Depressed

[Oleanda]

I know there is a world of difference between depression and being depressed. I am the latter and I know the reasons for it, but there is nothing I can do to change these reasons. Given this, would there be any point in asking a doctor for help, or do I just have to come to terms with the changes in my life?

[jimmer]

Hi Oleanda

 

it really depends on how low you are feeling and how it is effecting your ability to function. You may want to talk to friends or family first to see if they can help put things into perspective. Is the reason you are low also being experienced by close family or friends? And very importantly, can you see an end point for your current depression? i.e. do you feel things will improve with time. I can't honestly say whether you should see a doctor but there is no shame in it if you feel it would help to talk to someone.

 

take care

 

jim

[Scarlett]

Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain- a disease, which makes the sufferer unable to get out of bed, and of course, worse. There isn't usually a tangeable reason for this, which is why it is so hard to put right without the use of drugs (to redress the chemical imbalance).

If you have a specific reason (or reasons) then that is a really good start! I would try and get some counselling to work through your problems, and if they cannot be sorted out, to help you to come to terms with them. Life is one big biorhythm- ups and downs, swings and roundabouts. This could just be a trough, and the peak is invariably round the corner... xx 

[joko]

you could try some herbal remedies to help you through. try st.johns wort or 5HTP or a blend called connect

[Oleanda]

Thank you all for your answers. I am reluctant to take "over the counter" drugs, even if they are herbal, because I already take so much stuff for my RA. I guess a visit to the doc is called for to maybe get some counselling.

[Euphorbia]

The medical jury is out on the causes of depression.  Clinical depression does seem to be related to chemicals in the brain - but it's not a perfect science and more needs to be discovered.  (More is known about manic depression - which is completely different thing).

The depression you seem to be experiencing is called 'reactive depression' - i.e. you are depressed by events/situations in your life.  It is no less a depression than clinical depression.

Medication can help with reactive depression, usually in combination with a therapy - such as cognitive behavioural therapy, which addresses thought processes i.e. negative feelings can be caused by negative, spiralling thoughts.  So CBT works on 'reprogramming' the brain to challenge/weaken these negative thoughts.  CBT has a high success rate (even when not taking any medication, it's the most effective therapy) - and it's available on the NHS.

Hope that helps