I'm sure it sounds like a silly question. I went to a counselor recently and he told me I was depressed and suggested all kinds of medications including elavil, ambien, zoloft, paxil, prozac and a few others. I told him that I think with everything I have been through this year, being depressed is only normal. His response was the depression makes me think that being depressed is normal. I know I am depressed but want to know if there is such a situation or situations where it is normal and justified. The reasons I think I am depressed is because all of these things have happened in the last year and it all made me sad (especially the situations around the events)
January 1, 2002 - Aunt found dead in apartment
April 1, 2002 - I move back from the South with my fiance (been together almost 7 years)
June 1, 2002 - Parents asked to leave home over minor code violations which were brought to light because father had disagreement over something with the Borough Manager/code inspector. Have to move in with me.
June 3, 2002 Aunt finds out she has ovarian cancer must begin treatments ASAP
June 6, 2002 - Grandmother dies after long battle with lung and brain cancer
June 20, 2002 - I find out my recurring kidney infections have done so much damage that I will need to start thinking about kindney transplant
August, 2002 Aunt's cancer in remission. Uncle announces he has lung cancer, prognosis is 10 -12 months.
November 1, 2002 Uncle dies
December 20, 2002 Family moves out of my home into motel while awaiting borough managers decision regarding repairs. They see that their having stayed with us caused strain of my relationship with my fiance.
December 22, 2002 Fiance says he wants to end relationship because he doesn't think he is in love anymore. I have to move out ASAP and leave behind everything including pets. I have no money, no job as I was asked to stay home and care for the house and finish school.
December 31, 2002 Fiance says we'll work things out.
January 1, 2003 Fiance says things have to end.
Amidst all of this, I lost 2 very dear pets and have not been feeling well. I'm not trying to throw myself a pity party, but am wondering if it is okay to be depressed for a little while. I kind of think that there would be something wrong if I wasn't. I depserately need advice. Should I take the medications or just ride it out? Thanks!

I think it is "normal" to be depressed when circumstances in life are bleak. There are those who think we should run around smiling all the time even if something horrible just happened. I've read that it's okay to just feel depressed at times. When it is unbearable and we can't eat or sleep or think or function for a long time and interferes with our lives greatly then therapy and sometimes medicines help. I have had so many bouts of depression from losses (depression is a normal part of grief) and illness. I sought therapy many times, did reading and listened to tapes on it and use some coping skills to pull out of it at times. I take medication too, though, because I am one who has had it chronically and been unable to function many times.

It is very normal to be depressed once in a while and it's ok especially the things you have had to endure.
I lost many people that I loved very close together and I didn't get to deal with each indivdual death and death and religion is my major causes for this depression I think......The thing is if you can live your life without medication for depression than that is wonderful,But I couldn't. I was so crazy and distraught at one point I wanted to die and things are still kinda crazy but I don't want to die anymore.

If you are bothered and having problems with how you are feeling and it is really effecting your life in a way that you need help with then maybe you could just get counseling,I am sure if you check around maybe you could find some for free or atleast cheap. You need to be able to talk with someone who will listen and can give you some advice on how to deal well with things like this.
I go to a mental health facility and they offer all this free.
But yes it is prefectly ok and normal to feel depressed and sad over things but the depression can't come in and run your life,that is when it's not healthy anymore.
take care http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by west virginia girl (edited 01-07-2003).]