Posted by LynneDa on February 5, 2004, at 10:05:44
In reply to Learning Unlearning the Benefits of Depression, posted by Journeyman on February 4, 2004, at 22:31:30
Hi all ~
This is a very interesting discussion. I've read the Harville Hendrix book. Good stuff.When my ex-husband first was diagnosed with depression we did a lot of reading and of course counseling. What we were told was that depression is a progressive illness - gets worse without treatment. Getting worse means the chemicals keep going in the wrong direction and poor chemical balance alters behavior, as we all know!
I haven't really studied it any further & am certainly not a psychologist, but what that meant to me was that these new behaviors somehow perpetuate and learning is achieved through repeated behaviors. Our bodies will continue on the same chemical pathways until they are altered. Meds are great for breaking that cycle and allowing us to modify our depressed behaviors.
On a spiritual level, however, I agree with Richard that the things we are given in life are there to teach us something and they won't go away until we've learned the lessons we're supposed to learn. I guess I have to believe that or disease, dysfunction, loss, etc., would just seem too tragic for me to bear!
Peace to everyone on your personal journeys!
~ Lynne
poster:LynneDa
thread:109458
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040204/msgs/309718.html