Medications are helpful to some people suffering from depression, anxiety, and high levels of distress. Depression and anxiety involve physiological changes in the brain and can be helped with medications such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety prescriptions. Sometimes people are reluctant to take such medication because they are afraid it means that they are weak or unbalanced, or that their doctor will treat them differently.
Keep in mind that medications are concrete means to address specific medical problems for which they are prescribed. They are meant to make the people who take them more comfortable and in control, not to label or to judge them. Taking a prescription to reduce distress does not mean that some-one is going crazy. Some people are hesitant to try these medications because of the stigma they believe is attached; many of these people who later take the medications wonder why they waited so long. They feel so much better and are better able to cope and enjoy life. Often these medications are additionally effective when combined with counseling and/or group support.
Although drug therapy can be helpful, these medications are not for everyone. They are not magic pills that will take away all problems; the problems will still exist, but the medications may make them easier to manage. You need to make the right decision for you. In addition, these medications sometimes take several weeks to start working and may produce side effects; you should discuss the pros and cons of each medicine with your doctor. Sometimes people have to try different types of medication to find the one that works the best.
Any physician, such as a primary doctor, can prescribe such medicines for his or her patients; however, it is worth considering an initial evaluation and/or regular follow-up with a psychiatrist. All of this holds true for your loved one as well. If his or her distress is high, consider talking to the doctor about an evaluation for medications or getting a referral to a psychiatrist.