Depression
This might be a good place to mention depression.
I am not referring to the “blues” all of us experience from time to time. Not all those
with eating disorders are clinically depressed, but some are. I do not generally encourage the taking of
any medications unless the symptoms warrant it. This can only be evaluated by your Physician.
I can, however, tell you that depression often enough is a possible underlying reason that can cause eating disorders
to begin or worsen. If a physician that you trust suggests the use of antidepressants I encourage you to
at least give it some thought. Generally they are only needed for a short time, three to six months.
For some they can make a world of difference.
I am aware there are many people who have strong feelings about “those kinds of medications”.
I respect those feelings but I also know how crippling clinical depression can be. In my work I
often explain it to folks like this. If a physician you trust suggest antibiotics for an infection would
you turn him down? I often do not understand why people think that nothing could possibly be wrong with
the brain. It is an organ like every other organ in the body. Unfortunately the brain
controls the entire body. If it is chemically compromised the effect on thought processes and the entire
body can be life altering. If you are clinically depressed, quite often you do not feel well physically
either. It does not mean anyone is “crazy”. To take medication is your decision...it
helps to be educated about the situation in order to think through your decision. The other side of the
coin should also be stated. Eating disorders can cause depression. Stopping the destructive
behavior can begin lifting depression almost immediately for those not suffering from long-term clinical depression.
Some symptoms of depression include: changes in appetite, disturbances in normal sleeping patterns,
decreased motivation, isolation, loss of interest in enjoyable activities, poor concentration, mood swings, irritability or
sadness, memory problems, feelings hopelessness or helplessness.
