On the thread about Depression...this is one very tricky condition.  Who
knows whether the brain chemicals alter because of the circumstances or the
circumstances that are perceived as overwhelming cause the brain chemical
balances to be altered.  Chicken or egg.  One thing is sure, and that is that
being able to talk to someone empathetic and caring when one's emotions feel
like they've been part of a deck of cards playing 52 pick up is going to be
very helpful.  We need to be able to listen, empathize and realise when a
client's situation is in need of a care level above our ability to give.
Sometimes depression responds very well in theraputic situations without the
use of any medications whatever.  Sometimes meds are needed intermitently and
sometimes long term.  IMHO, I think we grab the Prozac as the "answer" way
too quickly - not that it doesn't serve a vital purpose.
I've lived with a spouse with acute clinical depression for 5 1/2 years, and
without any SSRI's, he's impossible to tolerate for anybody else as well as
himself.  I have my own opinions about his course of therapy and medication,
but still, there are so many ways to approach and deal with this EXTREMELY
debilitating condition.  I am personally more inclined to refer to a
professional therapist when it "feels" like it's gone too far.  Try
documenting that one! Guess I think that it's better to err on the side of
caution and refer, than to sit by idly and watch somebody circling the drain.
 No easy or even consistent answers on this one, at least not to me.

Gretchen Andrews, BA, IBCLC
private practice, So CAL USA

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