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Depressed people suffer from a paralysis of the will. They often can't get organized enough to take a shower, much less carry out a suicide plan. Sometimes an anti-depressant will give a patient just enough control to allow him to carry out the self-destructive actions he may have been contemplating.

We have to remember that these pills are not magic bullets. They can't cause people to think or act in specific ways. All they do is alter the brain chemistry, hopefully in a postive way. Right now, they are they best treatment available and often do good. But people using them need to be watched closely.

At any rate, I'm not sure Merrill was taking anti-depressants. Just heart medicine. However, some of the same effects may apply.

"We have to remember that these pills are not magic bullets. They can't cause people to think or act in specific ways. All they do is alter the brain chemistry, hopefully in a postive way. Right now, they are they best treatment available and often do good."

I have to disgree that they "are the best treatment available" as I believe that there are herbal/nutritional treatments with little/no side effects that are very effective. I would never suggest, however, that a depressed person try to treat him/herself on their own, but rather find a good health practitioner (alternative if need be) to regulate treatment.