Wonderful lists OT! Often when people are first "diagnosed" as needing anti-depressants there is a feeling of failure and weakness, "Oh, if I was a stronger person I wouldn't need these pills" that is natural. There's also the fear of being dependent on them (funny, they never worry about being "dependent" on alcohol, do they!) and see anti-depressants as some kind of "happy" pill. They aren't, they balance certain chemicals in the brain, that's it.You may not have enough of one or too much of another. They don't get you high! It's just like taking pills for diabetes or any other medical illness. It's also worth noting that the first week or so your W may feel fatigued and that is normal. Her body will need time to adjust to this new chemical intrusion. She also may need to try different ones before finding the one that works for her. I know a number of people who use anti-depressants and put off doing so for years. They now can't believe they put off making their lives so much better for so long due to pride. GH, I'm sure she's feeling very dejected right now. I know you see the pills as a help in your sitch (and they may very well be) but she is seeing herself as weak and a failure. So, just be aware of this when you encourage her to follow through. Be as patient as you can be here and, yes, maybe validating her feelings right now might be a good move.
