Depression

[Silious950]

I've been talking recently to my Mom about Depression and how it works. I've come to realize that I may too have depression. But I don't know if I'm ready to take that step in relying on pills to make it go away. I'm not comfortable with it, I feel like I would end up dependent on Zoloft or something...

But at the same time if it makes me feel better and I stop getting into these cycles of being depressed for a couple of weeks, then I would take it. I'm just scared...

What are your opinions on this and information that might make me feel better about my situation?

 

[Boomer]

I dont know man, I try to stay away from that stuff. Unless its extra curicular. Some zoloft and wild turkey on a Saturday is ok. Start doin that stuff on the reg and you might end up tradin cheese burgers for prescriptions....

 

[Silious950]

I mean if this actually treats a problem I have, shouldn't I try and fix it?

 

[Silious950]

I'm reading that antidepressants have risks of dependence in a sense that you have no urge to take more for its not classified as "addictive" by the FDA.

 

[Peter Parka]

As someone who has and still sometimes goes through it, I can tell you theres more crap written about it than anything else. Most people give you shit advice like, just snap out of it or think you're doing it to pull a sickie.
If you had cancer, would you take drugs for it? Of course you would! Well why are things supposed to be any different if its a mental problem? I'm not saying they are the answer but they are prescribed to give you the lift you need to motivate yourself to do stuff which gives you a better sense of well being. Getting out and doing things which make you feel worthwhile and give you self esteem are the ultimate answer but when you have depression its hard to motivate yourself to take the first step which is what the drugs are for, not a permanent solution for you to be on for the rest of your life.
Unfortunately I have a high tolerance for drugs and anti depressants do jack shit for me but they do work for most people. I've been on every legal anti depressant available over here bar two of them and none did any good to me. I've even been on lithium and that didn't turn me into a zombie but didn't make me feel better either, then I am an unusual case when it comes to drugs, even tomazipans do nothing for me! Anyway, its worth seeing your doctor about and ignore people who tell you to just snap out of it, they are ignorant and don't know what the're talking about. Good luck and feel free to PM me if you want to talk privately about it.

 

[COOL_BREEZE2]

I've been talking recently to my Mom about Depression and how it works. I've come to realize that I may too have depression. But I don't know if I'm ready to take that step in relying on pills to make it go away. I'm not comfortable with it, I feel like I would end up dependent on Zoloft or something...

But at the same time if it makes me feel better and I stop getting into these cycles of being depressed for a couple of weeks, then I would take it. I'm just scared...

What are your opinions on this and information that might make me feel better about my situation?

That's deep. If it's any consolation I think we all go through some depression at some time or another. Some more than others. It's the ability to pull out of it that probably makes the difference.

Definitely if it is a problem it makes no sense ignoring it as it won't just go away on its own and needs medical help to balance it out. The first step is recognising this and acting on it. There are lots of medical advancements on this to treat with effectively. It's not like years ago when this was not as much the case and a taboo subject based on ignorance.

True there's the addictive concern with drugs but the advantages outweigh the disadvantages IMO and may significantly improve quality of life not only for you but also those who you interact with.

Proper consultation and the right medication that works for you, coupled with sensible/responsible usage I believe would be the way to go.

 

[COOL_BREEZE2]

Great advice Peter.

 

[Suzie]

After something turned my life around about 2 years ago I was put on depression meds. I just stopped taking them about 6 months ago. It really helped me get thru things then. It helped me get my head on straight...and at the time I dont know what I would have done without it. On the other side of it... I felt I became numb to the world, and most of the time felt like a zombie. I was tired of taking them and wanted to get off of them. It was a bitch with some bad side effects.
I guess you have to see how much of it (depression) you can tolerate. If you feel that you are at an extreme low, and you cant pull yourself out of it, theres nothing wrong with asking for some help. Good luck with your decision...and Im here if you need to talk.

 

[GraceAbounds]

There is a difference between depression and clinical depression. There is also the normal up and down mood cycles we all naturally go through. So make sure that what you perceive as a problem isn't actually 'normal'. We are in a time where society thinks we are suppose to be 'happy' all the time and if we aren't then there must be something wrong with us. We are also in a time where they make a pill for everything and advertise it like candy.

I think it is good that you are questioning whether or not you want to be popping those pills. A lot of psychological drugs are hits and misses, so are their diagnosis many times.

Just be mindful and careful, which it sounds like you are.

If you go to a good professional counselor they will be able to determine if what you are going through requires more than just counseling and then they can refer you to a Psychiatrist that can determine the need for meds and the proper dosage.

I would go to someone that comes highly recommended and not just anyone out of the phone book.

The side effects are different for everyone and sometimes the side effects are worse than the original problem, so again - be mindful.

I agree with Peter though, if you have diabetes you would take medicine for it. And you should do the same with this if it fact you truly need to.

Just be sure. That is my advice.

 

[Peter Parka]

I agree with you Grace and the best way to make sure is to see a doctor who can better advise than us unqualified idiots on a forum.

 

[Breath]

........

 

[Maritxu]

I mean if this actually treats a problem I have, shouldn't I try and fix it?

first of all hi, I'm sorry you think that you mighyt feel depressed, I wish I could help you the most I can, but I can tell you something about antidepressants. They do not fix nothing. They do help some people who are very bad cope slowly with life while therapy helps them. A person with depression may not even want to get out of the house, doesn't eat or may want to commit suicide. That's when you need them. But as you said, they have very bad secondary effects, so if it's possible, I would never take them. Doctors give them away easily, is just a good way to kill the symptoms without solving anything. My advice is, if you really think you might be depressed, get an apointment with a psychologist. If you need medication, he/she will let you know.

 

[Peter Parka]

first of all hi, I'm sorry you think that you mighyt feel depressed, I wish I could help you the most I can, but I can tell you something about antidepressants. They do not fix nothing. They make help some people who are very bad cope slowly with life while therapy helps them. A person with depression may not even want to get out of the house, doesn't eat or may want to commit suicide. That's when you need them. But as you said, they have very bad secondary effects, so if it's possible, I would never take them. Doctors give them away easily, is just a good way to kill the symptoms without solving anything. My advice is, if you really think you might be depressed, get an apointment with a psychologist. If you need medication, he/she will let you know.

Sorry but I have to disagree. Depression is mainly caused by a chemical inbalance in the brain which is what medication helps balance out so medication does help. It's not very wise being dismissive of the symptons, you'd be sharp enough if you were looking for symptons of cancer ect. Just because it's a mental problem, it shouldn't be dismissed so lightly. You are right though about a psycologist. I don't know what it's like in the USA but over here its a 18 month waiting list to see one and even then they will only see tee totallers who haven't touched a drop of alcohol in at least 6 months. But a professional who actually knows what depression is, like your GP is the best option and he will be able to tell you what's wrong.

 

[Maritxu]

Sorry but I have to disagree. Depression is mainly caused by a chemical inbalance in the brain which is what medication helps balance out so medication does help. It's not very wise being dismissive of the symptons, you'd be sharp enough if you were looking for symptons of cancer ect. Just because it's a mental problem, it shouldn't be dismissed so lightly. You are right though about a psycologist. I don't know what it's like in the USA but over here its a 18 month waiting list to see one and even then they will only see tee totallers who haven't touched a drop of alcohol in at least 6 months. But a professional who actually knows what depression is, like your GP is the best option and he will be able to tell you what's wrong.

I haven't said that it doesn't help Peter, I just said that it doesn't solve the problem. Re read my post please. What I wanted to say is that he needs therapy no matter what and maybe he doesn't need the drugs.
I adviced him to go see a psychologist insteand of a doctor or a psyuchiatrist because I do think the too last ones will probably just give away the drugs even if you are just sad insteand of depressed (personal experience on this).
I hope I expressed myself better now.

 

[Peter Parka]

I haven't said that it doesn't help Peter, I just said that it doesn't solve the problem. Re read my post please. What I wanted to say is that he needs therapy no matter what and maybe he doesn't need the drugs.
I adviced him to go see a psychologist insteand of a doctor or a psyuchiatrist because I do think the too last ones will probably just give away the drugs even if you are just sad insteand of depressed (personal experience on this).
I hope I expressed myself better now.

Sorry if I seemed like I was getting a bit arsy over this, it really wasn't my intention. I agree that medical help, however you can get it is the best solution. I'm probably a bit sensitive about this as its something I battle with and there is too much advice about it given out by non professionals. If you have something wrong with you physically you see a doctor and the same should apply with something wrong in your brain. I dont like seeing drugs for a mental disorder being dismissed quicker than drugs for physical problems is all.

 

[GameCrazed]

I have the right to talk because I rode that merri-go-round, and if the doctors had it their way I'd still be paying the quarters.

I, apparently, have deppression, anxiety, anxiety attacks, panic, panic attacks, derealization, bipolar disorder, anger problems, isnomnia, suicidal thoughts, self-loathing, ADD, ADHD, OCD, paranoia, several phobias, desperate need for attention, mood swings high-risk for addiction and restless leg syndrome.

According to the medical field, my mind is a blender full of Freudian lunacy, and should have imploded the instant I was born.

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Hey, if you want to medicate yourself whenever you start to realize that life isn't an all-expenses paid trip to Disneyland...that's great.

But I chose long ago to live this life and deal with whatever pain comes with it, and that's what I'm most proud of.

 

[Maritxu]

Sorry if I seemed like I was getting a bit arsy over this, it really wasn't my intention. I agree that medical help, however you can get it is the best solution. I'm probably a bit sensitive about this as its something I battle with and there is too much advice about it given out by non professionals. If you have something wrong with you physically you see a doctor and the same should apply with something wrong in your brain. I dont like seeing drugs for a mental disorder being dismissed quicker than drugs for physical problems is all.

hun, I get also very sensitive over this because this is my field, so I apologize too it was just a small misunderstanding. The only thing I was saying is that drugs are only to be used when necessary and that they don't solve the whole problem, they just help.
We are bad guessing what we have when it comes to mental disorders. I myself with the millions of papers I have read on the matter and my A's in Psychopathology couldn't be accurate if I guessed what is my mental condition. That's why seeing an specialist is always the only way. We all know the dangers of self medication anyway.

 

[Peter Parka]

hun, I get also very sensitive over this because this is my field, so I apologize too it was just a small misunderstanding. The only thing I was saying is that drugs are only to be used when necessary and that they don't solve the whole problem, they just help.
We are bad guessing what we have when it comes to mental disorders. I myself with the millions of papers I have read on the matter and my A's in Psychopathology couldn't be accurate if I guessed what is my mental condition. That's why seeing an specialist is always the only way. We all know the dangers of self medication anyway.

I agree, I think this was a misunderstanding because what you say here I agree with. If you see my 1st posts here I was saying that drugs arn't the ultimate answer but they help you get on track to do something possitive to deal with this, they are a short term solution for mild depression. Glad we got that straightened out.:smiley31:

 

[Maritxu]

You know? I had firend who was sad (yes, only sad and not depressed) and went to the doctor one day, (for another matter). When he as a rutine question asked how she was doing lately, she said that she was a bit sad. (she is very open about her emotions). Five senconds after the doctor had already filled out a prescription of antidepressants. I have heard this story with other people at least ten more times. I think is horrible that they are giving the drugs away like they are candy, and no less than doctors, who know nothing about depression (not psychologists or psychiatrists even).
Maybe this helps explain why I reacted like I did in my previous posts. Drugs are only to be taken when necessary, so if you think you have a depression, go to a psychologist, please.

 

[Peter Parka]

I have the right to talk because I rode that merri-go-round, and if the doctors had it their way I'd still be paying the quarters.

I, apparently, have deppression, anxiety, anxiety attacks, panic, panic attacks, derealization, bipolar disorder, anger problems, isnomnia, suicidal thoughts, self-loathing, ADD, ADHD, OCD, paranoia, several phobias, desperate need for attention, mood swings high-risk for addiction and restless leg syndrome.

According to the medical field, my mind is a blender full of Freudian lunacy, and should have imploded the instant I was born.

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Hey, if you want to medicate yourself whenever you start to realize that life isn't an all-expenses paid trip to Disneyland...that's great.

But I chose long ago to live this life and deal with whatever pain comes with it, and that's what I'm most proud of.

If you had all that you wouldnt even be capable of typing that on a computer. Stop taking the piss, realise we're actually trying to help someone through intelligence and piss off back to the arcade!:mad