Dear Heidi, hello, i'm Robyn, secretary of PULSSE in Pueblo. I felt
compelled to write to you, because I, also, have been on anti-depressants for
a few years now. I agree with you, completely.Most doctors are much too eager
to write a prescription than to take the time to run tests to look for an
underlying cause to the problem. I am fortunate (or unfortunate!) to have
had tests run for other symptoms that could also have been causes for
depression. It is so important to check things, such as, thyroid function,
liver function, symptomatic complaints for fybromyalgia, hormone levels, and
I could go on. There are some on-the-ball docs out there, but, as you
probably have realized, we really have to pretty much be our own diagnosers
and request certain tests, because many doctors, like I said, just will not
bother. The problem is, most people just do not know how many problems in
the body can cause depression and could easily be corrected.
Anti-depressants do have their place, though. I also believe that

there are definately chemical imbalances in the brain that can cause
depression that, until they come up with something better, only
anti-depressants can help. I believe that this can be hereditary, also. But
these docs MUST be willing to take some time and find out other causes. I am
really sorry to hear about your experience, but I am so glad that you are
sharing it so it may help someone else become aware of this and make sure
other tests are done pryor to being prescribed anti-depressants. Thank you
and we'd love to hear from you again. Robyn Salazar Sec. PULSSE.