Cognitive therapy paired with pharmacologic therapy has a far higher success rate in treating depression than drugs alone. But it can be difficult to convince patients to attend counseling because they do not want to be labeled “unstable” or “crazy.” I ask these patients if they would try to set their own broken leg or remove their own appendix. I stress that mental discomfort is like physical discomfort—it indicates that something needs to be mended or the damage will worsen. Mental-health professionals are available to help guide the healing process.
—T. Steven Neilson, RN, MN, FNP-C, LaGrande, Ore. (105-25)
