Necessity of medication for anxiety and depression

Patients presenting symptoms of anxiety and depression are faced with the decision of medication. What are the factors going in to the decision to take medications? One needs to assess whether one can function in activities of daily living (academic, vocational, career, social, communication, etc.). If one is not suffering from severe impairment from functioning, then one may choose to defer on the issue of medicines. Any decision needs to be made with one’s physician or psychiatrist. One needs to rule out danger to self and others. There are great protocols on e.g. structuring one’s day and activities (in the case of bipolar disorder). These can be quite helpful.