Q: I have been depressed and my doctor suggested Prozac. I don't like to feel so low, but I also don't like the idea of using a drug. What should I do?

A: First of all, you didn't tell me just how bad you feel. If your life is going downhill (for example, if you might lose your job) or if you are thinking of hurting yourself, yes, you should follow your doctor's advice, right away. There is no reason to suffer long-term consequences from this temporary condition.

Medication is convenient, and side effects for the newer drugs, such as Prozac, are less than they used to be (consult your doctor for more information). Medication is especially helpful in urgent cases, and also when the depression's primary cause is biological. Usually, though, depression is caused by a mix of biological tendencies and emotional stresses.

Psychotherapy takes more effort - you might go to weekly sessions for a couple of months or more. Therapy is especially helpful when the depression is the result of life events, such as the loss of a loved one, a traumatic event, or a stressful life situation. In therapy, you can learn to handle your thoughts, feelings, and interactions more effectively - so you'll be less likely to get depressed again.

Chances are, either medication or counseling will probably get you out of your depression. So I'd suggest trying whatever seems best to you - and if that doesn't work, something else probably will. If you are going to try to go without the medicine, you should be working with a mental health professional in consultation with your physician. What's most important is to get treatment of some kind, soon. The longer you feel depressed, the more it becomes a habit, and the easier it becomes to get depressed again later in life.