Hi everyone, well here I am again, went to the doctor and took their little questionaire/depression test and guess what?? Hey I'm depressed, wouldn't have guessed it. So they have prescribed Zoloft to help with the burden, don't know if it'll work but I'm at a point now that I don't really care. If it does great, if not hell I'm not much worse off, I guess I can continue the way I was going. But seriously folks, there's nothing wrong with taking meds to help is there? Does it mean you're weaker than most? My STBX keeps telling me to "Take it like a man!" so do real men do meds? <BR>Well I'll keep you posted, I guess it takes about three weeks to kick in, so here goes. Wish me luck. Jax

Real men aren't afraid to get help when they need it. By getting the help you need you are proving beyond any doubt that you are a real man. So be the man that you are and take the meds. And if the Zoloft doesn't work, or if the side effects for you are adverse, you can always try another type. <P>I'm on Zoloft as well. Just had my dosage increased. <P>Good luck.<BR><p>[This message has been edited by TruthSeeker (edited September 30, 2000).]

Jax - true story:<P>Watched the tape at my DivorceCare session, about dealing with all the pain, I don't remember it too clearly, but it talked about depression, and the power of prayer. Well, after the tape, it was kind of silent and I asked, "you know, my doctor has suggested I go on antidepressants - has any of you thought about it?" Jax, everybody, pulled out a bottle. Every single person in the group was on one, but embarrassed to bring it up first-<P>If you aren't having that serotonin problem, they won't help - if you are, they are a Godsend. No reason to feel guilty, or weak, or that they may cause a problem, they are not addictive. <P>I went through Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, another one too, I think ... but all made me nauseous and gave me headaches. I ended up on one that had sedative qualities, that I took at night - so the drowsiness factor would help me sleep. The doctor said too, even if they didn't help, just getting some sleep would make me feel better. Well, it did. I slept at night, and would get up in the morning and run. The combination did more for me than anything. I was on them for over a year. Normal life functioning had become overwhelming for me - but it was a dramatic difference in how I functioned when I used them. Was on them well over a year - stopped them when I was coping "normally" with the trauma of divorce.<P>Some people are prone to depression, some aren't. I bet most of us here, are the ones prone to it...<P>

Jax,<P>I have to say that I have a lot more respect for a man that is willing and able to admit that he needs help! If that means going on meds for awhile then that is great!<P>I only wish that my stbx would have done this.I lost a tremendous amount of respect for him! He even told me that he knew that he needed that help to go see a counselor and Doc,but didn't want to and wasn't gonna do it!! "Gee thanks hon".....I must mean so much to you. <P>It is great that you are doing this!<BR>In the long run it will make you a better person!<P>Hang in there!<P>Gina <P><P>------------------<BR>"If we deny love that is given to us,if we refuse to give love because we fear pain or loss,then our lives will be empty,our loss greater!"-----Anonymous----

Jax,<BR>Getting the help you need is NOT being weak. It's being courageous enough to admit you need help. I take Prozac and it has been a lifesaver for me. I don't know if I would have made it otherwise. This is a huge blow to your psyche, your self-esteem, your self-image, everything. It makes you exhausted and depressed and nervous and just plain weird. There is nothing wrong with getting help to get through it. There is nothing to be ashamed of. You don't have to share this information with anyone you don't want to. It's your private business. Just take your meds and in a few weeks I'll bet you start feeling much better. That's what they are for. To help. Take care!!!<BR><P>------------------<BR>Blessed be.<BR>****************<BR>Keridwen<P>Keridwen_7@yahoo.com

Jax, I am also on an antidepressant. I see know problem with it! There can be some side affects but talk with the doc about these.<P>I also suggest ongoing counseling! I am a therapist but I also see a therapist for my issues related to this divorce crap!<P>It has always been my belief that through an admission of weakness comes strenght!!!!<P>Hang in there! I will pray for you!