Gabrielle Hesse Source 5

What are the positives of taking antidepressants?

"Pros & Cons of Medication." Pros and Cons of Medication. N.p., n.d. Web. 07 Mar. 2016.

Though not from a database, I found this article more useful than any of my other attempted research endeavors regarding the positives of depression because unlike the others, this article gave me concrete examples of some of the proven positives to be found in depressed individuals choosing to medicate themselves with antidepressants. Some of the positives listed include a renewal of energy, a refocus of concentration, improved sleeping habits, and re-engagements of intellectual and social activities. The article also provided a few short, personal narratives from people struggling with depression and how their experiences with antidepressants improved their overall quality of life.

This source changed my overall perspective of antidepressants; while my last few sources have strongly discouraged the use of antidepressants, or at least argued that choosing to use them is a very gray and confusing area, this article not only gave another perspective, but provided counter-arguments. The author was able to address every predisposed concern of mine and flip it to help me, and the rest of the audience, find the overarching positive to be found in using medication. The article helped me see the analogy of antidepressants as a "crutch" or similar to that of glasses - merely helping those who need them, not meant to completely alter a way of life. I have also been geared toward a new perspective that does not regard the use of medication as weak. I wouldn't regard one with poor eyesight choosing to use glasses as weak, so why would I feel that way about a depressed individual choosing to use anti-depressants? Overall, the source has shifted my thinking to a cool, medium-ground viewpoint of anti-depressants, one that can acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks, depending on the situation and patient.

This source would respond particularly well to sources 3 and 4. While those sources outlined the many drawbacks and fears of beginning antidepressants, particularly physical abnormalities, this source responds with information regarding that while beginning antidepressants may cause drawbacks, the long-term benefits are extremely worthwhile. Like with any medication, this source argues, there is a period of overall adjustment for the body and brain, but this process shouldn't take longer than a few weeks. This source argues that it's unfair to assume that antidepressants be different than any other form of medication in this way.

Finally, after comparing both the benefits and drawbacks to antidepressants in a thorough way, I want to continue researching how these benefits and drawbacks take place specifically on a college campus. Source 1 has already addressed that college students face more financial, emotional, and social stress than any other age group, but how do the benefits and drawbacks of depression play roles in this? What specific situations adhere to one over the other? Asking these questions will lead me to my final step in being able to form a concrete, persuasive argument over whether or not students should rely on these prescribed drugs.