise, etc... it's a matter of finding what works for you individually
Personally I think some are coping strategies, some are life skills and some are blockers but it's about figuring out what works for you and how to best suit your personal needs. Counseling to address your issues combined with any other method that works for you is a good place to start.
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I use both mediation and medication with my depression. Was going to councling not anymore as he thought I didn't need it anymore. I still get ups and downs and I do try my best to use the coping skills I have learned but it can be hard.i was diagnosed early last August but had it for ages and it wasn't untill I went and had a 100% breakdown that I sought help. On top of that I was dealing with a abuse that happened to me the same month and between everything I just couldn't cope. 9 months on and I am much better but still like everyone I take it day by day and do the best I can when I can. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think it's a question of trying everything until you find what's right for you personally. I also think that maintenance of mental health is a lifelong pursuit of which we always need to be mindful. |
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Some people have chemical imbalances and need the meds to be able to see clearly enough to deal with the underlying issues. I for one would never comment on a person on meds or tell them to try other avenues. I take meds and have done for a very long time. My doc says to me if I was diabetic or had a heart condition no one would comment on meds so why is mental health any different |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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I think medication definitely has its place, but also that doctors prescribe them far too quickly, and without an awareness of the side effects etc.. and with poor follow ups.. these are medications that effect the levels of dopamine and serotonin in our bodies, substances that have a massive impact for everyday life.. GP’s really don’t seem to understand the effects these meds can have , From what I’ve experienced..
I understand they have very little else in their arsenal given the state of our mental health service.. but doesn’t make it right!
I find mindfulness and exercise have been massive for me.. also worth googling something called 5-HTP, a supplement that helps with seratonin production.
Forgive the essay..  |
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"Some people have chemical imbalances and need the meds to be able to see clearly enough to deal with the underlying issues. I for one would never comment on a person on meds or tell them to try other avenues. I take meds and have done for a very long time. My doc says to me if I was diabetic or had a heart condition no one would comment on meds so why is mental health any different "
If it helps I would never say to anyone to stop taking meds for any serious condition. That would be wrong an reckless of Me to do so. Just from my own experience from doctors who recommended certain meds to me, I was never informed that there are other ways to rectify chemical imbalances. Serotonin, melatonin and dopamine levels can all be increased through eating certain foods, getting outside more and meditation. Working closely with people with depression I've noticed a lot aren't aware of this. I just think it's wrong to think there is only one answer. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Some people have chemical imbalances and need the meds to be able to see clearly enough to deal with the underlying issues. I for one would never comment on a person on meds or tell them to try other avenues. I take meds and have done for a very long time. My doc says to me if I was diabetic or had a heart condition no one would comment on meds so why is mental health any different
If it helps I would never say to anyone to stop taking meds for any serious condition. That would be wrong an reckless of Me to do so. Just from my own experience from doctors who recommended certain meds to me, I was never informed that there are other ways to rectify chemical imbalances. Serotonin, melatonin and dopamine levels can all be increased through eating certain foods, getting outside more and meditation. Working closely with people with depression I've noticed a lot aren't aware of this. I just think it's wrong to think there is only one answer."
Even in the medical profession there is considerable difference of opinion over the widespread use of medication. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Very true... and definitely doesn’t help that all GP’s seem to have different ideas of how to treat it.. personally, I’d sooner take arsenic than take Effexor again!
It’s a sad truth that for the majority, The only help you’ll get is from yourself.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Great topic and points of view being discussed.
People are diverse and so are their issue's. There is no one band aid for depression.
There are various medications and different dosage levels that requires time to figure out and it's important to give it a chance however I do believe doctors are a bit over zealous in their willingness to prescribe.
There are various types of counselling and psychotherapy again what works for one may not work for the other.
There are various coping methods like meditation, tapping, yoga, exercise, etc... it's a matter of finding what works for you individually
Personally I think some are coping strategies, some are life skills and some are blockers but it's about figuring out what works for you and how to best suit your personal needs. Counseling to address your issues combined with any other method that works for you is a good place to start.
"
You've summed up well how I'd feel about this too.
I use mindfulness as integral to daily life, breathing techniques are very effective, are so easily learned and used yet often overlooked. I would do 15/20 mins of yoga daily too.
It's been raised a few times already about GPS far too quickly prescribing meds without offering alternatives, without sounding cynical but unfortunately this has a lot to do with the pharmaceutical suppliers giving incentives for practices etc etc. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Great topic and points of view being discussed.
People are diverse and so are their issue's. There is no one band aid for depression.
There are various medications and different dosage levels that requires time to figure out and it's important to give it a chance however I do believe doctors are a bit over zealous in their willingness to prescribe.
There are various types of counselling and psychotherapy again what works for one may not work for the other.
There are various coping methods like meditation, tapping, yoga, exercise, etc... it's a matter of finding what works for you individually
Personally I think some are coping strategies, some are life skills and some are blockers but it's about figuring out what works for you and how to best suit your personal needs. Counseling to address your issues combined with any other method that works for you is a good place to start.
You've summed up well how I'd feel about this too.
I use mindfulness as integral to daily life, breathing techniques are very effective, are so easily learned and used yet often overlooked. I would do 15/20 mins of yoga daily too.
It's been raised a few times already about GPS far too quickly prescribing meds without offering alternatives, without sounding cynical but unfortunately this has a lot to do with the pharmaceutical suppliers giving incentives for practices etc etc."
I don't think it's entirely the fault of the medical profession, quite a few people expect to walk out of the surgery with a prescription for anything that ails them, there's considerable resistance on the part of some to proposed lifestyle changes. And of course others may struggle with the idea of counselling, due to misconceptions about what it may involve or unwillingness to admit help is needed. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Fair point... as anyone who’s been depressed and been told to exercise will tell you, it’s the bloody last thing you’ll feel like doing!! "
It's a vicious circle. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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But... I’ve been to an appointment with a HSE psychiatrist... He honestly was one of the worst human beings I’ve ever met.. pretty sure he said things just to try and get me to attack him.. and since been in touch with couple of other people who’ve had similar experiences.. nasty piece of work, shudder to think the impact he’d have on some one truly vulnerable. Raised a complaint and got a nice big fob off for my trouble |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"But... I’ve been to an appointment with a HSE psychiatrist... He honestly was one of the worst human beings I’ve ever met.. pretty sure he said things just to try and get me to attack him.. and since been in touch with couple of other people who’ve had similar experiences.. nasty piece of work, shudder to think the impact he’d have on some one truly vulnerable. Raised a complaint and got a nice big fob off for my trouble "
I have to say my experiences with mental health outpatient services were extremely positive and all the staff I encountered were very helpful. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Again it seems to highlight the Fact that treatment seems to vary wildly from place to place, no consistency.. I hate to be negative, he really was awful though.. to this day I will never know how I didn’t go for him; he was honestly that instigating.. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Great topic and points of view being discussed.
People are diverse and so are their issue's. There is no one band aid for depression.
There are various medications and different dosage levels that requires time to figure out and it's important to give it a chance however I do believe doctors are a bit over zealous in their willingness to prescribe.
There are various types of counselling and psychotherapy again what works for one may not work for the other.
There are various coping methods like meditation, tapping, yoga, exercise, etc... it's a matter of finding what works for you individually
Personally I think some are coping strategies, some are life skills and some are blockers but it's about figuring out what works for you and how to best suit your personal needs. Counseling to address your issues combined with any other method that works for you is a good place to start.
You've summed up well how I'd feel about this too.
I use mindfulness as integral to daily life, breathing techniques are very effective, are so easily learned and used yet often overlooked. I would do 15/20 mins of yoga daily too.
It's been raised a few times already about GPS far too quickly prescribing meds without offering alternatives, without sounding cynical but unfortunately this has a lot to do with the pharmaceutical suppliers giving incentives for practices etc etc.
I don't think it's entirely the fault of the medical profession, quite a few people expect to walk out of the surgery with a prescription for anything that ails them, there's considerable resistance on the part of some to proposed lifestyle changes. And of course others may struggle with the idea of counselling, due to misconceptions about what it may involve or unwillingness to admit help is needed. "
I do agree with you there. Most people want an instant fix whether it be meds or some other treatment. I do CBT and amazed at the number of people expect all to be sorted after a couple of sessions. Many fail to understand this simple concept... when they suddenly face that wall they think it can be removed immediately. What many fail to understand is that wall is made of many layers which in turn are built of many bricks over a long period of time. It takes a lot if effort and resolve to start taking the wall down again.
Life skills can be taught, but they then need to be implemented to become effective long term. |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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"Following the debate on the treads lately regarding not enough serious topics here's one for ye :
I seen a tread earlier that piqued my interest about depression. The OP asked the question along the lines of " in a world where depression is rife, if more of us took anti depressants, would we be happier?
A subject I definitely have a strong opinion on having suffered with depression in my mid twenties. I refused to take any medication (personal choice) but realised I needed to change something to be happy. I started to practice meditation (something at the time I thought only weird people done) changed my diet and got out more. 10 yrs later, still have the same stresses, but havnt had a anxiety attack or bout of depression since. And couldn't be happier.
Interested in hearing your opinions. "
Brilliant post OP. Thanks for sharing that, it's great to see people talking openly about these common mental health problems. I couldn't agree more |
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"Some people have chemical imbalances and need the meds to be able to see clearly enough to deal with the underlying issues. I for one would never comment on a person on meds or tell them to try other avenues. I take meds and have done for a very long time. My doc says to me if I was diabetic or had a heart condition no one would comment on meds so why is mental health any different
If it helps I would never say to anyone to stop taking meds for any serious condition. That would be wrong an reckless of Me to do so. Just from my own experience from doctors who recommended certain meds to me, I was never informed that there are other ways to rectify chemical imbalances. Serotonin, melatonin and dopamine levels can all be increased through eating certain foods, getting outside more and meditation. Working closely with people with depression I've noticed a lot aren't aware of this. I just think it's wrong to think there is only one answer."
I wasn’t meaning you said to stop meds  it’s amazing the amount of times I’ve been told “why you on the crap you don’t need it just suck it up” eh no sorry luv some people do need them and some people can cope with other avenues personally I don’t care if I’m on the meds for life if it means I can live my life with not being in a ball crying and having the most horrible thoughts. My kids and myself are happy and I’m a good mammy |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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Couldn’t agree more, some people need them and they work for them and that’s that!!
Everyone is wired different, and everyone finds a different path to a solution is all.. my beef is that GP’s tend to prescribe those meds to people who may not need them, and they make things worse, not better.. and then don’t have the resources to follow up and review! |
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"Couldn’t agree more, some people need them and they work for them and that’s that!!
Everyone is wired different, and everyone finds a different path to a solution is all.. my beef is that GP’s tend to prescribe those meds to people who may not need them, and they make things worse, not better.. and then don’t have the resources to follow up and review! "
Have to say my GP is the best he has given me so much support through the years and listened to everything he’s always booked out he’s that good lol |
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"Some people have chemical imbalances and need the meds to be able to see clearly enough to deal with the underlying issues. I for one would never comment on a person on meds or tell them to try other avenues. I take meds and have done for a very long time. My doc says to me if I was diabetic or had a heart condition no one would comment on meds so why is mental health any different
If it helps I would never say to anyone to stop taking meds for any serious condition. That would be wrong an reckless of Me to do so. Just from my own experience from doctors who recommended certain meds to me, I was never informed that there are other ways to rectify chemical imbalances. Serotonin, melatonin and dopamine levels can all be increased through eating certain foods, getting outside more and meditation. Working closely with people with depression I've noticed a lot aren't aware of this. I just think it's wrong to think there is only one answer.
I wasn’t meaning you said to stop meds it’s amazing the amount of times I’ve been told “why you on the crap you don’t need it just suck it up” eh no sorry luv some people do need them and some people can cope with other avenues personally I don’t care if I’m on the meds for life if it means I can live my life with not being in a ball crying and having the most horrible thoughts. My kids and myself are happy and I’m a good mammy "
It ok I knew what you meant
And btw "my kids and myself are happy" isn't that the result we all want, so keep doing what you are doing |
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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago
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There is no 1 path that is a guaranteed way to recovery.
For me it deoends entirely on the person. For some meditation is oie in the sky and they may not be able to connect wuth themselves through it. They may not find thenselves able to articulate their thoughts or having the strength to do counselling.
I do believe certain docs can prescribe meds too quickly . Not all though and some are exceptionally helpful. A good gp can be an amazing foundation on which to build the recovery process on.
For me a mix of a fantastic , open and engaging modern gp who looked at me as a person who needed help rather than a client or a customer was and is one of the main cornerstones I have in my life. To add to the mix is a combo of meditation, mindfulness, a brutally honest relationship with my counsellor and myself in owning my mistakes and my identity has taught me to accept the person who looks in the mirror. Without going into my background or occupation a continuous commitment to learn in different fields of psychology has also helped me understand what are sometimes counter intuitive truths that can ne hard yet liberating to face up to.
Big respect to any of you folks that have opened up thus far on the thread and wishing you all continued success on the journey of life. |
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think there's still a lot of work to be done in changing attitudes towards mental health