Question: I have been feeling really depressed ever since the Fall. I don’t know if I have a chemical imbalance, or I have seasonal affective disorder which I read about on the net, or I’m going through menopause. All these things are possible, plus a whole lot of stress this year. Does this sound like something I should see someone about, or should I just wait it out and things will get better on their own? I really don’t want to go on medicine, not hormones or depression medicine.

Anne Fenton, MD: Most decisions are made by weighing the risks and benefits. In the case of going to see someone, the potential benefits can far outweigh the risks. The benefits may include finding out how serious your concerns may be, and what you might do about them. The risks may include a payment or two, and a small time commitment for your appointment. As for medicine, keep in mind that you, the patient, are the only one who can consent or refuse treatment. Your doctor can only advise you, but not force you to do anything against your will or judgment. Most doctors today are accustomed to patients asking a lot of questions, as well as even doing their own research. Feel free to ask all your questions, and pose all your objections and hesitations. It is a dialog, not a dictatorship. If you choose to agree on a particular course of treatment, it is never written in stone. The purpose of follow up appointments is to see how you are doing on the course you have chosen. If things are going smoothly, then you continue the course. If not, your doctor will advise modifications accordingly. At any point, you are part of the decision making process. It is your feedback, together with your doctors experience and knowledge, that will determine the therapy, whether it involves medication or not. You and your doctor will be working on the same team…yours.