Everyone I know is taking pills for depression!! Whats up with that??? Is everyone depressed but me??? Now if a person is a little down or having a bad day the doctor writes a prescription for pills! I don't even take a headache pill unless its really bad! Don't these people (and doctors) know they are filling their liver and stomach with harmfull chemicals??

I did it for awhile and if it helps it helps---beats laying in bed all the time without the energy or will to get up and even take a shower and really beats being suicidal. I took them long enough to get my head on straight and get well enough to find other outlets (such as church, quilting, and painting). It also helped me to figure out what I need to do to keep myself out of depression. Now, I make sure I get plenty of sleep, don't read books that are depressing, don't watch the tear-jerking chick flick type movies, try not to over-book myself, I stay as far away from negative people as I possible can. You are fortunate not to have ever experienced that black whirlpool that sucks you down into despair. People with diabetis take insulin, people with broken legs get casts, it's basically the same thing. Clinical depression is very hard for people who've never had it to understand and it's also very different than regular depression like you have when you lose a loved one.

Just have to reply to this one.....taking medication to help with your depression is not a sin...nor anything to be ashamed of. I take offense to your comment but, even in disgust for the narrow mindedness that still exists, I do not wish depression upon you...altho that is the only way you would obviously understand.

I don't mean to offend anyone at all! It just seems like everyone is depressed and I'm the one thats different. I've learned not to complain too much when I go for check ups because the doctors are too quick to write prescriptions for anything. Many times the medicines are much worse than the ailment.

It does seem like a lot of people are treated for depression - myself included.

I spent a year in therapy with a psychiatrist for a combination of depression and anxiety, fighting medication the whole time. Like many people my age (soon to be 50!), I was raised to pull myself up by my bootstraps, so to speak.

After a year, I agreed to discuss medication. The doctor asked me if I had diabetes, would I refuse to use insulin? Of course not. If I had heart problems, would I take needed medication? Of course. It's very much the same thing, and it runs in families.

Having taken medication for a couple of years, I decided I was better and didn't need it any more. After a while, one of my children made a comment that I didn't ever smile. Back to the doctor and back on meds for me.

Years ago, there wasn't much available to help many of the conditions that are treatable today - from depression to high blood pressure to diabetes to cancer to impotence - the list goes on and on. Why is it that we don't question the need for treatment for physical problems, but if it is a mental condition, we quesion it?

If you, your family and friends are all fortunate enough to not have had clinical depression congratulations! However, if there is somebody who needs the help that is available, I hope you will listen to them and educate yourself rather than make them feel that they have to hide it from you.

It is VERY hard to understand. Like telling a man what childbirth or menopause is like. But I think she's trying to understand by asking about it. You sound like someone that suffers from it like I do. The worst thing (I think) is that others don't understand and don't realize that there's nothing they can say or do that will help. When my moods go black EVERYTHING that anyone says or does sounds negative to me. That's when I take my pills and get lots of sleep for a few days until it goes away. Non-sufferers do tend to think of it as just a sadness when in reality it's so much, much more. I've never been deaf or blind and would have a hard time grasping all that involved with that, same thing.

You're right about one thing, we all need to be pro-active when taking meds. I remember mom telling about being sick when she was expecting my twin sisters. She was on complete bed rest and the doctor came to the house every other day to give her a shot. When I asked what it was that he gave her she said, "I have no idea, he was the doctor and I trusted him." (that was back in the Thalidimide (sp?) days) In today's day and age we had better know not to do that. I'm not offended nor bothered by your statement. In fact, it makes me happy to know that you don't have to go through it. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

Ok, I guess I just don't understand it because I've never had it. A friend of mine just told me she was taking drugs for depression now and I couldn't see anything she should be depressed about so I was just wondering.....But I'm thinking I should have never started this thread. :? Maybe admins. will delete it before someone chops my head off. :shock:

No one is going to chop your heard off. Depression is rampant and not just so drug companies can make millions. I have had it, still have it and take meds for it. In the summer I can take less of them, because I'm outside more and getting that vitamin D that we in the Northern Hemisphere all need. I also take vitamin D. But there is more to the depression than just lack of sunshine. It's this troubled world that gets a lot of people down. Sometimes it just feel so hopeless and we feel so useless. There a as many reasons for depression as there are people who have it. It isn't just an imaginary illness. It's very real and very difficult to live with. I'm glad you posed the question, because it will give everyone a place to talk about it. And talking sometimes helps the sufferer.
Diana

Maybe you need to change doctors. There are many people who have been helped to lead a better life after taking medication.