Depressed? Or know someone who is? (mission, agnostic, suicide)

[Tigress]

Originally Posted by michel

Snap. But don't you find yourself focussing so hard on the dread of looming 'events' such as sociable occasions (Christmans, birthdays) is one of the hardest things to cope with ?

I have to Go to my Son's graduation at the end of this month; of course, I am so proud of him..........but, I have the "30th" like a weight around my neck.

I do find social situations difficult and a graduation would definitely be one I would find myself dwelling on, as large crowds of people and I do not mix. Sometimes I find sharing my anxiety with a trusted family member or friend helps me to cope, and on the day(s) in question, if possible, I see to it that said person is there with me.--I hope you are able to attend your grandson's graduation and enjoy it. If you like, I will say a prayer for you.

Blessings,
Crystal

[Silicon Hero]

What makes you think getting rid of depression is as easy as working out and eating your food groups? Depression is a medical condition, and when people talk about it they really need to differentiate between having a chemical imbalance, and being sad because something happened.

Because a lot of times thats what it takes. I know this will probably insult someone, and I am very sorry if it does, I have no intention of targeting anyone ont he site. But if you look at America and the UK are the most obese countries in the world. They also have the highest rate of depression. You see a correlation? It very well could be because people aren't excersizing and aren't eating their veggies.
But anyways. My personal fix was affirming my faith as a christian. I can tell you the night I accepted Christ, my depressjion was gone the VERY next day. Symptoms and all. I know alot of you are going to try to debunk this, but its true. Hopefully it can help someone.

[MaddLlama]

What works for one person isn't always the solution for everyone else. Religion didn't cure my depression, and physical exercise is good for physically feeling better, but not mentally.
You can make a correlation like that with a lot of things and depression. It doesn't mean that just ONE of those things is the reason, or even that any of them are.

[Enigmata]

Here is some basic information about the correlation between exercise and depression. You can find more info pretty much anywhere on the web. WebMD has some good info. I am not here to debate. From experience I hate to see people fall completely onto the prescription drug remedy.

In addition to the numerous treatments for depression, exercise has become an appealing new alternative to alter one’s mood. Many recent studies have been published supporting the belief that exercise has been proven effective in improving depression and in some cases has been able to prevent it all together.
The basic reasoning behind this theory is that exercising has positive effects on one’s body and mind. In support of the psychological benefits, it is argued that exercising increases one’s self-confidence as well as provides a feeling of accomplishment and mastery, which in turn may raise an individual’s overall outlook. By compiling the findings from fifty-one different studies, Spence JC found that a small but notable increase in self-esteem was linked to the lowering of depression. In addition to the increase in self-esteem, exercise can also provide a more grounded perspective on life. By participating in group exercise the individual is placed in an environment where it is more likely that he will interact with others. The interaction in itself offers a therapeutic affect for those who are so depressed that they choose not to even get out of bed.
But even more convincing to some is the biological argument that supports the link between exercising and improved depression. Currently researchers are studying the various ways the mind alters one’s mood, placing much of their focus on the brain’s neurotransmitters. The two most highly publicized neurotransmitters are beta-endorphins and serotonin. Beta-endorphins are part of the mood regulating chemicals that reduces pain and can even induce euphoria. In fact, it is even now believed that the increase in beta-endorphins when exercising is the true cause of the euphoric state, "runner’s high". However, there are little scientific findings to prove that beta-endorphin has a positive effect on depression. Serotonin, nonetheless, is another chemical in the brain that has been successfully linked to mood. In particular, it is responsible for the availability of neurotransmitters at receptor sites. For the brain to maintain a stabilized mood, it must have balanced levels of serotonin. In cases of manic depression, the cause most often stems from either a lack of serotonin in the brain or inefficiency among the serotonin receptors, Most doctors have relied on drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to monitor the levels of serotonin in the brain. However as more studies are being performed on exercise and depression, scientists are hypothesizing that exercise may raise serotonin levels enough so as to help those suffering from depression, an alternative which is inexpensive as well as beneficial for the entire body.

[Silicon Hero]

Religion didn't cure my depression

That's why I wasn't referring to any religion. I was referring to christianity.

[MaddLlama]

Originally Posted by Silicon Hero

That's why I wasn't referring to any religion. I was referring to christianity.

Hey, that counts as religion. And I went that way for a while. I came out worse off and more depressed than I was before.

Like I said, what works for one person doesn't work for everyone else. Just like exercise. I make it a point to work out at least 4 times a week since I'm trying to loose weight. I don't feel any less depressed. There really just isn't one single universal cure for depression. Even medication doesn't work for some people.

[The Great Architect]

I have had clinical depression, since my mid-teens. I have 'learned to cope' from day-to-day, with a mixture of counselling and antidepressants. Also, with music, writing, laughter, family, and friends. But one is never completely free of the beast. I have learned to appreciate the good things in life more, because I have seen the bad.

At some points, I was close to ending it -- but it was never physically possible.

I thank God, also, for helping me to feel the gift of being alive.

[Hope]

Originally Posted by Silicon Hero

But anyways. My personal fix was affirming my faith as a christian. I can tell you the night I accepted Christ, my depressjion was gone the VERY next day. Symptoms and all. I know alot of you are going to try to debunk this, but its true. Hopefully it can help someone.

You are probably the exception, and not the rule----though I am very happy for you, that Christ healed you. I know of many Christians who suffer from depression (and I include myself---though mine is more situational and not clinical because it comes and goes). Christ doesn't promise to deliver us from all afflictions----He simply promises that His grace will be sufficient. He does heal some people, but not all.

[ChristineES]

I have clinical depression and I know that it is a medical condition caused by chemicals of the body being unbalanced. I take medicine for it and it works great. You wouldn't tell a person with cancer to try and heal him or herself.

[The Great Architect]

Originally Posted by ChristineES

I have clinical depression and I know that it is a medical condition caused by chemicals of the body being unbalanced. I take medicine for it and it works great. You wouldn't tell a person with cancer to try and heal him or herself.

That's right; well said. Depression isn't something that one can just 'snap out of' at will, and it should be treated as seriously as schizophrenia, or bipolar disorder, or any other mental illness. It's a chemical imbalance of the brain.

(I feel a bit pompous using 'one' all the time, but I do like to speak correctly, and write correctly.)