Documenting Depression: Medication

This week, Jess went to pick up a prescription for medication to treat her depression.

Depression medication plays a major role in treatment. Just like muscle relaxers for my TMJ disorder, or my antihistamines for my allergies, Depression medication is designed to help treat ailments of the mind.

Jess's doctor (not to be confused with her therapist) wrote up a prescription after a routine visit, and she picked it up.

She has been on this medication before, but taking medication for depression can be a serious challenge. Many meds can take a while to start working while they build up in your system, and maintaining the motivation to take your medication can keep you from seeing the benefits before they even have a chance.

The worst part, however, can be the side effects.

Like numerous medications, many meds for depression can come with some rather undesirable side effects. Drowsiness, lethargy, lack of motivation, or even the opposite; high-energy, sleeplessness, and more. Drug interaction is also a serious concern, so you have to be sure to be open with your doctor about any medications or recreational habits you may have.

These side effects, though, tend to be worth it for one reason: You have the chance to be a happier person overall, and are able to function in the world easier.

That doesn't mean the first medication will be the right one, or that it will solve your problems on its own. Combined with proper therapy and the right environment, however, medication can help with depression and other mental illnesses.

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This photo journalism series documents the depression of someone very close to me. She agreed to let me photograph her at the most vulnerable times in her life; not just to share it with you, but to help her understand herself. See the rest of the articles documenting depression here.

Depression affects about 6.7% of adults in the U.S., according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It is also among one of the many misunderstood illnesses that affect society.

Depression isn’t something that can just be turned off. You can’t stop hurting. You can’t “buck up”, “focus on the positive”, or anything else that many people will tell you to do when you’re suffering from clinical depression.

If you know someone who is suffering from depression, please, try to understand what they are going through and support them instead of telling them to cheer up. If you suffer from depression, just know that you’re not alone, no matter how much it feels that way. If you feel like there is no way out, or just need some help, check out NAMI’s support page.