Is depression really treatable?

*moe darklight*

Quote by Moonbear

For depression? That doesn't sound right at all. Usually, when people are on anti-depressants, most people don't even know it because the medication is working and making them seem totally normal instead of mopey and withdrawn. Sounds like they're on the wrong medication and/or it's not working. I'm not sure what it would do to someone who didn't need medication. Perhaps that's what's happening...people got prescribed medication for something that didn't require medicating.

Ironically, some antidepressants have been linked to suicide

, not only that, but on many cases a placebo was just as effective. I can't remember the studies, I'll ask my mom for them some other time.
Medication is useful when there is a chemical imbalance, (therapy has been shown to fix imbalances too though— and the term "chemical imbalance" is a bit overused and not all that clear) or if the person is very out of control to the point where they can't be reasoned with... but with most depressions, ADD, OCD, and so on, medication is not the only (or best) solution.

Quote by light_bulb

your both right, i'm going to take my own and your advice, get off the computer for a while and get out more, that should also help me bring back the focus on keeping up with studying instead of chating it up on the computer, see you in 3 months.

that's good but why the frown!

I'm off to a BBQ right now and it's nothing to frown about! ... unless it keeps raining ugh.

Pythagorean

Quote by moe darklight

Ironically, some antidepressants have been linked to suicide

, not only that, but on many cases a placebo was just as effective. I can't remember the studies, I'll ask my mom for them some other time.
.

http://www.antidepressantsandchildsu...m/timeline.htm
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=832

Astronuc

Quote by Moonbear

Everyone needs some social interaction, though how much varies with each different personality. Another aspect of that is the lethargy of just sitting still all day long and not getting any exercise. I think that some cases of depression (not all by a long-shot) are due simply to inactivity. I can feel that happen to myself sometimes. Just getting out and doing something active can really get my mood elevated when I've been sitting at a desk too long. It doesn't have to be anything excesive, just a good bout of housekeeping, or a walk around the mall, or a brisk walk around the block. On the days when I'm not out at the farm working, I make sure I take a good walk at lunchtime (even if it's just to the hospital cafeteria). If it's nice outside, I walk outside, otherwise, I walk around the building I work in and take the stairs every chance I get.

If you can actually pinpoint the source of the depression to something simple like that, it's very easy to fix it by just changing your habits.

Absolutely.

At work, I take time out from work and go for a walk, usually down to the river. A friend and colleague joined my company about 6 weeks ago. We worked together for many years at another company - the one I left 9 years ago. We used to go for walks at lunchtime, and now that he has joined me again, we go out and roam the area at lunchtime.

Pythagorean

I only experienced depression when I was alone (single) and sat around the house all day.

Outdoor activities I partake in nowdays:

flying kites
floating down rivers
hiking/camping trips
barbecues
making little hot air balloons
attending local events:
music
plays
festivals

There's others, but that's all off the top of my head.

*moe darklight*

Quote by Pythagorean

http://www.antidepressantsandchildsu...m/timeline.htm
http://www.news-medical.net/?id=832

that was quick! lol. my mom has them on paper. she's always talking about over medication in her field (15 year old kids prescribed viagra because their meds make them impotent! I'm not joking!).

aah! but I'm so late. I still have to put on some clothes, it's 10 pm and I was supposed to met my friends at 9. damn you, hopelessly addictive Physics Forum!

zoobyshoe

Cogitive Therapy is really effective compared to meds.

Meds are actually dangerous in that antidepressants can throw some depressed people over into mania causing them to end up bipolar.

Winzer

What exactly is this cognitive therapy you speak of?

Yah I have heard meds work for some people and not for others. But I really don't want to resort to a pill to keep me sane, or drive me insane.
Sometimes it is not just depression alone but it couples with rage, I will be mad just for no reason- I don't get it.

I usually try to avoid conversation with people and keep to myself, except for my really close friends.

*proton*

I actually experience some depression, maybe once every 2 days, where I feel extremely bitter and hopeless. Its usually from fear of the future, loneliness, and some boredom. But I find that exercising helps a lot. I took medications 2 years ago, and they didn't help at all. But I also got no side effects from them.

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Pythagorean Recognitions: Gold Member	I only experienced depression when I was alone (single) and sat around the house all day. Outdoor activities I partake in nowdays: flying kites floating down rivers hiking/camping trips barbecues making little hot air balloons attending local events: music plays festivals There's others, but that's all off the top of my head.

zoobyshoe	Cogitive Therapy is really effective compared to meds. Meds are actually dangerous in that antidepressants can throw some depressed people over into mania causing them to end up bipolar.

proton	I actually experience some depression, maybe once every 2 days, where I feel extremely bitter and hopeless. Its usually from fear of the future, loneliness, and some boredom. But I find that exercising helps a lot. I took medications 2 years ago, and they didn't help at all. But I also got no side effects from them.