FabSwingers.com forum: Depression

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Reminds me that I have forgot to take mine this morning

And hop down the hatch

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Nope. I'm perfectly happy not being medicated. Life has stresses but I seem to be able to take them in my stride. Aren't most people like that?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *orningtonCroissantMan
over a year ago

notts and humberside

"Reminds me that I have forgot to take mine this morning

And hop down the hatch "

I was on anti depressants for a short time. Horrible things. Felt sick and couldn’t get hard!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *iverpool LoverMan
over a year ago

liverpool

Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *iverpool LoverMan
over a year ago

liverpool

*pharmaceutical industry*

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We seem to be a culture that thinks sticking plasters on things fix the deeper problems.

Medication doesn’t fix someone that’s depressed in work. That just helps him put up with the job that made him ill.

Changing his job will make him happier.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *955vintageMan
over a year ago

itchen stoke

Not a topic to be generalised in the past I am sure I have suffe_ed from depression definitely suffer with IBS. I have been strong enough to get over it and carry on. Not everyone can do that and they are the ones who need help but will probably never ask. I know I lost a son who took his own life. The challenge is not getting people to talk to depressed people but getting the depressed people to ask for help.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Does she work for the drug companies, they’re already dished out far to easierly as it is. It Should be a last resort. Exercise should be prescribed first.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think personally, medication is a mask, it stops you feeling whatever it is you feel. Working through it and understanding why you're feeling that way, exercise, good food and being kind to yourself are a better starting point for me personally. For some people medication is the only way, just not my choice.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

I think a lot of people are too quick to turn to medication for too many things. Some genuinely do need medication I'm not belittling them. But I think it's worrying that people think the way the op's colleague does. I hope this person isn't a gp

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There are so many other factors, that should be dealt with first. Lifestyle choice, diet, social media, media, environment.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think we take far to many drugs already,we are a pill popping generation

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You're right OP in that life is stressful and difficult and I think the amount of people who suffer depression is phenomenal.

I do t however think we should all be in medication, we all need good friends instead and for people generally to be a whole lot kinder to others and respectful. It's becoming a very isolated world, people don't talk with other people anymore like they used to. Hell.... a lot of people don't even smile at others anymore. It's sad.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You're right OP in that life is stressful and difficult and I think the amount of people who suffer depression is phenomenal.

*i don't

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Depression can be a very destructive illness that affects everyone, not just the sufferer. Medication is an important part of coping along with mindfulness, exercise and often a complete change in your life. No-one wants to take tablets forever but without them the illness can take hold and it really isn't pretty.

Peach x

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

No to medication. As someone mentioned its a sticky plaster. Exersise (walking is good) and diet.

Having someone to talk too (not easy for some, granted)

Anything but medication really.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *lanPartridgeMan
over a year ago

nottingham

If you can find the right medication, then that's great, but for so many that's such a compromise for their physical heakth and comfort they have to find another way. Personally, I can't work on anti Ds. If I could I'd probably take em, rather than being raw and worthless.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Also stop watching the news, that helps. Haven’t watched it for 9 months, it’s brilliant I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *lanPartridgeMan
over a year ago

nottingham

*health*

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

My anti depressents have never made me feel "Happy". They generally stop me going into catatonic depression

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *inkySeeKinkyDoWoman
over a year ago

'tween PontyCarlo & CasVegas in West Yorks

But for those of us with a serotonin deficiency then medication is the only way to go...

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *orningtonCroissantMan
over a year ago

notts and humberside

Depression is a chemical imbalance. Melancholy is something we all feel from time to time. Our tevdancy is to over medicatw and it’s not healthy. That’s why we have so many kids on rytalin! (Not sure of the spelling)?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *uffnmuffCouple
over a year ago

London

Your work colleague is a idiot. Diet and exercise is the way forward.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Not a topic to be generalised in the past I am sure I have suffe_ed from depression definitely suffer with IBS. I have been strong enough to get over it and carry on. Not everyone can do that and they are the ones who need help but will probably never ask. I know I lost a son who took his own life. The challenge is not getting people to talk to depressed people but getting the depressed people to ask for help."

Deeply sorry to hear that, and you are so right, getting peiole to ask for help but not everyone can. It's a dreadful illness for those suffering and for those who are close to the person and wishing they could just make them better.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ost SockMan
over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff

I would never say dont take them, and lots of people swear by them.

I had truly awful side effects when i took them though.

I agree that exercise helps massively.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"But for those of us with a serotonin deficiency then medication is the only way to go..."

It’s not, there are other options. Light for example.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *rkeb3Man
over a year ago

east Lancashire road

Nice try uncle Ben

we need every men to get a pussy every night then problem solved with no side effects

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your work colleague is a idiot. Diet and exercise is the way forward. "

Wow

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Most people don't know what real depression is the which is why they make flippant comments like that.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *inkySeeKinkyDoWoman
over a year ago

'tween PontyCarlo & CasVegas in West Yorks

"But for those of us with a serotonin deficiency then medication is the only way to go...

It’s not, there are other options. Light for example."

It is, and as a former mental health worker i do know all the advice and tips and have followed them over the years without success. Some people need them or they would simply not be able to function.

You wouldnt tell a person with a thyroxin deficiency to try other methods, so why a person with depression?

If other methods have worked for you then im happy for you and almost envious, but not everyone has the same results

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Also stop watching the news, that helps. Haven’t watched it for 9 months, it’s brilliant I haven’t got a clue what’s going on. "

This.......I'm happy living in my own world too, without knowing what's going on elsewhere too.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"You're right OP in that life is stressful and difficult and I think the amount of people who suffer depression is phenomenal.

Yeah this is how I see things, but how can we as a society go about "fixing" things this way?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Il be depresed in a couple month when england are knocked out early

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Your work colleague is a idiot. Diet and exercise is the way forward. "

I don't think having an opinion makes someone an idiot.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Also stop watching the news, that helps. Haven’t watched it for 9 months, it’s brilliant I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.

This.......I'm happy living in my own world too, without knowing what's going on elsewhere too."

I think if it’s that important, someone will tell me about it. The news is always negative and it chips away at you, when you don’t really need to hear it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Most Dr’s will get you to try CBT or Counselling before prescribing medication (although not sure they do this if you have suicidal thoughts). The issue is the long waiting lists (in my area at least) for these.

Medication never made me feel better, it just cushioned the symptoms i had and made it easier to get through the day and essentially look after my children. It also made me feel numb and coming off them had side effects.

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Also stop watching the news, that helps. Haven’t watched it for 9 months, it’s brilliant I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.

This.......I'm happy living in my own world too, without knowing what's going on elsewhere too.

I think if it’s that important, someone will tell me about it. The news is always negative and it chips away at you, when you don’t really need to hear it. "

Yet other people can watch the news and it doesn't have that effect. I think that's down to personality type. Resilience plays a part I'm sure. I think it's fascinating how two people can experience the same things and have completely different reactions.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

And i don’t watch the news either. I get my news from the radio as it’s condensed and to the point and less doomy

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"You're right OP in that life is stressful and difficult and I think the amount of people who suffer depression is phenomenal.

Yeah this is how I see things, but how can we as a society go about "fixing" things this way? "

By smiling

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Also stop watching the news, that helps. Haven’t watched it for 9 months, it’s brilliant I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.

This.......I'm happy living in my own world too, without knowing what's going on elsewhere too.

I think if it’s that important, someone will tell me about it. The news is always negative and it chips away at you, when you don’t really need to hear it.

Definitely. I have friends who would be in a worse place mentally without the news, they seek out knowledge and keeping themselves informed of world events is so important.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *appy squirrelWoman
over a year ago

Norwich

I am a happy person. I go out, I socialise, some exercise, kind of healthy food.

until I don't anymore. until I open my eyes and can see no reason to get up. until I stop eating. until my house becomes a smelling mess with no clean clothes and all dishes start to live. until I don't shower for weeks. until I keep taking sleeping pills just because I don't want to be awake.

that's when medication is needed.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Also stop watching the news, that helps. Haven’t watched it for 9 months, it’s brilliant I haven’t got a clue what’s going on.

This.......I'm happy living in my own world too, without knowing what's going on elsewhere too.

I think if it’s that important, someone will tell me about it. The news is always negative and it chips away at you, when you don’t really need to hear it.

True, totally agree. I’ve also had enough of looking at Huw Edwards face, that was another factor.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

My that sounds so simple.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

[Removed by poster at 30/05/18 08:22:20]

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Op. Would you take that advice yourself, choosing the meds’ as your first and recommended option?

Or try a lifestyle or many lifestyle changes first?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I was on sertraline for a year or so some years ago. They and cbt worked. Cbt more so. Horrible withdrawral. Headaches , vertigo etc. Now im happy and content with life. If you need help seek help. Depression is horrid. Just find the right key for the right door.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think it's easy to over simplify this subject, many of the responses so far testify to a lack of understanding of the myriad of reasons and causes of depression.

Therefore a combination of methods are available to help treat it, for a reason. Medication in the form of pills being only one.The pills help to combat the chemical imbalance that has occur_ed in the brain- the physical symptom, if you will.

Off the top of my head- talking therapies, physical exercise, diet, light box therapy are just a few of the things that Can* help.

I don't think that everyone needs them.

And some people may need them only for a short time.

Depression can be cyclical too- so they may need them again, in the future, but I don't think a permanently medicated society is a good idea, no.

It strikes me that we are, as society, gradually becoming drones, and as such, need to take a step back from the idealogical norm of work/eat/sleep repeat more often in order to maintain our humanity.

Look up at the stars, smell the roses, listen to some music,go for a walk, or have some fun sex- feel truly alive, you know?

(Sorry for rambling on a bit!)

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Op. Would you take that advice yourself, choosing the meds’ as your first and recommended option?

Or try a lifestyle or many lifestyle changes first? "

Personally I think her statement was a sweeping generalisation but I can kinda see where she is coming from in that our lifestyles have changed so much while our brains and basic needs haven't so as a society we are "missing" certain factors we used to get from the much more social communities we were. We have a lot more stress in these times than we had before whether we see it or not.

On a personal level I wouldn't take medication as a first option no.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *y Favorite PornstarCouple
over a year ago

Basingstoke

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

My that sounds so simple."

It's also true in the majority of cases. The definition of depression has grown so much since the original studies that proved it as a medical condition. Chemical imbalance does exist, but most people diagnosed with 'depression' don't have a a chemical imbalance. Most have an unhealthy lifestyle and stressful circumstances that anti depressants can't help with. Studies have proven that most people would experience a significantly higher improvenent on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, by better diet, sleep and exercise; compa_ed to any anti depressant pills.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *innie The MinxWoman
over a year ago

Under the Duvet

"Most Dr’s will get you to try CBT or Counselling before prescribing medication (although not sure they do this if you have suicidal thoughts). The issue is the long waiting lists (in my area at least) for these.

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not."

Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *xtrafun4youMan
over a year ago

Dunstable

40mg for me

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *itty9899Man
over a year ago

Craggy Island

When I was on medications for mine I hardly notice a difference

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *orningtonCroissantMan
over a year ago

notts and humberside

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not.

Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive. "

This is the best and most helpful post I have ever read

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?"

Americans are heavily medicated are they the happiest on earth

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not.

Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive. "

Very well said

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *gnitemybodyWoman
over a year ago

Onestepoutofthedoor

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not.

Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive. "

That's what I thought,it sounded too simple.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

At my lowest, diet and exercise would have done jack shit, and to suggest depression is as easily cu_ed by going for a walk and getting some 'light' is fucking insulting to everyone who has suffe_ed with crippling depression and been at their lowest point.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Not at all. Saying everyone should be on antidepressants is like saying everyone should be on high blood pressure tablets or diabetic medication. For people who are genuinely depressed, antidepressants are very much needed. I’ve been taking them for well over 10 years.

However, a lot of people’s anxiety, low mood & stress is all reactionary. For those, I think we’re better off giving advice about mindfulness and meditation and generally how to have coping methods.

Depression is very different to low mood or stress.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression. "

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think there are a lot of people who don’t know what true depression feels like. I didn’t realise people were actually blinke_ed enough to think a 30 minute jog a day gets rid of it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I'd argue that too many people are already prescribed them, I went to the Drs years ago regarding an eating disorder - their answer? Prozac! I threw them away and sorted my problem myself with my Husband. This has never been followed up by a Dr to see how I am now.

My Sister has been on them for years now and I can't see they've made any difference, in fact I'd say they've made her worse and she sees them as an essential part of her daily life. But it's quite sad how many young adults take them, it almost seems as if it's a badge of honour when I hear people talking about it at work.

But as with most things, those that really need help will be the last to ask for it.

Ginger

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think there are a lot of people who don’t know what true depression feels like. I didn’t realise people were actually blinke_ed enough to think a 30 minute jog a day gets rid of it. "

I am glad that a lot of people don't know what it feels like, kind of proves that not everyone needs antidepressants as per the OP's question.

I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but maybe they could try being a bit more sympathetic.

Or maybe their very insensitivity is why they have never had it?

Something to ponder on, maybe?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression. "

This 100%

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *iverpool LoverMan
over a year ago

liverpool

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

This 100%"

Well i will counter this and say diet and exercise saved my life.

It cu_ed my depression.

I made some stupid decisions when i was younger and lost a lot of money which then lost me my marrage and my home.

For months i didnt get out of bed, contemplated suicide many times.

Talked to dictor who prescribed me some anti depressants..i was at my lowest ever in life.

Never took a single pill of them, mate dragged me back into gym the day after.

Got a feel for it again...started eating healthy foods and kept at it...slowly but surely the thoughts of suicide went away and within few weeks i was almost back to myself.

Long time ago but i know what depression is and i know what made it better for me and it wasnt pills

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *innamon!Woman
over a year ago

no matter

I never felt so well as I was when on Venlafaxine time release. They suited me so well. Doc insisted on a change to various other meds citalopram and others, but they left me feeling Flat and emotionless with no sex drive at all.

I have been off meds for well over a year and wouldn't want to be back on them permanently.

I am stressy and do suffer with IBS but would prefer to deal with my life without Antidepressants just now.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

This 100%

Well i will counter this and say diet and exercise saved my life.

It cu_ed my depression.

I made some stupid decisions when i was younger and lost a lot of money which then lost me my marrage and my home.

For months i didnt get out of bed, contemplated suicide many times.

Talked to dictor who prescribed me some anti depressants..i was at my lowest ever in life.

Never took a single pill of them, mate dragged me back into gym the day after.

Got a feel for it again...started eating healthy foods and kept at it...slowly but surely the thoughts of suicide went away and within few weeks i was almost back to myself.

Long time ago but i know what depression is and i know what made it better for me and it wasnt pills"

Not wanting to belittle your experience at all, but do you think this was reactive depression? When I had a bad break up, I got through it via going to the gym. It was amazing and really helped. However, in those early depression years, I felt hopeless for no reason at all. I was just very sad all the time. There was no reason for me to feel like this, I just did. Even going to exercise or being with friends didn’t help me.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think there are a lot of people who don’t know what true depression feels like. I didn’t realise people were actually blinke_ed enough to think a 30 minute jog a day gets rid of it.

I am glad that a lot of people don't know what it feels like, kind of proves that not everyone needs antidepressants as per the OP's question.

I wouldn't wish it on anyone, but maybe they could try being a bit more sympathetic.

Or maybe their very insensitivity is why they have never had it?

Something to ponder on, maybe?"

I can see that people would think that, but personally, I don’t think it has anything to do with being a sensitive person. I think it’s like any other illness/disease, there’s an imbalance in your brain and how things are processed.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *icecouple561Couple
Forum Mod
over a year ago

East Sussex

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?"

I think people look back to a mythical golden age where everyone was happy. Five year olds cleaning chimneys were cheerful cockney sparrows, women pregnant for the eighth time living in tiny accommodation cheerfully accepted their lot. The majority of humans live in conditions that are far from their ideal. Some are miserable, some aren't, some suffer genuinely from depression and need medication most don't.

I wonder if your friend feels so low that she projects her feelings about modern life on to everyone.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *edMan
over a year ago

cambridgeshire

"And i don’t watch the news either. I get my news from the radio as it’s condensed and to the point and less doomy"

More smiles needed, and I smile every time I see your profile name

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ky19Man
over a year ago

Plymouth OYO Hotel

OP Noooo!

IMO pills would be the last resort, not the first.

The best (and natural!) antidepressant is exercise. Though sometimes it can be so debilitating you can just feel you can't. Not without breaking down crying. But perhaps that is needed, just to get it all out and release. I've also always believed this is a factor in looking younger.

I remember when I used to go out cycling a lot and exploring new places, bring very aware of how good this was for me mentally.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ky19Man
over a year ago

Plymouth OYO Hotel

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

I could have just agreed with this. For serious stuff there's no quick fix, but someone doing at least what they can do is a start I guess?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *F JonesMan
over a year ago

London

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not.

Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive. "

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *erDirtyRockstarMan
over a year ago

buckinghamshire

Well personally I practice mindfulness and meditation . It helps me put things into perspective, appreciate those things which are important and those things I can take or leave. Like social media for instance !

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *hedevilwearspradaWoman
over a year ago

Somewhere nearby

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

This. Anti-depressants, seeing a psychiatrist and group and one to one therapy stopped me from killing myself. I suffe_ed from depression, anxiety and an eating disorder.

At my lowest point, I struggled to get out of bed. I couldn’t have gone to the gym even if I wanted too. I was working as a health professional in psychiatry (ironically enough) at the time, and was off sick for 18 months. Had to leave my job as I wasn’t fit to go back even after that time.

It was a long, slow, process to recover and without medication I know I wouldn’t be here today.

Diet, and exercise would not have been enough. I wish it was.

I’m on medication again at the moment, I know it works for me.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I suffer with depression however I refuse to medicate I feel the do nothing,they don't take the problem away they just mask it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?"

im happy without medication but that does not mean i dont have problems or get down from time to time, maybe im one of the lucky ones who can deal with things better than some? but im 1000% behind more education and information being available for people that suffer from depression, its not nearly talked about enough!!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I suffer with depression however I refuse to medicate I feel the do nothing,they don't take the problem away they just mask it."

brilliant. very brave of you to speak openly about your illness. a very brave lady xx

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think OP is depressed

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression. "

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue. "

Talking about it helps

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *tonMessCouple
over a year ago

Slough Windsor ish

I think the problem with depression is that its all too easily (mis)'diagnosed'. Drs are too quick to fob people off with antidepressants when talking therapys and perhaps encouragement to exercise a little more would work just as well.

This in turn leaves those with real mental health problems lumped with them under this broad umberella of 'depression'.

True depression is life changing. It effectively cripples the sufferer leaving them unable to function normally. Simple tasks like getting up, washing and dressing become impossible.

Medication can help but finding the right medication is like a lottery.

Imagine if more were prescribed medication... Drs would be so overrun, it can take several different combinations of medication to find the right balance and no two sufferers will be helped with the same.

I have Schizoaffective BiPolar Disorder. It took 4 years to find the latest balance for me. My GP and psychiatrist are excellent. Still though waiting lists are long. It took 8months to be accepted on the local Crisis Teams caseload and a further 5 months to get an assigned CPN...

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ransGuyTV/TS
over a year ago

Cardiff

Depression can be caused by many things. Finding the cause and fixing/removing that helps keep depression away.

If you ignore, or try to ignore, the cause then nothing will get better. Unless you are lucky and the cause is something that will eventually go away on its own.

If taking medication fixes the cause, then go for it.

If taking medication helps the person deal with the cause, then go for it.

If taking medication is just to do nothing but mask the cause then I don't agree with it.

I've seen too many disappear behind fake pill induced smiles, pretending that the cause doesn't exist, and they never get better because the cause is always there, because they choose not to deal with it.

Exercise and eating well only gets you so far, giving you energy to keep going. But if you won't use that energy to fix what is making you depressed then it still won't change anything. Those things are temporary distractions at best.

Using medication just to blank out reality won't help you deal with reality. We'll just end up turning into a world of mind numb zombies, incapable of surviving without drugs.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Medication is requi_ed as an emergency response to being at risk to health. The true solution is understanding your depression and managing it. Sometimes it's reassurance requi_ed, sometimes it's acknowledgement of a condition and managing it. The best solution and sadly what is lacking in this day and age is good friends and realisation that for some weird reason society demands we are stressed to be self important. It's an angry world out there!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *y Favorite PornstarCouple
over a year ago

Basingstoke

"I think the problem with depression is that its all too easily (mis)'diagnosed'. Drs are too quick to fob people off with antidepressants when talking therapys and perhaps encouragement to exercise a little more would work just as well.

This in turn leaves those with real mental health problems lumped with them under this broad umberella of of depression

This. Saying anti-depressants are over prescribed is not that same as saying nobody needs them. The people in the over prescribed category would benefit more from diet and exercise, because they are not clinicaly depressed. People with a chemical imbalance do need them. The statement from the OPs friend is idiotic because it implies most people have a chemical imbalance.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

"No to medication. As someone mentioned its a sticky plaster. Exersise (walking is good) and diet.

Having someone to talk too (not easy for some, granted)

Anything but medication really."

I wouldn’t think medication was necessarily right for everyone, but it definitely forms a legitimate part of treatment for many people.

Exercise and diet alone certainly aren’t a cure for depression or related mental illness. Medication can absolutely help with depression as they provide crucial chemicals such as seratonin which sufferers may not be producing enough of naturally.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?"

Anti-depressants help the symptoms to give you time to fix the causes. If you have lack of sleep, poor diet, stress from work, lack of exercise then you need to fix those things. Do not prescribe people a quick fix before they have even been diagnosed. I have experience of depression for ten years and very little assistance from anti-depressants. I have also voluntee_ed for a mental health charity for five years and am a trained counsellor.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *rank n BettyCouple
over a year ago

Not meeting

Amongst other meds, I’ve been taking anti-depressants for over 6 years now. I hate taking them but sadly need them. My dose is up & down depending on what’s going on in my life.

I’ve just been diagnosed with severe obstructive sleep apnoea & probably had it for most of my adult life. Now that is being treated I am looking at a complete change of lifestyle & aim to be anti-d free by this time next year

B x

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Can we stop with the "exercise and diet cures depression" bulls hit please.

Mental illness is an illness, clue is in the name. Generally it's caused by an imbalance in brain chemicals. That's why different drugs work for different people at different doses.

Obviously not everyone needs the drugs.

I hate taking the bloody things but I know what I'm like off them. If I hadn't taken them and been to therapy I wouldn't be here. I wouldn't be working or starting a new life on my own either.

I'd be dead.

Don't bash people taking Meds please.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

I have to take a shit ton of medication a day. I am like a zombie most of the time but its better than the alternative

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

having suffe_ed with depression myself, taking the happy pill was something i really didn’t want to do, so doing more activities and getting involved more with our fight club worked for me, not saying it works for everyone but any exercise is a good way to relieve stress, which was my main cause of depression.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

Pretty standard comment from someone who has never been at the lowest they can possibly be and conside_ed taking their own life.

If you had you wouldn't make such a blanket statement.

If I hadn't sought help in the form of counselling and medication I wouldn't be here now

Through all of this I continued with keeping active, going to the gym and eating well, while it dies help it is not a cure or a solid preventative measure.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression. "

Excellent post...

Harry x

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

My depression is caused by a chemical inbalance in my brain so no amount of keeping active and eating well will cure that. I need the chemical inbalance fixed by medication.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Depression can be a very destructive illness that affects everyone, not just the sufferer. Medication is an important part of coping along with mindfulness, exercise and often a complete change in your life. No-one wants to take tablets forever but without them the illness can take hold and it really isn't pretty.

Peach x"

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"But for those of us with a serotonin deficiency then medication is the only way to go...

It’s not, there are other options. Light for example.

You wouldnt tell a person with a thyroxin deficiency to try other methods, so why a person with depression?

If other methods have worked for you then im happy for you and almost envious, but not everyone has the same results"

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not.

Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive. "

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

Trolling is a myth, it’s described to point out the comments you don’t like

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

Trolling is a myth, it’s described to point out the comments you don’t like

That sounds like something you saw a troll once say.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

Trolling is a myth, it’s described to point out the comments you don’t like

That sounds like something you saw a troll once say.

It was said on ITV in different words

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help. "

So what are some of these warning signs and preventive measures?

Seeing as clinical depression doesn’t usually have a root cause, but is often a deep dark sadness for no reason at all other than a chemical imbalance, how would you go about preventing that?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ervent_fervourMan
over a year ago

Halifax

"Your friend is a pharmaceutical wet dream.

How they would love to have everyone on medication.

Best cure for depression...keep active, eat healthy, 30 mins of exercise a day.

I agree! But think lazy/overworked/money hungry GPs are part of the problem. Take the US as an example.

But yeah: with our less holistic times we are all led to believe that human ingenuity will provide us with something NOW and receive a cure for what ails us. Whether that be in the form of instant gratification via clothes, gambling, fast food, medication,sex..

Or 'cures' for illnesses/health and the like with pills, gyms, diets, blah blah blah. Happy consumer syndrome.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

Trolling is a myth, it’s described to point out the comments you don’t like

You’ve out done yourself with this comment, well done.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

Trolling is a myth, it’s described to point out the comments you don’t like

You’ve out done yourself with this comment, well done."

I was wondering, why haven’t you landed yet

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think OP is depressed

If I was it would be my choice whether to share that or not.

Having someone point it out on a public forum wouldn't really help my situation nor make that person appear to have any understanding nor empathy for a very serious issue.

Talking about it helps

Trolling about it doesn’t

Trolling is a myth, it’s described to point out the comments you don’t like

You’ve out done yourself with this comment, well done.

I was wondering, why haven’t you landed yet

Huh ?!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help.

So what are some of these warning signs and preventive measures?

Seeing as clinical depression doesn’t usually have a root cause, but is often a deep dark sadness for no reason at all other than a chemical imbalance, how would you go about preventing that?"

I’ll give you a full answer later, I’m just concreting a floor, in the mean time try google.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help.

So what are some of these warning signs and preventive measures?

Seeing as clinical depression doesn’t usually have a root cause, but is often a deep dark sadness for no reason at all other than a chemical imbalance, how would you go about preventing that?

I’ll give you a full answer later, I’m just concreting a floor, in the mean time try google. "

Concrete your cock in the floor

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help.

So what are some of these warning signs and preventive measures?

Seeing as clinical depression doesn’t usually have a root cause, but is often a deep dark sadness for no reason at all other than a chemical imbalance, how would you go about preventing that?

I’ll give you a full answer later, I’m just concreting a floor, in the mean time try google.

Concrete your cock in the floor

I’m trying but I have a micro penis and it won’t reach.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help.

So what are some of these warning signs and preventive measures?

Seeing as clinical depression doesn’t usually have a root cause, but is often a deep dark sadness for no reason at all other than a chemical imbalance, how would you go about preventing that?

I’ll give you a full answer later, I’m just concreting a floor, in the mean time try google. "

Thanks. I have known people with depression, so it’s grest to hear that it can easily be prevented!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

OK, so I Googled ‘preventing depression’, and learned that most experts are agreed that depression can’t be prevented.

Are you confusing someone being a bit down about something, with medically diagnosed clinical depression maybe?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression.

It’s spotting the warning signs and putting preventive measures in place, I wouldn’t suggest for a minute going for a run while you’re in the midst of a depressive episode would help.

So what are some of these warning signs and preventive measures?

Seeing as clinical depression doesn’t usually have a root cause, but is often a deep dark sadness for no reason at all other than a chemical imbalance, how would you go about preventing that?

I’ll give you a full answer later, I’m just concreting a floor, in the mean time try google.

Thanks. I have known people with depression, so it’s grest to hear that it can easily be prevented!

Where did I say it can be easily prevented, But there are triggers and there are situations you can take yourself away from and get help. I’m talking from experience, count yourself you only know people who have got it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"OK, so I Googled ‘preventing depression’, and learned that most experts are agreed that depression can’t be prevented.

Are you confusing someone being a bit down about something, with medically diagnosed clinical depression maybe?"

No, I’m not. I know what the difference.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

A clinician informed me that , assuming an individual is not suffering the affects of a chemical imbalance, its often an evaluative,and emotional response.

Evaluative in that there's perceived sense of loss and the emotional response is often anger.

The individual additionally perceives there's nothing they can do to change the status of the loss, the anger becomes inverted and the depressive symptoms become apparent.

I was also informed that people who work through the depression may often have to deal with a great deal of suppressed anger once the layers of depression are stripped away.

In the context of modern life and the increase in depression. People are often over optimistic regarding where they should be in life . brainwashing from advertisements and now social media where most many a fake impression of always enjoying themselves and viewers evaluate they're more successful or happier than them feeds this dysphoric evaluative trend.

As Seneca said . to be happier, be less hopeful. Its really not a negative statement.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

easier said than done but as already mentioned ,you are what you eat , so eat healthy , go for a fast walk ,breathe in through the nose filling the lungs out through the mouth , youll not only feel better the pounds will fall off you too.

one of the worst culprits is lack of sleep , to many just accept and use "ive got insomnia " as an excuse but do nothing about it .

firstly surfing the net on you pc or phone needs to stop 6/7pm ish, wound down and prepare for bed , relax , take a hot bath , your brains a computer , it needs to shut down for sleep ,.........

i dont think tablets are actually neccesary , some countries probably not even access to such tablets but not all walking around depressed,

a lot of it is in the mind for a lot of people ,bit drama queeny even , but most of all dont do anything to improve, help or fix it ..

tablets are no good for liver kidneys etc etc etc , i never take them, my body repairs itself , and my mind .

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

It is unbelievably insensitive and offensive to suggest to sufferers of depression that it is just in their mind, and they are just being a drama queen!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"easier said than done but as already mentioned ,you are what you eat , so eat healthy , go for a fast walk ,breathe in through the nose filling the lungs out through the mouth , youll not only feel better the pounds will fall off you too.

one of the worst culprits is lack of sleep , to many just accept and use "ive got insomnia " as an excuse but do nothing about it .

firstly surfing the net on you pc or phone needs to stop 6/7pm ish, wound down and prepare for bed , relax , take a hot bath , your brains a computer , it needs to shut down for sleep ,.........

i dont think tablets are actually neccesary , some countries probably not even access to such tablets but not all walking around depressed,

a lot of it is in the mind for a lot of people ,bit drama queeny even , but most of all dont do anything to improve, help or fix it ..

tablets are no good for liver kidneys etc etc etc , i never take them, my body repairs itself , and my mind .

Lucky you !

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

OK, so drop the ‘easily’. Most experts are agreed that depression can not be prevented.

Some factors may help, but they cannot prevent.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"It is unbelievably insensitive and offensive to suggest to sufferers of depression that it is just in their mind, and they are just being a drama queen!"

Well said

It really doesn't help people who are actually depressed to be called a drama queen etc.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

"Op. Would you take that advice yourself, choosing the meds’ as your first and recommended option?

Or try a lifestyle or many lifestyle changes first?

On a personal level I wouldn't take medication as a first option no.

As a society we only experience what we know , so the assumption that society and lifestyles were different is not really the case is it ?

Our brains and needs reflect what we are conditioned to require according to our experiences .

A simple pill doesn’t exist to suddenly put everything right that we feel isn’t . Of course there are times some people will benefit from anti depressants , but to put everyone on them is a ridiculous notion .

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think many people have no idea what depression actually is and what its like to have it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Anti depressants will not help everybody. Equally a change in lifestyle, diet and such will also not help everybody.

The best approach is to raise awareness, identify the issues within your loved ones, friends or colleagues and encourage to ask for help from suitably qualified people.

They can the assess the needs of the individual and put an appropriate plan in place, wether medication, lifestyle or a mix of both.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Op. Would you take that advice yourself, choosing the meds’ as your first and recommended option?

Or try a lifestyle or many lifestyle changes first?

On a personal level I wouldn't take medication as a first option no.

As a society we only experience what we know , so the assumption that society and lifestyles were different is not really the case is it ?

Our brains and needs reflect what we are conditioned to require according to our experiences .

So you don't think we have in built needs for social contact that aren't being met in our modern life?

What about the goals we set nowadays? The media presents us with mostly unachieveable targets of wealth, beauty etc whilst telling us we can do it if we try hard.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don’t think everyone should be on anti depressants. There are those that need them, at one stage in my life, I was one of them. Not everyone is naturally happy 100% of the time. If you’re feeling down, keeps outweighing the feeling ok, then they can be an option.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

one of the worst culprits is lack of sleep , to many just accept and use "ive got insomnia " as an excuse but do nothing about it .

firstly surfing the net on you pc or phone needs to stop 6/7pm ish, wound down and prepare for bed , relax , take a hot bath , your brains a computer , it needs to shut down for sleep ,.........

i dont think tablets are actually neccesary , some countries probably not even access to such tablets but not all walking around depressed,

a lot of it is in the mind for a lot of people ,bit drama queeny even , but most of all dont do anything to improve, help or fix it ..

tablets are no good for liver kidneys etc etc etc , i never take them, my body repairs itself , and my mind .

So do you think any of what you just said would help with preventing depression given the circumstances below

You've lost your job

Fell behind on mortgage payments

Your mother dies out of the blue

You catch one of your children trying to commit suicide and they then get sectioned

I'm sorry but what you've said is again the opinion of someone who has never suffe_ed real depression.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

"Op. Would you take that advice yourself, choosing the meds’ as your first and recommended option?

Or try a lifestyle or many lifestyle changes first?

On a personal level I wouldn't take medication as a first option no.

As a society we only experience what we know , so the assumption that society and lifestyles were different is not really the case is it ?

Our brains and needs reflect what we are conditioned to require according to our experiences .

So you don't think we have in built needs for social contact that aren't being met in our modern life?

What about the goals we set nowadays? The media presents us with mostly unachieveable targets of wealth, beauty etc whilst telling us we can do it if we try hard.

I think the goals we set ourselves today are no different to the goals set in previous generations . It could be argued that as a society we are way more accepting of all minorities than previous generations , way less prejudiced , and a lot more willing to open up through all manner of social media .

I guess one may say it was a lot easier in the past as there was less to think about , but was there ? Those who lived in the past wouldn’t have said so , and that’s my point .

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

"Op. Would you take that advice yourself, choosing the meds’ as your first and recommended option?

Or try a lifestyle or many lifestyle changes first?

On a personal level I wouldn't take medication as a first option no.

As a society we only experience what we know , so the assumption that society and lifestyles were different is not really the case is it ?

Our brains and needs reflect what we are conditioned to require according to our experiences .

So you don't think we have in built needs for social contact that aren't being met in our modern life?

What about the goals we set nowadays? The media presents us with mostly unachieveable targets of wealth, beauty etc whilst telling us we can do it if we try hard.

I guess one may say it was a lot easier in the past as there was less to think about , but was there ? Those who lived in the past wouldn’t have said so , and that’s my point . "

Yeah I see. The time you live in is the time you deal with, the issues may be different but are still issues.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ubiousOatcakeMan
over a year ago

Aberdeenshire

I love it when this topic comes up, and the armchair experts come out. They know better than the doctors, of course.

If you're in a malais because life isn't the bowl of cherries you thought it would be, diet and exercise probably will help. Medication probably isn't the answer. (It's worth saying, though, that there is a widespread problem, and modern life is a factor.)

But if you're struggling to breathe with the terrror of facing a family gathering with happy, loving relatives; if you can't find the courage to go for a shower and pull on clean clothes; if you can't think straight until you've researched how you're going to kill yourself, created an Amazon wishlist with the equipment you need, and decided on the day you're going to do it; if those things are happening to you, there's no chance that a salad and a jog will help one iota.

The difficulty is this; as my doctor described it, for my depression, it was not caused by any particular event, there's just something wrong with my brain. It may be serotonin deficiency, but I'd recommend reading Matt Haig's 'How to Survive' for an insight into how little we know about serotonin levels. So it might not be serotonin. It might be faulty wiring. I needed medication (and it took a couple of attempts to find one that worked for me) to allow me to function sufficiently well to allow therapy to work. The doctor was clear that medication was just a stop-gap, a means to allow the therapy to work, and the therapy was the real 'fix'.

'Happy pills' is the least accurate description you can find for antidepressants. But, I didn't need to feel happy (yet). Getting by without crippling anxiety was enough. (I don't use 'crippling' lightly. At times I was rende_ed incapable of physical function because of fear of facing my own friends or, more commonly for me, remembering embarrassing moments in life. It's not a normal thing to genuinely believe, with every fibre of your being, that killing yourself now is a reasonable response to that time in 2004 that you told a joke that killed the conversation.) The releif of being able to function makes just staying that way a real tempation. The fear of challenging your condition, and facing therppy, is terrifying. What if bring all that back to the surface is too much to bear?

I got lucky. My GP and pharmacist acted on every 6 month review, sending me prompts to go back and discuss next steps. I also took my own steps, seeking assistance through the AXA PPP Employee Assistance Programme. However, it's really easy to see why people fall through the cracks and are left on medication for a long time. GPs and pharmacists are massively overworked. The waiting lists for CBT are long; I could't speak to my CBT therapist, which is a bit of a barrier to progress, and I didn't go back. She was the only option for me on the NHS, which is why I found another route. There are also people who simply will need permanent medication. If it is a serotonin deficiency, and you just have, as my GP put it, a leaky bucket that needs toped up, some people's buckets are so leaky that we have to leave the tap on.

Diet and exercise are great for general happiness. But if you have depression (as opposed to just feeling a bit down) then things need to be fixed before diet and exercise have a hope in hell of making you feel good.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *iamondsmiles.Woman
over a year ago

little house on the praire

one of the worst culprits is lack of sleep , to many just accept and use "ive got insomnia " as an excuse but do nothing about it .

firstly surfing the net on you pc or phone needs to stop 6/7pm ish, wound down and prepare for bed , relax , take a hot bath , your brains a computer , it needs to shut down for sleep ,.........

i dont think tablets are actually neccesary , some countries probably not even access to such tablets but not all walking around depressed,

a lot of it is in the mind for a lot of people ,bit drama queeny even , but most of all dont do anything to improve, help or fix it ..

tablets are no good for liver kidneys etc etc etc , i never take them, my body repairs itself , and my mind .

"
there has been lots of mental health threads over the years. Non have turned out negative. But you. Your attitude stinks and belongs in the dark ages. Why not take a walk into a psyciatric hospital full of very ill people. Then tell them its in their mind and they are being drama queens

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I love it when this topic comes up, and the armchair experts come out. They know better than the doctors, of course.

Well said

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

one of the worst culprits is lack of sleep , to many just accept and use "ive got insomnia " as an excuse but do nothing about it .

firstly surfing the net on you pc or phone needs to stop 6/7pm ish, wound down and prepare for bed , relax , take a hot bath , your brains a computer , it needs to shut down for sleep ,.........

i dont think tablets are actually neccesary , some countries probably not even access to such tablets but not all walking around depressed,

a lot of it is in the mind for a lot of people ,bit drama queeny even , but most of all dont do anything to improve, help or fix it ..

tablets are no good for liver kidneys etc etc etc , i never take them, my body repairs itself , and my mind .

there has been lots of mental health threads over the years. Non have turned out negative. But you. Your attitude stinks and belongs in the dark ages. Why not take a walk into a psyciatric hospital full of very ill people. Then tell them its in their mind and they are being drama queens"

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *humper9erMan
over a year ago

Rocklin

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?"

Yuup, that's all we need, more Zombies! Let's all get medicated, making the drug manufacturers filthy rich, the Drs. nothing but pill pushers and society, a bunch of mindless Zombies. Welcome to Zombie land!!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?

Would you say the same to someone who is diabetic or someone in extreme pain following a big, painful operation ?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ranny-CrumpetWoman
over a year ago

The Town by The Cross

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?"

No! Change of lifestyle is what is needed. Not medication. Medication masks, it doesn't cure.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

This. Anti-depressants, seeing a psychiatrist and group and one to one therapy stopped me from killing myself. I suffe_ed from depression, anxiety and an eating disorder.

It was a long, slow, process to recover and without medication I know I wouldn’t be here today.

Diet, and exercise would not have been enough. I wish it was.

I’m on medication again at the moment, I know it works for me. "

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

"I was having a chat with my colleague the other day. She believes that most of us should be taking anti depressants.

She thinks modern life with it's declining socialisation, media exposure and focus on image, fame and financial worth is putting pressure on us all.

Often depression is about the physical symptoms like lack of sleep or stress related conditions like IBS so while many admit to these they don't realise they are actually depressed.

What do you think?

Would we happier as a whole if more of us were medicated?

No! Change of lifestyle is what is needed. Not medication. Medication masks, it doesn't cure."

So all the conclusions drawn by peer reviewed medical research on the subject of clinical depression is wrong, and can, in fact, be sorted by simple changes in lifestyle?

Sorry, but it takes a special kind of arrogance, ignorance, or combination of the two to believe that.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

One man's rut is another man's depression

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I dont think the anti depressants are the answer. Most have alot more negative side effects long term and only mask the issue.

But I do think your friend has a point. I agree its a strange world we live in now days and stress and depression is on the increase. But I think it comes down to the lack of real connection.

Through our history we have forever strived to be connected with society. Its not always been an easy thing todo, some of you have reached a certain age that you will remember not even having a house phone. Today it we want to reach out to anyone at any point in our day, we can. We are connected through every mobile phone, Pad, laptop etc by the power of WiFi.

The question is have we forgotten how to connect with each other on a human level. Are we letting basically binary code strip away the emotion, leaving gaps and holes for miscommunication.

Is social media replacing deep, meaningful conversations, are we becoming sca_ed to look someone in the eye and actually feel something.

At work, at home and even out with friends we spend our time staring emotionless at our devices, even creating emoticons to hold on tightly to the idea that we are indeed emotional.

We use passive aggressive Facebook posts and unfollow or unfriend someone instead of communicating and spending the time to work out our issues with them, we spend hours to create the perfect responses edited to be as humourous and cheeky and clever and sarcastic as possible before hitting send.

We stew for hours because we read a comment and pile on our own insecurities, millions of words in a virtual world sending our hearts and minds in a twirl because we don’t see the individuals face as they type these words, and then when we edit a reply we no longer hold ourselves responsible for how the message is received at the other end.

So just pause for a moment and think, in this world where instant connection is a button press away why is the human race more disconnected now than ever before.

It used to be said we were all simply humans until race disconnected us, religion separated us, politics divided us and wealth classified us. But in this tech age the problem of disconnection is growing, it is impacting on families, friends, relationships and having a devastating effect on our communities.

So what is the answer, and before anyone says I understand the irony of writting this online etc. But maybe its as simple of getting together with friends in a local coffee shop and having a good old fashioned natter. Stepping away from the keyboard and inviting loved ones around and hiding the tech for the night.

Saying good morning in the street when walking to work, starting to acknowledge those around you, slowing down a little and living in that moment. Get involved in local community groups.

There are so many possible answers all we can do is start to reconnect and enjoy human interaction once again and leave the binary code out of it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *tonMessCouple
over a year ago

Slough Windsor ish

one of the worst culprits is lack of sleep , to many just accept and use "ive got insomnia " as an excuse but do nothing about it .

firstly surfing the net on you pc or phone needs to stop 6/7pm ish, wound down and prepare for bed , relax , take a hot bath , your brains a computer , it needs to shut down for sleep ,.........

i dont think tablets are actually neccesary , some countries probably not even access to such tablets but not all walking around depressed,

a lot of it is in the mind for a lot of people ,bit drama queeny even , but most of all dont do anything to improve, help or fix it ..

tablets are no good for liver kidneys etc etc etc , i never take them, my body repairs itself , and my mind .

What an inciteful understanding pleasant chap you are. And how lucky for you that you have never had 1st hand experience with mental illness. I wonder could your method be applied to all illness? Hell we could be a world free of mental illness, diabetes, hypertension, organ failure... My god man you are the Mesiah

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Some of the attitudes expressed in this thread have made me angry. "All in the mind" "no drugs necessary" - absolute bullshit. Until a person has experienced mental illness or lived with someone who has, they have no clue and no right to pass (ill-informed, ignorant) opinions.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think many people have no idea what depression actually is and what its like to have it. "

Thank goodness. Just goes to show that many people don't actually need medication and that the op's colleague has a strange opinion on the subject.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *tonMessCouple
over a year ago

Slough Windsor ish

Im not sure I would be alive without medication.

You cannot begin to understand the terror of schizophrenia.

Claiming deep breaths, healthy eating and exercise would set me straight is not only stupid but insulting and downright offensive.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Also life is all about perception what i perceive as deprssing others may not

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Im not sure I would be alive without medication.

You cannot begin to understand the terror of schizophrenia.

Claiming deep breaths, healthy eating and exercise would set me straight is not only stupid but insulting and downright offensive."

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ky19Man
over a year ago

Plymouth OYO Hotel

"Some of the attitudes expressed in this thread have made me angry. "All in the mind" "no drugs necessary" - absolute bullshit. Until a person has experienced mental illness or lived with someone who has, they have no clue and no right to pass (ill-informed, ignorant) opinions. "

I'm sorry dude if that includes me. This thread must be talking about the really serious version, I know what that's like, and also know what it's like to not be understood. My GCSE and college years were the hardest time of my life (until now).

The hard thing, if anyone knows you are suffering, is just to get the "it's just in your mind" treatment as though you just need to make an effort.

And I think "if I really was that weak, as you say I am, I wouldn't have even made it past the first month."

However its hard to tell on the outside sometimes as I also know from experience many people seem content to just be inert and be fed by someone else, treating them like sh1t the first time they don't get what they want. Also they tend to seem to think they're the only ones who feel "depressed, suicidal, this happened etc".

I would say that as long as a struggling person is making the effort they can on their side, then I'm with them.

Also I've never taken pills, I really don't believe in them unless a last resort. I would try and find natural ways and build myself up with good habits gradually.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entish79Man
over a year ago

Glasgow

"Also life is all about perception what i perceive as deprssing others may not"

Depression isn’t really much to do about with being depressed about things though.

I find a lot of this thread depressing. I find things like Trump, or Brexit depressing. I’m a little bit depressed when the shop on the corner has run out of blue M&Ms.

But none of these things is the same as suffering from actual, medically diagnosed depression.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ky19Man
over a year ago

Plymouth OYO Hotel

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first"

This sounds like wise saying to me.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Woa get of your big high horse fella...I live with it every day and it takes its toll on me....sometimes just sometimes it's good to have a bit of light relief from it....feel free too mount that big fecking horse of yours

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *tonMessCouple
over a year ago

Slough Windsor ish

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first"

And when there is no 'cause'?

When lifes great, you've had no traumatic upbringing, never been bullied, no bad ex, you have a great partner, a nice home, drive nice cars, have healthy happy kids, a good job that you enjoy... everything is just perfect.

But you are still crippled by depression and anxiety, you still have terrifying voices in your head telling you to kill yourself by any means possible.

What then?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Absolutely.

There is no "one size fits all" for depression.

Those of you suggesting diet and exercise only as a magic wand are misguided at best and dangerous at worst.

A run round the block won't "fix" someone trying to process an abusive childhood.

A nice salad won't sort out someone feeling suicidal due to work, relationship or money worries.

Meds can be short or long term and should be conside_ed as part of the bigger picture.

Dismissing them by people who (probably) have no experience of true depression is one step away from saying "pull yourself together"...patronising and naive. "

I was bullied in school. If I genuinely thought going for a run or eating healthily would help me deal with that, I would have done it bloody years ago.

I've been on meds before, they didn't work, they actually caused insomnia. I had one counselling session last year and got turned down by the therapist because according to her I didn't need it at the darkest time of my life. I've got ''friends'' who said to me recenetly ''it's time to put on my big boy pants and sort it out''. None of it helped.

Honestly I don't know what works and I haven't really got any useful advice to give, but I use humour and writing to help me self-medicate. I crack jokes and act like an idiot. I just do what I've always done to help me get by.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think there are a lot of people who don’t know what true depression feels like. I didn’t realise people were actually blinke_ed enough to think a 30 minute jog a day gets rid of it. "

Whenever someone says that going for a run clears their depression it's obvious the only thing they've experienced is sadness. True depression is like wearing concrete shoes. You can't move, you feel weighed down. The last thing you wanna do is go for a run, instead you wanna hide away and cry yourself to sleep.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *riefcase_WankerMan
over a year ago

Milton Keynes

I think a huge part of the problem across society in general is the huge number of misconceptions around depression, and the attempts to categorise it or simplify it down into something that can be easily understood.

By its very nature, it is a complex, multi-faceted, and extremely nuanced illness that is different for everybody.

I think one of the most pernicious beliefs that needs challenging is this notion that depression has to have a reason - that if work is shit, or your marriage broke down, or your child died then okay - you get to be depressed, but otherwise what are you complaining about?

I mean the comment earlier about it all being in peoples' heads...it's a bloody neurological illness - though the comment was made disparagingly as if to trivialise the affliction, actually examine that statement "it's all in their heads" - yeah, no shit!

As people have said - there is no one-size-fits-all neat and tidy approach. There can be extrinsic depression that is a result of external factors, there can be intrinsic depression that has no outside cause whatsoever, it might be due to a chemical imbalance, it might be due to a dysfunctional relationship with self - it may well not be depression at all, but rather someone just feeling down - and there's not so much a thin line between that and depression but a fucking massive gaping chasm so wide that people on this side don't even know what the other side looks like, hence the prevalence of so many misconstrued notions as to what depression is and isn't.

I'd not be so arrogant as to assume that my personal experience is representative of everyone else, but for me the hallmark of depression was always the visceral self-loathing. When I suffe_ed in my early years I had a cushy life with nothing to complain about, and yet there I was, hosepipe in the exhaust, hand on the keys, bawling my eyes out peering over the edge. How many celebrities with their amazing lives and universal adoration top themselves? There is no fixed correlation between the state of your life and the state of your mind...

Depression doesn't need a reason. It just *is*

That's not to say people can't get depressed over money worries, relationship issues or losing people they love - of course they can. But equally people can experience those things and be sad without being depressed.

We are far too quick to label things without truly understanding what they are - and the sad truth is, unless you've had depression, you will never understand it. Even medical professionals who are trained specifically in that area will never truly understand it unless they have experienced it for themselves.

So whilst it's all well and good espousing the benefits of diet and exercise (and I'm not questioning those for a moment) they are rende_ed somewhat _edundant if the person in question is in a place where washing every couple of weeks, brushing their teeth, remembering to eat or even getting out of bed are a really big fucking achievement.

Should everyone be on medication? Of course not - these are very potent psychoactive substances that can significantly fuck around with our brain chemistry and have all manner of horrible side-effects.

Should medication be conside_ed the first line of defence? No to that also - whilst I empathise with the pressures doctors find themselves under to provide 'a solution' swiftly and then see the next patient, anti-depressants are by no means some panacea that can fix things.

Personally I don't get on with them - but for some people they are entirely the right option and allow them to function on a daily basis and lead a relatively 'ordinary' life. However, I think that they should always be a fallback option after other (less invasive) possibilities - such as talking therapies - have been explo_ed.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ubiousOatcakeMan
over a year ago

Aberdeenshire

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first"

You really don’t understand, do you? The cause of my depression is that my brain physiologically doesn’t work the way it should. I need medication to even begin to deal with the resulting behaviours.

Yes, I have learned and continue to learn how to deal with the thoughts that are generated by the fault with my brain, but that’s dealing with the symptoms, not the cause. I can’t think my broken brain away, any more than I can jog it away, salad it away, or dissolve it by breathing in through my fucking nose.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I'd not be so arrogant as to assume that my personal experience is representative of everyone else, but for me the hallmark of depression was always the visceral self-loathing. When I suffe_ed in my early years I had a cushy life with nothing to complain about, and yet there I was, hosepipe in the exhaust, hand on the keys, bawling my eyes out peering over the edge. How many celebrities with their amazing lives and universal adoration top themselves? There is no fixed correlation between the state of your life and the state of your mind...

For me it was bullying all throughout secondary school and that brought about self-loathing too. I always question whether I'm good enough for something or someone, which in turn leads me to self-sabotage everything I have. I destroyed my relationship with my ex because I didn't believe I deserved her.

And I think the reason I felt that was because I've never had a support system that told me I am worth something. I still don't. I guess I use this forum and Reddit to find that support system, to talk to people who are suffering like me, but it's not a viable substitute for real people who I know.

Medication works for some people and it doesn't work for others. I personally believe that a good, caring support system of friends and family who don't patronise you and make you feel worse won't help you get rid of depression, but it will help you come to terms with it and fight it. It's not something you can fight alone, you need people who you can stand back-to-back with to help you push back the tide.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *entle giraffeMan
over a year ago

Minehead

Whilst fresh air and exercise can help (it certainly makes me feel better) i wouldn’t presume to tell everyone that it will work for them.

Depression comes in many different guises and there isn’t a one size fits all treatment. This is why it takes so many re visits to a Dr/Counsellor to get your treatment/medication right.

Medication is not right for everyone. And i certainly wouldn’t class anti-depressants as the cure all, happy pill. Because they’re not."

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"My antidepressants stopped me killing myself.

No. You cannot cure depression by simply going for a walk or changing your bloody diet. Anyone who suggests this garbage has clearly never suffe_ed with true depression. "

Well said

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ubiousOatcakeMan
over a year ago

Aberdeenshire

"Also life is all about perception what i perceive as deprssing others may not"

This confirms it. Please, I urge you, go away and read about depression. I promise you, it’s not what you think it is.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I don’t know. Some people cope with life better than others. I have a friend with an never ending positive outlook on life. Nauseatingly so at times and nothing ever gets her down. She has a pretty carefree “charmed” life but maybe this is why?

I’m a positive, happy person but not ashamed to admit I’ll be on low dose antidepressants for life. Every time I try to come off them life gets to be way too much. Yes I’ve dealt with a lot of crap in my life but nothing like others have. I’m just a sensitive soul I guess!

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first

May I ask a genuine question abt it ?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ubiousOatcakeMan
over a year ago

Aberdeenshire

Let’s put it this way, folks: Imagine the engine in your car has a busted cylinder. Imagine somebody said, “Put that fancy petrol in it, and take it for a nice drive each day, and wash the paintwork, the cylinder will fix itself.” What would you think of the person?

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ubiousOatcakeMan
over a year ago

Aberdeenshire

"May I ask a genuine question abt it ? "

By all means.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"May I ask a genuine question abt it ?

By all means."

Please don't take as a personal attack. I wanted to ask you privately but as you blocked all men I have to do it here.

You said thatit is in your brain, that you have a broken brain ? Please correct me if I have misinterpreted what you said.

So my question is, have you always been depressed...even when you were very young or certain events has trigge_ed your depression ?

There are extensive research about how they found biological evidence of depression but they also found that the environment plays a massive in role in depression and recovery process.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *F JonesMan
over a year ago

London

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first

I agree! ... These may be great methods for prevention! But they alone are not cures.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *loswingersCouple
over a year ago

Gloucester

The broken brain documentary series is pretty good , and although it won’t cure a physiological issues , it certainly won’t harm either .

Simply google broken brain .

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first"

The cause of my depression is a chemical imbalance in my brain. By taking medication i am dealing with the cause of the depression. Antidepressents arent madking the problem, they are dealing with it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I think antidepressants just mask problems. Deal with the cause of the depression first

*masking

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ubiousOatcakeMan
over a year ago

Aberdeenshire

"Please don't take as a personal attack. I wanted to ask you privately but as you blocked all men I have to do it here.

You said thatit is in your brain, that you have a broken brain ? Please correct me if I have misinterpreted what you said.

So my question is, have you always been depressed...even when you were very young or certain events has trigge_ed your depression ?

There are extensive research about how they found biological evidence of depression but they also found that the environment plays a massive in role in depression and recovery process."

That’s a great question. One that I may have difficulty answering, but I’ll try.

I first became aware of the symptoms of my depression during puberty. At that time, I (And my parents) assumed it was just down to hormones. It never passed. The only thing that I can state with any confidence is that I have had depression and anxiety since I was about 14 or 15. I didn’t get help until I was 35.

As to whether I had it before, I can’t be sure. Part of the problem is, given how long I’ve dealt with it, it can be hard to separate some of the symptoms from my personality. My personality and the illness are so heavily intertwined; I don’t know which bits of me would change if I could magic the illness away.

So, there are parts of my pre-pubescent personality that could be attributed to symptoms of depression in a young child. Or it may be that the symptoms of the depression just latched onto the more obvious parts of my personality. I don’t know much about physiological changes in the brain during puberty, it might be that it developed then.

My dad is a big influence on a lot of the symptoms, but I’m as sure as I can be that if it wasn’t him, it would be something else. He didn’t do anything which would have trigge_ed a sort of circumstance-reactive depression, he just had a parenting style which wasn’t helpful for a mental illness we didn’t know I had.

I don’t know if any of that will make sense. Apologies if it doesn’t.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Going to the gym is the best medecine for it.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Going to the gym is the best medecine for it."

Will people fuck off with this ridiculous statement

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Please don't take as a personal attack. I wanted to ask you privately but as you blocked all men I have to do it here.

You said thatit is in your brain, that you have a broken brain ? Please correct me if I have misinterpreted what you said.

So my question is, have you always been depressed...even when you were very young or certain events has trigge_ed your depression ?

There are extensive research about how they found biological evidence of depression but they also found that the environment plays a massive in role in depression and recovery process.

That’s a great question. One that I may have difficulty answering, but I’ll try.

I don’t know if any of that will make sense. Apologies if it doesn’t."

It actually does

thank you for your thorought reply.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Please don't take as a personal attack. I wanted to ask you privately but as you blocked all men I have to do it here.

You said thatit is in your brain, that you have a broken brain ? Please correct me if I have misinterpreted what you said.

So my question is, have you always been depressed...even when you were very young or certain events has trigge_ed your depression ?

There are extensive research about how they found biological evidence of depression but they also found that the environment plays a massive in role in depression and recovery process.

That’s a great question. One that I may have difficulty answering, but I’ll try.

I don’t know if any of that will make sense. Apologies if it doesn’t.

It actually does

thank you for your thorought reply. "

I gotta go so I dont have to write a longer reply but will get back to you

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Going to the gym is the best medecine for it."

Not for me it isnt.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *risky_MareWoman
over a year ago

...Up on the Downs

One thing which I think it worth pointing out - people's brain chemistry may become alte_ed because of the stress or grief in their life, or they may become depressed because their brain chemistry has become alte_ed.

But please never underestimate this - diet, exercise and yes, even light can PROFOUNDLY effect the very same brain chemistry, altering levels of dopamine and serotonin, both their rates of production and breaking down, and in some studies such changes have proved equally effective to medication!

Yes, of course there will always be some people who require medication, but I agree that diet and lifestyle should be investigated and addressed far more first.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately

By *ky19Man
over a year ago

Plymouth OYO Hotel

"I think there are a lot of people who don’t know what true depression feels like. I didn’t realise people were actually blinke_ed enough to think a 30 minute jog a day gets rid of it.

This. I think that advice DOES help, but only for lower level depression. For the serious kind, I know I've done all that crawling over broken glass to do what comes easy to others, and certainly had my share of "lazy" treatment because of it.

This was the case in school/college and eventually I ended up believing it, the depths of worthlessness too much to comprehend.

This time I'm too determined but still get overcome. This Monday I couldn't go into work. I really couldn't do it this time. I am an expert in digging deep, more than anyone who knows me knows, but knew inside myself 'not this time'. It's just been too heavy for too long, my reserves finished for good sometime last year.

I know they will say I am weak and lazy etc but just have to accept it knowing how wrong they are.

I'm currently smoking 5-10 cigs a day cos I find it helps, especially if I feel my mind is falling apart. Just helps get me through. This also gets the reaction "weak, excuses etc" but I don't drink, never done drugs of any kind, I maintain I'm not doing

too badly for the worst time of my life.

I exercise as much as I can, with the attitude if I can't do it all then I do what I can do, but honestly every time is gruellingly hard. I just do some shoulder presses on one arm with 12kg, sometimes press ups. Whenever I start to climb and get somewhere something happens to use my money and have to do too many hours again and end up not falling, but being pushed back down.

Not everyone is well enough to do all the hours God sends. Some people need to realise that.

I don't eat enough food to put muscle on. Eating is a huge chore. Its slowed my metabolism and burned the muscle I have to save energy.

Despite this I am proud of the shape I've kept my body in, I don't think it's bad at all considering.

What keeps me going is how much I will surely soar when things get even halfway back to normal. Its built so much resilience, but also taken it's toll.

(closed, thread got too big)

Reply privately