Posted by Viridis on March 2, 2004, at 1:13:49
In reply to Noonday Demon - Very grim, is it true??, posted by BobS, on March 1, 2004, at 18:16:14
Solomon's book is very good, but of course it emphasizes the "worst case" experiences for effect. Its greatest value is in demonstrating that clinical depression cuts across cultures, and is a real illness to be taken seriously.
Some people have single or rare episodes of major depression and are fine most of the time, or even recover completely. But many others do get worse without meds, and need to find the drugs that work for them to avoid repeats or amplification ("kindling") of the disorder. If that's the case, all the better that you recognize it early, understand what's going on, explore the options, and settle on some medication or combination that works. You're almost certain to find a solution, with enough perseverance.
What's so scary about this? If you discovered that you had a treatable condition like high blood pressure, and long-term use of medications could keep it under control, I doubt you'd agonize over the decision to take meds. Many people live long, productive lives with diabetes, cardiac problems, thyroid disorders etc. and simply accept that these are medical conditions that require long-term monitoring and treatment.
Why should mental illnesses be any different? Solomon's book emphasizes the ubiquity and reality of depression, and helps bring it into the mainstream. Attitudes are shifting, and now this is just another, genuine illness that some of us have to cope with. At least the tools are there to help, and the chances are excellent that you'll be able to take control of the situation, even if you may never be "cured".
poster:Viridis
thread:319196
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040228/msgs/319281.html