depression or lack of faith???

[4given]

thats how I feel ,,I`ve probably been depressed for a very long time now I was in denial of course , I have been coming up with all kinds of things that could be the problem lack of faith ,not enough meetings, need to go through the steps again, need counseling, I`m physically ill, any thing but DEPRESSION!!!
so now the doctor suggested medication!! the counselor says sounds like I`m Clinically Depressed!! I am afraid to take the drugs!!!! I depended on alcohol&drugs for so many years in the past I dont want to have to do that now just to be happy or "socially acceptable" or to get my butt of the couch and out of the house!!!
I mean I have JESUS I`m sober why am I deprresed???? I feel like I am lacking faith I know that GOD can do anything so why cant I let HIM do this???? I am so confused , is that part of the depression ???? I`m not so much in denial anymore but I`m really afraid of taking pills that change the way my brain functions I`m scared :8:

[Faith92208]

I deal with anxiety and depression, and personally I need to take medication. I know that some people frown upon taking this type of medication, but I feel that it has helped me tremendously. I do not abuse it. I take it exactly as prescribed. There have been times in the past when I have tried to not take an anti-depressant, and the result is I literally cannot get out of bed. Now, if given the choice to take one pill a day that will help me to shower and face the world, then it works for me. Clinical depression is not a character flaw. It is a mental illness. It is not a lack of faith. It is not something you just snap yourself out of. If you aren't sure that you have depression, maybe consult another doctor. If you come to the conclusion that you are in fact, depressed, this does NOT make you a bad person! This does not make you weak. A strong person seeks help when needed. Big hugs! :42:

[paulm]

I too have fought the idea that I wouldn't take medication for my issues. It wasn't until I was completely down on my meeting attendance and too busy to make meetings and entirely too busy to schedule counseling sessions that I decided what the hell, maybe I should listen to the Doctor. I still fought it and during a job change I took advantage of the crises line at the job I was leaving, I found a psychologist that helped me break through some stuff, and he pointed out that I should see someone to get eval'd for meds. They are toatally different meds than Booze or Drugs, they are designed for a different reason. Separate the Idea or Ideal that I'm not putting anything in my body that is a chemical, stay open minded to it and best of all get 2nd and 3rd opinions if necessary to arm yourself with the information that you may need them to live a sane, sober life, (notice there was no mention of normal ok)

[susie g.]

Hi. Thanks for the invite. Just joined this site and really don't know how to use it. I am blessed that i have never had to be put on medication for depression. Don't hate me but I am a playful person who is actually happy joy and free much of the time. So when I get depressed it is situational, and very much hinges on my step work and my trust in the process of recovery, and my faith at the time in God. And I am a 48 yr. old female so it does have a bit to do with hormones as well. There's the whole nutrition stand point, and the winter time blues thing, etc...
BUT...i have friends in the program who DO need and take medication in the proper way. It helps them be able to do the step work.
God is holding you gently in his hands, do what is necessary for you. Have a peaceful day---susie

[4given]

thank you all for the input I still havnt gone back to to doctor yet but I will soon hey paul we have one of those hotlines at my work too I didnt even think of that!!! thanks, I know that I must deal with this ,sometimes its so hard just to even pick up the phone to make the calls and I too have slacked on meetings and counseling I`m slowly changing that but I believe as long as I`m moving forward and keeping intouch with GOD that everything will work out!!!

thanks for being here for me you have helped me much Luv-2-all

[runs10k11714]

I think depression plays are very large part in active addiction and in recovery. After a lot of back and forth in recovery I tried medication and am currently in therapy. I think the two have to go together. All I know is I'm sober. How my Higher Power wants priortize my recovery is something I believed I turned over in step 3. The meds have helped and the therapy have helped. I've found that most things help in recovery if I can be honest and share with my Higher Power and someone I trust in the fellowship. Thanks.