Posted by DepNYer on October 18, 2003, at 10:45:34
In reply to Re: Our brains might be normal! » Cruz, posted by loolot on October 17, 2003, at 20:58:27
I know I'm new here, but i just wanted to contribute something to this thread. I've had recurrent major depressive episodes over the last several years. I tried denial, talk therapy, hiding in bed from my family, and attempted suicide as "treatments" for my depression. Medications saved my life. My "cocktail" is pretty aggresive, but now I laugh, cry, enjoy life, become upset at occurances that any "normal" person would feel. In other words I've gotten my life back with a full range of emotions. Life is not always all sad, or happy for that matter. Yet for those in the grips of depression, emotions disappear, a feeling of numbness to life's events, and a complete feeling of isolation.
Is depression biochemically mediated? Yes. Perhaps not in the "simplisitc" manner of current science and medicine, but even there, there is a recognition of the complexity of the interactions of neurotransmitters and neuronal function, and even neuronal death.
The one area I feel is appropriately adressed is in the over diagnosis of depression. Life is filled with challenges, disappointments, and stresses. These normal emotions certainly will respond to talk therapy to work out better coping mechanisms. Even placebos will work for the average person, as, if they believe this "outside" influence of the "magic pill" can control their emotions, it will, but they are just drawing on their own inner strength which is validated by any intervention. There are many people on medications who really don't need to be.
Yet, for those of us with major depression, bipolar disease, or true PTSD,GAD,and real panic attacks, medications are what keep us alive, and hopefully able to live fuller, happier lives. It took me almost 6 years to discover the "cocktail" that works for me. Others here still seek that.
Mental illness is real. Mental illness is not a lack of character. Mental illness is not a choice of anyone here would choose. I know that if any person here could eliminate their illness permanently, they would jump at it.
Are meds over prescribed in this country? Yes. But for those among us with a real, quantifiable illness, medications have saved thousands of lives.
poster:DepNYer
thread:270235
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031015/msgs/270557.html