I have a sister who suffers from depression and whose consultant believes that depression is a non-curable disease which can only be contained by drugs (strong ones frightening in their side effects). I believe that my sister looks on the drugs as proof that she has an illness and therefore is reluctant to give them up.
She does not control her life - the depression and the drugs do. I find it so depressing (seriously, this is not a pun).
I have long believed that this is wrong and that with a more positive approach my sister could lead a much more fulfilling life. She is in hospital more and more frequently and for longer periods. She went into hospital recently because she felt suicidal but if she feels suicidal with the drugs what hope is there? I was heartened by the Depression Learning Path Website. It gives me hope but only if my sister can let go of her consultant (whom she thinks is the only one who understands her illness and her) and take control of her life.
Her family (my parents and siblings) all believe that her present treatment is hopeless but she feels threatened by the fact that we do not support it. We love her and want the best for her but she does not see it like that - we are a threat because we want something different. I can fully understand that. It would be a very hard and major decision for her to move away from what she has come to rely on.
If anyone can offer any words of comfort I would welcome them.