Your mom's a crack smoker
This is going to be jumbled. And it will bring up way more questions that it will answer, because it probably won't answer any of them. But I'm curious and wanting to chat about this. And I'd like to hear what you think.
1. Lately the Utah Drug Force and other agencies have been getting the word out that the most typical meth users in the state are woman in their 20s and 30s who are also mothers.
2. My friend works at a pharmacy where a pregnant woman was recently arrested for forging a prescription for Loritab (she had a prescription, but changed the amount so she could get more pills). She tried to fill it while her husband and children waited in the parking lot on their way to church.
3. There have been studies and articles which indicate that Utah leads the way in anti-depressant use, with explanations ranging from things like "Mormon Women are more depressed because their religion and their culture expect them to be perfect" to "In Utah when women are depressed they go see their doctor and get a prescription rather than self-medicating through alcohol or other drugs."
Now for my rambling thoughts and questions.
1. The meth thing. What the heck? The word on the street (not from official sources) is that some of these Utah mommies get hooked on meth because that's how they try to do everything and keep going and not need to rest so that they can be the Best Mormon Mommies Ever. I don't know if that's true, though. I think it's easy for us to cast around for a reason and then come up with something which seems tidy. It then gets repeated as fact, whether or not it's actually supported by real evidence.
2. The prescription drug thing. My friend has some stories. They have to be constantly, constantly on the look-out for people trying to get drugs they shouldn't have. The one about the pregnant lady really took the cake, though, because this woman point-blank lied to the pharmacists and to the police who were called in. If this is her first offense, she could have just confessed and said, "Yes, I'm in a ton of pain and feeling desperate and not thinking straight." And it wasn't even for that many extra pills! Lying to everyone pretty much ensures that she could go to jail, and then there's her husband with little kids and a baby who possibly had no clue any of this was going on and he's just tootling off to church, all la-la-laa.
3. The depression thing. I'm torn on this. You get the people who point to the LDS Church (or just generally Utah LDS culture) as the root of all depression and evil, and you get the articles like this one from the BYU Family Studies Center which refute the statistics pointing to Utah as the #1 anti-depressant state, or this wiki article which argues that even if Utah does use a seemingly high number of anti-depressants then it's not a logical step to say that religion causes depression.
Here's what I think, and this is just my own uneducated opinion. I fall somewhere in between the two camps.
I think they have a point when they talk about LDS women not trying to self-medicate through alcohol (because that usually doesn't present itself as an option in a teetotaling society). I know someone who just went in to talk to her doctor about depression and he asked her if she has a history of depression or alcoholism in her family. Turns out, she does--of both. The doctor said he asked because it's only in the last couple of generations that depression is really being diagnosed and treated. So a history of alcoholism might be a good indicator that depression does run in your family.
I don't think that living the lifestyle of a Latter-day Saint necessarily makes one prone to depression. I think that, for me, my religion has given me a greater sense of purpose and peace about my life. My relationship with a Savior and a Heavenly Father, as well as a strong support group or "church family," helps me through difficult times.
But I know that this isn't necessarily the case for everyone. I know first-hand that some elements of the LDS culture (at least as it exists here in Utah) contributes to competitiveness and a need to excel at everything. In October's General Conference there were two talks (one by Julie Beck and another by Dallin Oaks) which dealt with calming the heck down and not over committing yourself and your families, and being willing to let things go if they're not the most important things. They wouldn't be mentioning it if it wasn't a thing.
And then, this is the part that I don't like to say but which I really feel is true. First off, let me say that I fully appreciate that there may (and most likely will) come a time in my life when I will be hit by real, live depression. It runs in my family, and I've already had times when I've felt myself sinking into a Not Good Place. I'm very fortunate that I've been able to come out of those "low moods" but I know that's no indication that I will always be able to do that on my own. And if I find myself in one of those times, when family support and prayer and doing the things I know how to do are just not cutting it, I am going to run to a doctor or therapist or both and ask for help.
But I know that some of the very dear women I go to church with do not feel the same way. I've been in Relief Society lessons and heard women say how grateful they are that because we have a Savior there is no reason why we should ever be depressed, ever. Which, I'm sorry, but no. So then I had to raise my hand and say that yes, it's also wonderful that we have a loving Heavenly Father who has provided us with the knowledge to develop technology and medicine so that we can get medical help when we really need it.
So yes. I am sure that there are many LDS women out there who have supportive families and wise bishops and wonderful care providers and who understand that you can't just "get over" chronic, clinical depression. But I am also just as sure that there are LDS women (and just women in general) who will never talk to their doctor about how horrible they feel and who will never get needed counseling because they (or their families) will see it as unnecessary, a sign of failure, or indicating a lack of faith on their part.
I'm Steph, a librarian and mom of 3 (not sure how that happened). Let's chat books, food, Sumptuous Literary Adaptations, poop, knitting and maybe some crazy Mormon Feminism.
25 comments:
For me, depression isn't about having to be perfect and live up to a mormon stereotype.
The stressors in my life are job related and financial and then wacked out hormones from having children.
Everyone is different though. I can't believe anyone with a brain would negate the reality of mental illness or stress related depression. I also don't understand why someone who isn't depressed or living with people who are depressed would care about making such a big fuss about it.
I do think there is an unfair stigma attached to women when they say they take anti depressants a lot of the time, like they should have to justify what other things they are doing to take care of their mental health in addition to that so they aren't just looking for an 'easy' way to deal with life. It's all very interesting.
I hope that when (if?) I get married my wife will know that I love her no matter what and that she would trust me enough to be honest about what she's feeling.
Coming from a family with a history of mental illness/chemical imbalance/emotional disorder/whatever they're calling it these days, I certainly have days when I wonder if my mood is just up or down more due to chemistry more than anything else.
And as a final thought, I think the drug use numbers are high enough in Utah that either there is a huge Mormon depression gene, or there is something in the culture here that contributes to it. Not saying in the religion per se, but possibly in the culture.
I have to admit that I'm slightly offended by the billboards produced by the end meth campaign. One that I frequently see is a picture of a loaded diaper bag with the caption "Another sign of a meth user in Utah" or something similar. I think that's just sensationalism and makes people look at young mothers carrying diaper bags suspiciously. Since that solves things.
To say that the LDS faith is too taxing on women's emotional health is obviously bunk - especially when Idaho isn't ranked #2 in anti-depressant use. Yes, there is a lot of unnecessary guilt raging throughout the church membership. And yes, we are "lacking" in methods of self-medication. But there are a lot of other factors - like our personal bankruptcy rate being the highest in the nation. Or our per-capita income ranking 45th in the nation, with our birth rate being the highest. Or maybe because Utahans are more educated, so we're better at recognizing we need help?
I do, however, think that we are generally too quick to reach for prescription drugs to solve our problems. Though I realize depression is a very real condition, I think it (and other things, like ADHD, for example) is overdiagnosed because we demand it to be so. Who wants to go to the doctor to go home without a labeled malady and a prescription to fix what's wrong? I think docs prescribe a lot of drugs as more of a placebo effect.
Am loving that so many smart people are bringing up good points. This post was inspired by a lot of things, one of which was Heather (Dooce) Armstrong's recent post about her own history of depression. And even though I'm talking about women in this post, I of course do not think that meth use, prescription drug abuse, or clinical depression are restricted to women. Just so we're clear on that.
I feel slightly, alright, more than shy about posting and yet here I post. I came across you blog through a friend's blog and have really enjoyed your literary way of writing. Very witty, which is so hard to find.
Anyway, now that I've outed myself, I found this topic to present some very thought provoking ideas. As you, these are my own thoughts.
For the meth moms, I have seen Oprah dedicate a whole episode, or two, not to meth, but moms on pills. All of the women said they took those drugs because it made them feel like super mom. They could stay up longer, get more done, or so they felt. I can only imagine meth having that same effect.
Depression: I just think it's becoming more diagnosed and I do think that the word of wisdom plays a part in Utah. No alcohol to numb everything so the depression is still there whether it be a chemical imbalance or stress induced. After awhile someone is going to remember *Men are that they might have joy* and start looking around to do something about it. I just think people are becoming smart and seeking help. I agree that Heavenly Father made smart people to come up with these chemical aids.
It used to be that if you went to a psychologist you were a weirdo and shunned. Not so much today. In fact people now openly praise and recommend their therapists. I believe that is the direction anti-depressants are headed. A few more years and it won't be so taboo.
On that note, thanks for your great blog!
I think one of the worst things about depression is it inhibits that natural desire to run to a doctor or talk to your loved ones or whatever you need to do to make things right. You just draw up inside yourself.
So I think it's important to have a good support network, but they need to recognize when you're in trouble and come to you instead of waiting for you to come to them. Maybe that's our biggest problem—we don't like sticking our noses in other people's business. But again, that's just speculation.
Also, Loritab?! I didn't even realize you could get drugs like that while pregnant. I mean, my wife can't even take Ibuprofen right now. That's nuts.
While I know it's going to reduce the IQ of this comment section, I just have to say re: meth use being tied to being a perfect Mormon mommies...I just don't think it can be so: we don't have a lot of Mormon's in Iowa, but hoo-eee do we have a lot of meth!
In all other instances, you are--as ever--the voice of reason.
Amen!
As someone who has sought help for depression, I can tell you firsthand that 1)sometimes it's really hard to admit that you can't fix the problem yourself and 2)once you get help, it becomes apparent that there's nothing wrong with seeking help--there are a lot of people in the same sitution.
I am so frustrated by people who advocate more prayer, more service, more temple attendance, etc as the ultimate solution for any kind of depression or anxiety issue. While I fully support using those methods, in some (many?) cases they should be used in conjunction with counseling or medication.
And really, if we weren't meant to use these means of healing, I don't think the church would have its own mental health program. I'm just sayin'.
When I was younger, I would storm out of Relief Society lessons when the teacher would talk about how if you're depressed, all you need to do is read the scriptures, pray a little harder, and serve others.
I'm older now, and instead I just raise my hand and tell the teacher to f*ck off.
Not really, but OH WOULDN'T IT JUST BE GRAND?
Just recently I dipped back into the worst clinical depression of my life. Slowly coming out of it now -through drugs and therapy -(and when I say drugs, meth is not included. Bwah!)
I loved Dooce's post. I love all her posts about her mentail illness. I'm so glad she's open about her depression, because I think she's helped a lot of people.
This time around my depression didn't just cause "low moods." It caused weight gain, an ulcer, severe headaches, nausea, constipation, bloating...AND MORE! Joyous! Things that aren't entirely healed on their own by way of reading the scriptures.
When I went to see my internist about everything but my depression, he explained to me that my body CAN'T HEAL physically until I'm healed MENTALLY. This wasn't a psychiatrist or a psychologist -this was an internist. He's a very scientific man. He told me when I'm depressed, he's not just worried about my mental health, but physical as well. Depression increases your risk of cancer and heart disease. Not something you should keep carrying around with you.
Anyone who thinks that a chemical imbalance isn't a real thing can go suck eggs.
And yes, we may be on more anti-depressants here in Utah...but we can't get drunk. Or even a little tipsy.
My father gave me a priesthood blessing. And that blessing has many healing abilities. But when you have cancer, do you only rely on blessings, as a member of the LDS faith? Even if there is medical treatment available? We've seen apostles go through chemo, we don't deny ourselves treatment for physical maladies. Why not mental?
I am healed through the priesthood because it has given me a) courage to go seek help, b) to actually start praying and reading my scriptures again -when you're suicidally depressed, you don't really have enough faith to do those things, c) it gave me hope that I may be healed. I will not deny the power of the priesthood, and at the same time I will not deny myself medical treatment just because I have access to a higher power.
We're not the Amish, people. If Heavenly Father didn't want us to use modern day technology, we wouldn't broadcast General Conference via satellite to millions of people worldwide.
Please please please, if you are suffering from depression, recognize that it's not just your attitude. It's not due to a lack of belief or lack of spirit. It's not easy seeking medical treatment, since it's so individual. I'm still working with different meds to find the best one for myself. But once you're able to find what works for you, it is treatable, manageable, and you are no less of a person for getting help.
Besides, if you're crazy like me, that only reiterates your genius, right? But don't go the way of Van Gogh -get help!
I also highly recommed Of Montreal's latest album for those suffering with a mental imbalance. Seriously, that album is INCREDIBLE. Kevin Barnes (the lead singer) was suffering a terrible chemical depression. He sought help, and voila! He created a masterpiece. The album is called "Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?" Just had to plug that in because it empathizes. And I think when it comes to depression we could all use a little more empathy, if not at the very least sympathy.
There's a difference between feeling overwhelmed and not good enough and suffering from a chemical imbalance. And anybody who thinks there isn't obviously hasn't dealt with either.
Thanks, Nem. I'd like to add to the discussion that those of us who live in countries with good, available mental health care should use it when we need it. I'm doing some research with an organization that helps people in several developing countries to access mental health treatment. Many of these people have been living with serious mental illnesses for decades, and often, their local village healers are at a loss about how to help them. So, you know how your mom told you to finish your dinner for the starving children in Ethiopia? Faulty logic aside, utilize available mental health services when you need them and remember how lucky you are to have such an alternative.
Thanks for indulging this soapbox.
Oh, I realize now that my last comment may have sounded a bit harsh and insensitive. I, too, understand the great difficulty in seeking treatment once you've sunken deep into depression and anxiety. It's just so sad to see people suffer when help is available.
I think that part of the problem is that we absorb this idea in LDS culture that if you are doing what you should, everything will be sweetness and light, unicorns and rainbows. But it isn't and that isn't even what the scriptures teach. I'm under 30 and I remember it seeming that all the lessons we had in Young Womens went something like this: be honest, true, chaste, and benevolent and you will get married in the temple and live happily, ever after, the end. Which is patently not true. The lessons have changed drastically since then, but I even see it some of the women leaders pushing that mindset, even subconsciously. And most people don't talk about how hard marriage, pregnancy, children, life is. It is just "marry in the temple and be happy." If you don't get married right away, you also think you are somehow doing something wrong and have failed. So I think a lot of people interpret things being hard and unpleasant and miserable, as if they are somehow at fault. And everyone is so scared to admit that it is hard, because everyone else is pretending it is so easy because they are scared to admit how hard it is. Add all of that "I've failed" mindset on top of an increasingly scary, uncertain world and you have a recipe for hopelessness. And discussing whether brain chemistry or emotional stressors are at fault is a chicken or egg scenario. In my mind it is cyclical with one feeding the other in a downward spiral.
I'm fortunate in that while I held a very primitive attitude about depression, I never encountered anyone who needed help. I know that I wouldn't have done them any good at that time.
Education is good. I've learned that no one "snaps out of" depression if it is real.
We wouldn't criticize someone who went to the doctor for the flu. We shouldn't hold anyone who seeks help for depression in contempt either. I've seen what clinical depression can do to a person, now, and I truly believe it is a legitimate illness.
I'm a little torn on the whole meth thing. One has to make an active decision to start. You don't "fall in" to a meth "pool" accidentally. So while I advocate drug-abuse treatment, I don't know how much sympathy goes with that.
Excellent post. Creates a lot of food for thought.
Okay, please take this all in the best way possible, if by any chance I say it badly.
First off, yes, I think there are actual cases of clinical, chemical depression. And for those women (and men) I pray that everyone involved gets the help they need, no matter where it comes from, be it prayer, counseling, or medication. I really mean that. Even though I have never personally felt that way, I don't refute that many have. I know many people who's lives have turned around as a result of taking advantage of the resources they can to feel better.
However, I think there is also a huge tendency to fall into the poor me trap, especially as a young woman and/or mother. Yes, there are absolutely hard, hard things that people are up against. But so often amongst my circle of wonderful, right thinking friends I catch us (myself included) griping A LOT. And every once in a while sanity strikes me and I have to remind myself that I have a car that takes me places. A machine that washes my clothes. Enough money to provide for all real needs and many more wants than most have. I have time (not a lot, but more than most) to read, to blog, to take a hot bath. I have tons of friends and family that love me and help me all the time. And most importantly, I have deep spiritual knowledge that sustains me when things are crap.
But, for some reason, it seems easy to forget all of that and complain endlessly about children, husbands, living circumstances, etc. And the more I (or anyone) feels this way and dwells on the harder things, the lower one feels most of the time. I guess I'm just wondering what portion of this problem is misdiagnosis--that there are people with real true medical depression mixed in with those who have kind of negativitied themselves into a corner and end up turning to drugs (legal or otherwise) as the easy road out.
Just like I hate it when every kid that comes down the pipes is labeled as ADHD of autisitic, because that means that the kids who really do have that problem get lumped in with the masses of false diagnoses, I think this problem is well on it's way to becoming like that. I already catch myself thinking that maybe depression is kind of the new hip and cool diagnosis and wondering which cases are legitimate.
Just so we're clear--I'm not saying that everyone, or even most people should just Pollyanna their way out of depression. I'm just wondering about the validity of the mass outcry of depression nationwide.
It's also important to remember that the population of Utah is currently only 60 percent Mormon, and I would imagine a smaller percentage of that 60 percent is actually active. Like someone pointed out, Meth addiction is a nationwide problem and is prevalent among mommies everywhere, not just in Utah. I think the ad campaign is mainly trying to highlight a national problem among people in Utah who think drug users are easy to spot (think of your stereotypes, people) rather than trying to highlight something that is specific to Utah. I'm not sure depression has a lot to do with at all.
Amyjane -you make valid points.
Before I sought help again, I was in denial about my depression. Sure I whined here and there (still do, trying to work on that, but it's human to complain) but I tried my best not to feel sorry for myself, because I had no reason to be depressed. Or so I thought. Which really is one of the most depressing things, not having a reason or a cause to feel the way you do. You just are suddenly that way. I would try to rationalize it, put some logic reasoning behind my inability to get out of bed in the morning, take care of personal hygiene, actually give a crap about anything, let alone staying alive...when you get to that point, you're not just jumping on the supposed depression trend bandwagon of "poor me" fun.
One thing I'd like to point out -it's easier said than done to ignore the failed expectations our culture has put upon us. Living a life that is deemed a failure by society...I think that's a valid reason for depression to flare up in any person. It's not something that's very easy to get over. Whether it's more environmental than chemical really shouldn't make a difference. I try not to beat myself up about certain things -like the fact that my chances of ever getting married are slim to none, let alone having children -but we're all going to have things in our lives that are major disappointments. Still, acknowledging that, accepting it, that doesn't always make it any easier.
I also disagree with constantly comparing our lives with those who live in third world countries for every little thing. It's good to count our blessings, but just because we have a roof over our heads and clean water, doesn't diminish any other "non-third world" problems we may have. Just sayin'. And, we might have the medical knowledge, the amenities, and the supplies, but not everyone has financial access. My insurance doesn't pay for ANY prescriptions. And I was denied from a few other insurance companies before signing up with this one, simply due to my history with depression. I'm actually only to seek help right now because my parents are able to pitch in. And to be perfectly honest, I really should have been admitted to an in-patient clinic, it was that bad. Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now.
It's just something that is so misunderstood...I have to speak up when I can. But looking at the comments here, I think more and more people are being educated on the topic.
I had to be sure to include your blog on my list of friends to visit for a Merry Christmas wish! I hope you have a great holiday!
I'd also like to point out that Utah being #1 in antidepressant prescriptions doesn't necessarily indicate anything wrong with the state or dominant culture. I mean, *somebody* has to be #1, right? If it turned out that it was Nevada, would people say it was because of the effects of gambling and prostitution? And if it were California would we blame the superficiality of Hollywood or the prominence of gang violence?
And even if Utah is #1, by how big of a margin? If it's two or three times the amount of prescriptions as other states, then maybe we can start pointing fingers, but its being #1 doesn't inherently mean we're all a bunch of unbalanced psychos.
i have so much running through my mind right after reading your post, dooce's post which brought tears to my eyes, and then most the comments. i have depression. currently i am not on medication but i owe my life as it is today to Heavenly Father and Prozac. you never recover from depression, it will be with you for the rest of your life and everyday you must fight it. somedays are better and easier than others, months can pass in perfect harmony and then what i like to call "black days" can strike with no warning and for no reason. my depression began in my teenage years but did not come to a head until my sophmore year at BYU, and yes i do think the pressure of the "utopian" culture but not the LDS religion did play a part in that. there is a real struggle to seperate the gospel from the hypocrisy of some of the members and the pressure and expection to be perfect in all manners. would i have had a mental and physical breakdown had i not moved to utah, yes of course. i just think that it happened sooner due to the unique nature of the culture. but as i said i do not blame the religion, i am still a faithful and active member. though i will admit while in the midst of my depression and before recieving help, church was not helpful contrary to what you may hear from some ladies in relief society. it was painful to sit through church particularly rs, but personal prayer, scriptures, and journaling was helpful. i know that i would not have survived my darkest days with out the comfort of my savior and the holy ghost at times when i felt i had no one. and for those who think it should be easy to ask for help, it isn't. for many reasons, including the shame and fear of sharing your deepest and literally darkest thoughts. and i know for me at least i thought i was asking for help, dropping hints, wishing for just one person to really and truly mean it when they asked 'how are you?' there are those who suffer depression in an obvious way, never getting out of bed, constantly crying etc. people can't help but notice they need help. and then there are "functioning" depressed people, as i was, that on the surface and with out close inspection seemed to be just fine with life but are truly dying inside. as i wasn't dealing with my depression emotionaly it finally took it's toll on me physically. i become so sick and weak that i had to withdraw from school. still not wanting to admit what i suspected was wrong i continued to pursue the physical ailments until reading an article in my doctor's waiting room with 10 questions to tell if you may be depressed, if you answered 3 you were mostly likely depressed, i answered all ten with a yes. when my doctor walked into the exam room i handed her the article and said i answered yes to all of them, and then burst into tears. that was the turning point in my life. she was shocked, surprised as were my parents. and they continued to struggle with my new diagnosis and life on prozac even with my father going so far as to ask me to stop taking prozac for his birthday present! needless to say i turned elsewhere for my support and found a few but steady confidants and dear friends who helped me through that time. and now i have a wonderful and patient husband who holds me on those "black days". but for anyone questioning whether depression is real, or just a hio/cool thing to have as amyjane said. i would advice that anyone who is trying to sound cool by saying they have depression has never experienced true depession. if you have you would never want to be that dark or low again and you would realize that it is a battle everyday to not return to that place. you learn your own signs and you learn what helps and doesn't. and you also move on, don't let it control you or own you. i know now that i am a strong woman, i am a beautiful in my Heavenly Father's eyes and the eyes of my husband and new baby and some days if that's all i know, it is enough.
I personally know women who are on anti-depressants who have husbands who are on the "if you actually believe the gospel you won't ever be depressed bandwagon" and their husbands don't know about the anti-depressant use.
I think that to some extent the belief that because we have the gospel we should always be happy actually spurs a lot of depression. It becomes worse because for many people it's impossible to acknowledge or deal with in healthy ways.
I agree that many things about LDS culture (some of which are related to doctrine and some of which aren't) spur people to think they need to be perfect which can make depression worse. I think it may also be the case that many people feel they can't deal with their depression in other ways. I wonder on what the stats are for talk therapy as a means of addressing depression in Utah. I'd guess the number of adults seeing therapists isn't any higher than the US average even if anti-depressant usage is.
I'm sorry I haven't responded to everyone individually, but thank you so much to everyone who commented--especially to those brave enough to take the time to tell a bit about their own experiences. I'm willing to bet there are people reading who feel better or more encouraged by knowing that they're not alone.
I know in the past I've held a lot of "this is black and this is white" views about things like depression--mostly just picked up from what I heard around me and my own limited experience. And it's been really valuable for me to learn more because it's really changed the way I see things and made me less likely to pass judgment on others--kind of the way Jimmy talked about. I guess if you're more open-minded then you'll be more likely to be a source of help to someone who needs it rather than unconsciously making it harder for them.
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My mom's not a crack smoker.
Sure she's not, .th . . . ;-)
So I've been meaning to add something about the meth users, and after a conversation with Cicada where we talked a bit more about it I'm just going to go ahead and do it.
I read a recent article about a meth addiction recovery program for Utah women. But then I couldn't find it again so I couldn't link to it. One woman that they interviewed was abused as a child and given meth by her abuser--an older relative. Another was married to a man who became addicted and that's when she started. I forget what the third's story was, but none of them said, "Well, I'm LDS and one night on the way home from the temple I decided to get me a meth dealer." Of course, they didn't interview every single woman so there COULD be a story like that. But it makes me wonder if the campaigns about the perfect families with secret meth use are somewhat misleading. Because it has to start somewhere, even if it's with an addiction to prescription drugs. But I'm wondering if the mothers who are becoming addicted to meth frequently live in families or circumstances where drug abuse is more common. It's just a thought.
For a couple of years I had bouts of anxiety, which I dealt with. But then several months ago, I had a bleeding ulcer, and lost 2 pints of blood. I spent 2 days in the hospital and received a blood transfusion. After I went home, I suffered from anxiety so bad, I could barely function. My best friend begged me to go to the doctor. His diagnosis was both anxiety AND depression. He gave me little pills that I take almost daily. What a difference it has made in my life. I didn’t have a clue that I was depressed – go figure.
If I was physically ill, I would go to the doctor and take whatever was necessary to cure my physically. Stress and anxiety cause physical illness. Get help and get well.
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