Posted by Cam W. on February 24, 2000, at 6:44:25
In reply to Poor Health and Depression, posted by AndrewB on February 24, 2000, at 6:09:24
> My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer today. I was at the doctor's office. I asked the doctor whether my father would benefit from an antidepressant. My father says, due to his poor helath and deminished capabilities, that he is useless now and that he has nothing to live for. I said that even when one has deminished capabilities, you should still be able to get a sense of accomplishment from the little things in life and you should feel there is something to live for and that an antidepressant might help him feel this way. The doctor however talked with my dad and said that my dad had good reason to feel the way he did and that an antidepressant wouldn't help. That's how it went. Any thoughts????
Andrew - Sorry to here the news. The doctor might have thought that giving an antidepressant now may give your dad more discomfort than he is already in ( esp. side effects). I don't blame your dad for not wanting the antidepressants; these medications won't fix anything and won't give him anymore will to live. Your dad has a good reason to feel depressed. Have you talked with your dad about his decision? Instead of drugs, maybe some counseling, for all the family, will help all of you through this terrible time. It really does do some good to talk about it.. My family's thoughts are with you. Please keep us posted. Thinking of you - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:23498
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000220/msgs/23502.html