MEDICATION

Some days I absolutely hate the fact that I have to take medication to make me “normal”. It seems so unfair that I have to take a pill everyday to make me the same as everyone else emotionally. And while it often seems unfair I am constantly reminded that I am not the only person who has to take medication to function fully. Those with diabetes have to take insulin because their body doesn’t do what it is supposed to just like I need to take medication every day because my brain has a chemical imbalance.

I want to clear up a bit of a misconception when it comes to depression. Just because I have depression doesn’t mean that I am constantly sad. I remember telling a past boyfriend about having depression in the spirit of full disclosure. He was understanding that I suffer from depression but he didn’t understand it. He said that he never would have guessed that I have it which I in turn explained to him is because I am on medication to help it. He didn’t understand why I couldn’t just be happy on my own. I tried explaining to him that I am a generally happy person but I need help to be that way. Many people seem to think that I am taking some kind of “happy” pill that makes it so I don’t feel sadness which is completely inaccurate. I still have my ups and downs just like everyone else but taking medication allows me to have normal ups and downs and not extreme downs like I would have without my medication.

Although many people, including myself occasionally, feel that I should be able to control my emotions without medication I know that depression medication has been a Godsend in my life. I fully believe that those who discovered the cause of depression and how to treat it were truly inspired by God to help people, like me, who suffer from depression.  I know that my life and relationships have been saved by medication and I am sure that many others feel the same way.