How to Refuse Depression Treatment

Depression is experienced by millions of people. It is a mental state of despondency that is so profound that it interferes with a person's ability to participate in and enjoy normal activities. There are treatments that can relieve the symptoms of depression, but some of these treatments have serious side effects and consequences. Mark Tyrell in his article published at "Clinical Depression" notes: "The reason there are so many side effects with antidepressants is really due to the lack of full understanding about how antidepressants, and depression, affect the brain." Some people might feel they are choosing between a depressed state or the state created by the side effects, and for some, these two states might be equally grim. Being depressed does not rise to the level of mental defect, the standard by which competence is evaluated legally. However, the competence of an individual is questioned if they demonstrate a lack of care for themselves and the future, both features of depression. A person who is depressed may elect to refuse depression treatment but they should also be prepared to demonstrate the mental competence to make that decision. Are they doing harm to themselves through the refusal of treatment?

Things You'll Need

• Documentation of the source of your refusal Documentation of pre-depressive state agreement with that source A strategy list for other actions to assist yourself A clear understanding of competence and your mental state

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Instructions

How To Refuse Depression Treatment

• 1

  Gather evidence of your reasons for refusal. These should include serious side effects, drug interactions for other conditions you have, inability to afford treatment, religious reasons for objecting to treatment, evidence of inadequacy or dangers of suggested treatment.

• 2

  Gather evidence of your similar refusal of other treatments for other conditions before you became depressed. This evidence might include a religious refusal of treatment, inability to afford treatment, inability to live with side effects and dangers of suggested treatment. This will demonstrate a continuing thinking process not altered by your current depressive state.

• 3

  Create a list of alternative actions that you intend to explore to assist in relief of your symptoms. This list might include nutrition, sleep aids, light therapy, herbal remedies, acupuncture, acupressure and exercise. This will demonstrate your interest in your own behalf and your future. You are refusing treatment, not your health.

• 4

  Review competency standards so you understand the underlying concept of competency, autonomy and rights. The argument is that depression alters the thinking such that the depressed person makes choices that will maintain the depressed state and reduce, or end, life.

• 5

  Arrange a meeting with your mental-health provider and those immediate persons whose opinion is important in your refusal of treatment. Request that they maintain silence while you make your request. Keep in mind that they cannot compel you into treatment unless you are underage or otherwise declared legally incompetent. Your request is really to demonstrate your competence both for yourself and for your audience.

• 6

  Demonstrate self-advocacy. Follow up by pursuing alternatives to assist yourself in improving your mental state and by removing obstacles to your recovery from depression.