Posted by Rach on August 6, 2000, at 11:12:23
See the above thread for what the actual questions and answers were. I'm not going to single out anyone personally, and I am definately not going to view or speak about anyone's ideas in a negative light. I'm just going to present a synopsis of what was answered.
All up, 14 people answered some of my questions (including myself). Only three people chose not to answer all questions, and both times it was the question about what they believe caused their depression mentally. I am glad, though, that so many people had recognised their triggers, and were able to share that with us all.
The first question about mental vs. physical was very interesting. Most either weren't sure, or believed dep. to be a result of a combination of things, both mentally and physically. Some people mentioned stress as the main 'mental' trigger. A good point that was bought up was about humans being biological creatures. I admit that mental & physical were not the best choice of words, but I could not think of a better way to put it - and I think everyone got my meaning. Personally (yes, I am going to add a personal view here: I'm not attacking anyone's views, just presenting an opposite opinion that happens to be mine!), I'm not sure about the 100% biological creatures - is our soul/spirit/personality/(insert your similar choice of word) biological or not? I lean towards my soul not being biological, and therefore something non-physical to act in triggering depression. It is definately something for us all to think about.
Everyone had at some stage been to counselling and also had been on medication for dep. Most were still doing both.
Most people indicated that stress factored in the onset of dep., and that family also was a major factor. Abuse, lack of trust, lack of love - basically I think most people (correct me if I am wrong) were talking about the continued impression of worthlessness that they got from their families, leading to self esteem issues, eventually leading to dep. (with other factors along the way, of course)
All 14 people answered that they had blood relatives with depression. A small sample size, I know, but let's pretend it's not, to consider some questions. Does this result indicate a hereditary component of dep? Perhaps. Or is it more likely that there is so much pressure in society today to 'have it all' that dep. is becoming rampant when we do not live up to ideals? Or, is dep. the new-age virus; do we 'catch' dep. from close family or friends? (Let me explain this more. Imagine how hard it is for your spouse/friend/children to deal with your dep. If you are easily irritable, angry, upset, or simply have issues to deal with, this makes it hard on the people around you. I'm sure most of us know this. If someone around you was constantly questioning their worth, you may find yourself becoming miserable because they are miserable, and you empathise and feel their pain. You share that pain. You may also begin questioning your own worth, because if you love that person, you may think 'This person who is so amazing and I who I love thinks they are worthless. I must be even more worthless, because I admire, respect & love this person'. In other words, you have caught the depression from your love. Hope that makes sense). Probably, to be less silly, I should just say, perhaps this just indicates that dep. is passed on to those who share the pain.
Remission vs. Recovery. Very varied responses to this - although most people liked remission. I am extremely happy to note that almost everyone was hopeful of getting to a state of wellness, with some have the firm belief they would get there (at the time of posting, anyway.)
Thanks again to everyone for answering these q's. Hope you all were able to gain something from this 'exercise', even if just a little more knowledge about yourself.
Peace all round,
Rach
poster:Rach
thread:42288
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000729/msgs/42288.html