Depressed? Or know someone who is?

[YmirGF]

Originally Posted by shortfade2

Can someone give me advice to give her? I have tried quite a lot.

As the Stormy one said, your friend needs counseling and that IS the best advice you can give her. Her need for counseling can be gauged by her vehemence to the idea itself.

[Moonstone]

Originally Posted by MaddLlama

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. Not trying to insult those who are situationally depressed, but those things you mentioned in the OP don't cure an imbalance. Finding things that make you happy, and taking care of your body do help the symptoms of depression, but it doesn't cure it.

And, I find myself quite level-headed, and thinking clearly, and I think a lot of people here would agree. My thought process is somewhat abnormal, but not foggy.

While I agree with what MaddLlama said, I think it was very thoughtful of you to post this. Thank you.
-Princess Dot

[croak]

Psych Central can be a fantastic springboard for learning more about psychology, mental illness, and the like.

On the topic of self-harm, that is a serious issue, and she needs to see someone about it as soon as possible. Perhaps she might get upset if bring up that boy; say that you're worried about her hurting herself, and it can't hurt to talk to someone about it. Try not to come off as attacking him. I don't know; bottom line is she needs to see a counsellor, at the very least.

I now realize that the post is a few months old. xD Did she end up seeing somebody?

As for the thread itself, I think the OP made some valid points. But really, it depends on the depression: it's not one-size-fits-all. For major depression (which goes by many different names), they would possibly be part of a therapy regimen, in addition to medication. If someone's feeling down (which differs from depression), this would likely help them out of that rough spot.

Depression can't really be summarized in a few words.

Originally Posted by WARTORIOUS

I would also like to point out that when you are depressed you're not thinking strait, although it seems you are. But trust me you won't be.

I took that as listening to negative thoughts, destructive thoughts, and the like, and maybe believing them, acting upon them.... I wouldn't say depressed people are in some sort of hallucinatory daze or the like, but I don't think that's what was meant. I'm assuming, obviously.

Originally Posted by The Great Architect

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.

Depression is not always a result of a chemical imbalance; as I stated before, it can't really be summarized in a few words. It is a very broad disorder; maybe a little too broad.

Quote from Psych Central:

Most clinicians practicing today believe that depression is caused by an equal combination of biological (including genetics), social, and psychological factors. A treatment approach that focuses exclusively on one of these factors is not likely to be as beneficial as a treatment approach that addresses both psychological and biological aspects (through, for example, psychotherapy and medication). Depression remains a complicated, complex disorder and researchers are only beginning to fully grasp the multitude of factors — personal, genetic, biological, societal, and environmental — that are involved. Any explanation or approach which emphasizes only one factor as the cause of depression is misleading and simplistic. Individuals should avoid accepting a simplistic answer to such a devastating and complex disorder.

[Snowber]

Nice tips

[zenzero]

Friend WARTOTIUS,

Depressed? Or know someone who is?

10 ways to be and stay happy

Some of the more common symptoms of depression are:

Yes, surely what you state are correct but however they are still at the superficial level and one has to go to his own core to effectively change the pattern of the MIND such that the MIND itself drops.

The symptoms of depressions are all rooted in the MIND and unless the root causes are handled and put in their right place the same will continue.

Meditation is the only positive response that brings about any permanent change from being a negative persona to a positive human being.

Love & rgds

[Snowber]

Originally Posted by zenzero

Friend WARTOTIUS,





Yes, surely what you state are correct but however they are still at the superficial level and one has to go to his own core to effectively change the pattern of the MIND such that the MIND itself drops.

The symptoms of depressions are all rooted in the MIND and unless the root causes are handled and put in their right place the same will continue.

Meditation is the only positive response that brings about any permanent change from being a negative persona to a positive human being.

Love & rgds

Meditation is indeed a great remedy to many problems no matter what faith you may be. We live in a society where we're moving way too fast. We don't stop to actually enjoy life anymore, it's work, then school, then sleep.

Having recently diagnosed "myself" as being anxious/slightly depressed I came upon something called the "Linden Method". I think the method gives good tips of distracting oneself from unconscious thoughts that surface based on past experiences, effectively "reprogramming" those subconscious thoughts and overriding your mind to, instead, think of something that makes you happy.

I think it has helped slightly but more than anything it give me courage to overcome anxiety GOD willing.

[zenzero]

Friend snowber,

During school days or even now never faced such problems where one's mind gets depressed as the mind itself is never given the liberty to go under such a state.
However besides that am glad that you are practicing something to elevate your mind conditon.
Once anyone understands what meditation is then it is not a question of how, where, when as it is possible at all times even while attending a class; besides it is something that will evolve a being to greater heights.

The choice is yours.
Love & rgds

[Xafwak]

I was once depressed for a few months. I was fortunate that it wasn´t too deep, I could cope with it. I learnt that clinging to at least a few happy activities works as a pre-emptive method for depression, but I doubt it cures it.

[Adramelek]

I personally have dealt with depression for most of my life. I haven't been suicidal in years, thankfully. I found that keeping myself engaged in life, my music (my depression has actually helped me compose some very passionate pieces of music for both piano and guitar), helps me keep my mind and emotions in a positive state. Of course, I still have my down days. Also, my personal metaphysical philosophy helps to keep me positive, balanced, and instead of fearing the future, I look forward to it.

I can't really explain it, but there seems to be something within me that keeps me driven and goal oriented. Perhaps it is what I and others call the "Black Flame".

Xeper em Ma'at.
/Adramelek\

[Snowber]

Originally Posted by zenzero

Friend snowber,

During school days or even now never faced such problems where one's mind gets depressed as the mind itself is never given the liberty to go under such a state.
However besides that am glad that you are practicing something to elevate your mind conditon.
Once anyone understands what meditation is then it is not a question of how, where, when as it is possible at all times even while attending a class; besides it is something that will evolve a being to greater heights.

The choice is yours.
Love & rgds

I've been reading the Linden Method and listening to a couple of the exercises. The tips are very good, I also found a blog someone wrote following it if you're interested:

Anxiety/Depression Log

The system introduces a "9 Pillar System". If anything, knowing that people have been helped by the system and that there "IS!" a way to get rid of depression anxiety is encouragement enough to keep someone going . Distraction seems to be a big part of it all: Distract your mind by getting rid of BAD habits by teaching your unconscious to think otherwise.

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To everyone:

I'd like to hear about you've been battling depression/anxiety with and what TRUTHFULLY has worked. Be very interesting to get real world solutions.