Psychotropics vs. Psychotherapy

You've heard the story, or maybe you've lived it: someone makes an appointment with their doctor hoping to get that magic "happy pill" that will make their life better.  Most often people expect a prescription to instantly lift their mood or calm their anxiety and when it stops working they simply double the dosage and endure the side effects.  No doubt there is a scientific perspective to depression and anxiety which psychotropics aid in balancing, but don't forget the emotional aspect of it as well.  In most cases when someone is feeling at their rock-bottom or extremely anxious beyond functionability there are events, people, or situations that trigger these negative emotions.  That's where psychotherapy comes in.  Learning coping skills and becoming more self-aware along with taking mood stabilizers and anti-depressants can work twice as well and cover all scientific and emotional grounds.  There is no quick fix or magic pill.  Like anything of value it takes work and time, but in the end so worth it.