Have you ever/ do you suffer(ed) from depression!?

Abi

TequilaMockingBird wrote: »

I have chronic depression, so I'm on a fairly high dose. I believe the "maintenance" dose of this drug is 10mg. I'm not a suicide risk. If I wasn't taking this drug I might be.

Its actually 20mgs. 10mgs is a scratch on your knee. Im on 40mg. Of course I understand that degrees of depression are expected, but as you rightly pointed out.. there are some people what shouldnt be.

I'm not suffering Abigayle. I will always have depression, but if I am controlling it, I'm not suffering. (Much:o)

Are you very sure you should be on SSRIs? It is emotionally painful. Depression is mocked because you don't look like you are in pain, or suffering. But for the people that actually know you.. see you... they see the difference.

I have gone for counseling myself (nothing to do with my GP), I found it good (but knackering), but it's not something I feel I need to do right now. I would recommend it though.

Its not supposed to be easy. Its about confrontation. get yourself in "bring it on" mode. Of course you recommend it. Because you know it works.

Good luck to all with it. It's a pain in the arse.

Welcome to my world

TequilaMockingBird

40mg's? Your hardcore girl! I've had to fight for the 20mg.

Good luck with it.

Abi

TequilaMockingBird wrote: »

40mg's? Your hardcore girl! I've had to fight for the 20mg.

.

nnnnoh dont gimme that

Do do pm. Im cool with it (obviously) :pac: Thanks for the other perspectives though

Wibbs

I reckon you're right. I know someone that has asthma and has had great results with a method(whose name escapes me) that feels that asthma is primarily caused by overbreathing. We can certainly say that a multitude of illness in western peoples is down to overeating, yet others down to overindulging. All simple explanations of course, though pretty accurate. Maybe extend that simple analogy further, maybe we're overthinking. Modern life in many of it's aspects may be affecting mental health in the same way that a diet of maccy dees is affecting physical health?

Your primitive societies have a few things in common that may be part of it. They tend to be stable over time, they tend to have some sort of "spiritual" inner life(a sense of more, not even really requiring a deity), group identity, stable family bonds, more delineated roles, both social and gender, good diet, fresh air and usually strenuous physical exercise*. The latter physical things may be a factor. Strenuous physical exercise moderates insulin, increases the release of endorphins and in general keeps the endocrine system up to speed. Diet may have a part to play. http://scienceblogs.com/corpuscallosum/2009/01/antidepressant_effect_of_vitam.php On Vit D alone how many of us expose enough of our skin to the sun to boost that vitamin? The social freedoms and boundaries thing I personally think may need to be looked at. IMHO too many "freedoms" can throw people outa whack. Like children I would say the vast majority of us need boundaries and even set roles to some degree. Controversial maybe?





*but variable exercise with a purpose not found in a gym. Gyms do obviously make a diff, but mad wibbs theory alert, I don't think the gym exercise is as valid as far as long term mental and physical health is concerned. I think running on a treadmill, is like jacking off when compared to running down a country lane across fields or your local park, it gets some good result, but it is so much lesser than the real thing and I honestly think the body and mind knows this and reacts differently. Studies have found that if average unfit people through simple self hypnosis imagine they're fitter over a month, they will be actually be fitter than those who don't. So IMHO it does make a diff. The distinction between brain, mind and body I think is too separate, though in fairness the fitness types will be the first to point it out. Fúck me thats a long footnote.:D

Nevyn

The drugs are to try and help you function they can be numbing, they interupt the cycle
they cut it off, but they may get you to cope cos the reason we end up depressed is
cos we can't cope and feel we have no control and that in it's self is a self perpetuation cycle. We can't effect change so we have no control and it gets worse.

I know it was only by understanding my cycle and how to intervene with myself
and be aware of, acknowledge, accept and then adapt to my patterns and cycles that
I cope, can be in control and can make changes to me, my moods and things in my enviroment.

It's hard, there were time I was in the pit and it took people coming around and cleaning my house to try help,
to paint the walls a wacky colour so things were different so
that I knew change had happened and I was capable of making it happen.

If I ever have to go back on meds I will, I will do my damnest first, use all the tricks
in my bag but if they don't work and things become self destructive with the distractions
it will be in to the gp.

Tbh at this stage I cherish the fact I can have 2/3 down days and feel blue and mopey
and know that they will pass and won't trigger another bout of depression.
I can enjoy the bitter sweet as well as the sweet.

It's hard seeing other people in the pit, you can't pull them out, you can't tell them
how to climb out, they have to find thier own way, but that doesn't mean you
can be understanding and supportive and let them know they are not alone.

Yes wibbs for some depression is being lost and trying to find yourself.
My Granny would blame the pill for depression and sucide in young males in thier 20s
cos back in her day they would have had knocked a lass up been made to get married
and be settled down with roles, responsibilities, people who depend on them and loved them.

I was also on 40mg for quite a while. The thing which eventually turned my life around was a change of scenery and so far it seems to have worked.

Abi

Karsini wrote: »

I was also on 40mg for quite a while. The thing which eventually turned my life around was a change of scenery and so far it seems to have worked.

Im happy it worked out for you. Did you receive any counselling?
Good for you anyway. MAKE yourself always think positive. hard to do I agree, but if you are suffering, a positive approach changes your direction for you

Abigayle

Abigayle wrote: »

Im happy it worked out for you. Did you receive any counselling?
Good for you anyway. MAKE yourself always think positive. hard to do I agree, but if you are suffering, a positive approach changes your direction for you

Yes I did, I was seeing both a counsellor and clinical psychologist at different stages.

I found that once my physical environment and surroundings improved then I started to feel better inside soon afterwards. I certainly don't put myself down as much as I used to but I wouldn't say I'm completely out the other side just yet. The difference now is that I'm confident that I can work things out whereas about two years ago I felt hopeless.

Actually, come to think of it I peaked at 2x75mg per day but it didn't really agree with me so I was dropped back to one 75mg. Can't believe I forgot that! I guess I haven't really thought about that part of my life very much over the past while.

Snowie

Karsini wrote: »

Yes I did, I was seeing both a counsellor and clinical psychologist at different stages.

I found that once my physical environment and surroundings improved then I started to feel better inside soon afterwards. I certainly don't put myself down as much as I used to but I wouldn't say I'm completely out the other side just yet. The difference now is that I'm confident that I can work things out whereas about two years ago I felt hopeless.

what do clinical psychologist do ?

I think it just take time allso nuchering your self giving your self treat's etc can be good to... I wish i was out of the woods but i think its a taking time thing...

I hear you on working things out, 10 months ago I was my own worst enemy now things are slightly better its nice..

Snow-Monkey

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

what do clinical psychologist do ?

I was looking back on my childhood and often questioned myself about why I never seemed to fit in or why I had strange interests or such repetitive behaviour. I had received some advice that they appeared to be autistic traits, namely Asperger Syndrome, so I was seeing the psychologist regarding this. However he never officially diagnosed me as he didn't want to put a label on me (in his words). I still believe it to be true but in the absence of a diagnosis from a qualified professional I'm still a bit uncertain.

Snowie

Karsini wrote: »

I was looking back on my childhood and often questioned myself about why I never seemed to fit in or why I had strange interests or such repetitive behaviour. I had received some advice that they appeared to be autistic traits, namely Asperger Syndrome, so I was seeing the psychologist regarding this. However he never officially diagnosed me as he didn't want to put a label on me (in his words). I still believe it to be true but in the absence of a diagnosis from a qualified professional I'm still a bit uncertain.

Oh ok i can understand that... Same problems my self i think its them and not me tbh , Like serously majority of people who suffer from anything we've discussed seem to have a very similer veiw point where as...

if you where to chat to some people I know.... There answer would be its all in your head...... :pac:

Yeah mate it is but whats in my head and yours is very different...
and gentrally lack and empathy because there straight lassed streamlined people school collage job house gf ....... the mondeo life style but thats what they've had drilled into them....

Ticktactoe

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

if you where to chat to some people I know.... There answer would be its all in your head...... :pac:

Thats very true and drives me mad. It is pure ignorance and lack of understanding!

Snowie

Ticktactoe wrote: »

Thats very true and drives me mad. It is pure ignorance and lack of understanding!

yep... but hey... if we where all the same it was drive us equelly mad

magenta73

I don't have depression, but after lots of visits to my G.P I was told that I have G.A.D ( generalised anxiety disorer ). I was having very bad panic attacks and had a constant "knot" in my stomach, like some thing bad was going to happen. I could wake up at 4am and just shake from head to toe!. The treatment for G.A.D, well what I'm on is an antidepressant called Lexapro, even though I dont have depression, I dont have sad thoughts, but I would worry about everything! and I mean EVERYTHING!. I've been taking Lexapro for over a year now and the panic/anxiety attacks are few and far between,TG, but I will always remember friends and family basically telling me to "get over it"!, whereas my husband, would put his arms around me and try talk me through it!

does anyone else here have G.A.D?

Xiney

Actually, having experienced what passes for "counselling" at the hands of the HSE (in two seperate cities in Ireland), I'd much rather go through depression on medication alone if possible.

Being taken into a room alone, accused of faking a lifetime of clinical depression and being told I'm not depressed at all and berated for over 90 minutes while my spouse waits next door oblivious to what is going on doesn't appeal to me, strangely.

The first time it happened, I figured it must be an anomally. The second time (in the second city) I figured this country is backwards and I needed to get the f*ck out.




(Ironically, I doubt I'd even have a need for anti-depressants if I wasn't living in Ireland)

Snowie

Xiney wrote: »

Actually, having experienced what passes for "counselling" at the hands of the HSE (in two seperate cities in Ireland), I'd much rather go through depression on medication alone if possible.

Being taken into a room alone, accused of faking a lifetime of clinical depression and being told I'm not depressed at all and berated for over 90 minutes while my spouse waits next door oblivious to what is going on doesn't appeal to me, strangely.

The first time it happened, I figured it must be an anomally. The second time (in the second city) I figured this country is backwards and I needed to get the f*ck out.




(Ironically, I doubt I'd even have a need for anti-depressants if I wasn't living in Ireland)

I think if you go to the hse for counciling your going to get that...
private ftw

JBoyle4eva

(Skipping the majority of the thread to post this)

I currently suffer mild depression, but it's brought upon by suffering anxiety. I get bogged down really early, and get really un-motivated. Going to counseling right now and getting cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and it's working. But I've a long way to go before I'll be back to myself.

corkie

Disease Ridden wrote: »

EDIT: I may have started off on the wrong foot in this thread so please read through it! I wasnt saying depressed people shouldnt be depressed cause their physiological needs were met; I was just trying to talk about how annoying it is for sufferers that despite knowing they are better off in material terms than many others, they are simply unable to enjoy their everyday lives.

I have read some of this long thread with interest?

Where you watching Stephen Fry on rte ryan?
Link to rte player. around about 50mins at the end of the show.
He even stated that he suffers from "Manic Depression"?

Comedian, actor, author and film-maker Stephen Fry meets celebrities and members of the public who talk frankly about the impact the condition has on their lives.

During the two programmes, Stephen Fry talks in detail about his own experience of having bipolar disorder. He recounts his suicide attempt after walking out of the West End play Cellmates in 1995, and the continuing severe mood swings he has to endure.

Link to BBC documentry

Regards,
J.

zero_nine

Hi, I am given to periods of depression. I have had ocd in the past and was put on antidepressants for that. I was on them for 6 years as I was afraid to come off them in case the ocd came back. I came off them about 3 months ago, my ocd didn't come back too bad, but me and the girlfriend broke up a month ago and I've had my head up my prevebial ever since. I determined not to go back on antidepressants but I know I can't continue on like this. For me it seems to have a physiological basis, as I am not down about anything in particular. I going to hit the gym and try to get into shape, I'm hoping that'll cheer me up. I wish I could have been born different. I envy people who coast through.

Abi

zero_nine wrote: »

I determined not to go back on antidepressants but I know I can't continue on like this.

Don't look on them like that. They are there to help if you really need it.


But:

I going to hit the gym and try to get into shape, I'm hoping that'll cheer me up. I wish I could have been born different. I envy people who coast through.

This sounds like a good idea. Hope it works for you, just basically do all you can to put your mind of things. You will be fine :pac:

Black Swan

zero_nine wrote: »

I going to hit the gym and try to get into shape, I'm hoping that'll cheer me up.

Strenuous daily exercise may help. I have a friend who used to suffer from depression and claims that this was a part of her solution. Getting 8 hours sleep per night, a healthy diet, cutting alcohol (alcohol is a chemical depressant), and sorting out problems at work and with family also helped.

Ciaran500

Blue_Lagoon wrote: »

Strenuous daily exercise may help. I have a friend who used to suffer from depression and claims that this was a part of her solution. Getting 8 hours sleep per night, a healthy diet, cutting alcohol (alcohol is a chemical depressant), and sorting out problems at work and with family also helped.

Exercise is well know aid for curing depression. http://www2.vhi.ie/topic/exdepression

EDIT: All those things too.

fryup

So 66% or thereabouts say they suffer from depression.....so does that mirror irish society?? or is it just 66% of Boards.ie users??

Wibbs

I was surprised myself. It could be down to a lot of things though. Yes the demographic of an internet site is more likely to be attractive to people who would have less social skills, which would increase the risk. That said the people I've met at boards beers would skew that stereotype in the vast majority of cases. Plus I know people with depression who are very social. The anonymous nature of the web also makes it easier for people to admit what is still a condition laden with stigma.

fryup

^^^^^
very well said

Wibbs wrote: »

The anonymous nature of the web also makes it easier for people to admit what is still a condition laden with stigma.

but why should there be a stigma??

i look at it this way..the brain is just another part of the body that can be damaged, just like the heart, lungs, kidney, liver etc

sam34

fryup wrote: »

^^^^^
very well said



but why should there be a stigma??

i look at it this way..the brain is just another part of the body that can be damaged, just like the heart, lungs, kidney, liver etc

unfortunately, not everyone has this sensible enlightened attitude.

there are plenty people out there that think those who suffer from depression or any other mental illness are somehow weak, or "a bit off".

there are those who subject them to derision and ridicule, and those who think they should be shepherded away and locked up in the big grey building on teh hill.

i am a psychiatrist, and i see this stigma alive and kicking every single day.

i have seen parents of a man newly diagnosed with schizophrenia, sit in front of me and argue over which side of the family it came from "there was never madness in my family, he must have gotten it from your crowd" etc, instead of focussing on their son and what was best to do for him

i have seen people refuse to access help, both for themselves and their families, because they dont want anyone knowing they were going to "the mental ward"

i could go on and on.

the sad reality is that while this misperception and stigma is out there, those with depression and other mental illnesses will continue to be marginalised and will resist seeking help, both of which will only serve to perpetuate teh situation, and ultimately, keep our suicide rate as high as it is.

zero_nine

Has anyone actually tried exercise for depression? I'm not feeling awful awful at the moment, just quite bad, and the idea of getting out of my bed is a terrifying prospect.( I'm of the impression that if I talk to someone in real life, as in my parents etc, they'll tell me to cheer up because my face appears to be physically unable to disguise a bad mood). Anyway, I'm wondering has anyone here personal experience with using exercise to cure moderate depression? I may have to go back on antidepressants if it doesn't get better by such these means, exercise or perhaps time. I cannot stand this endless endless rumination about problems, imagined problems mostly.

Wibbs

sam34 wrote: »

there are plenty people out there that think those who suffer from depression or any other mental illness are somehow weak, or "a bit off".

More than plenty I would say. OK the truth? I gotta be honest and hold my hand up and say I would have felt a lot like that in the past. Not about people with schizophrenia or obviously pathological clinical depression/manic depression, but the lower levels of it. Even today, though intellectually I know it's something they may have little control over, I still sometimes feel like shaking some and telling them to cop on, eat better, move more, meet people and stop being so self obsessed. More a frustration rather than a stigma though. This feeling goes deep and not just in me. I would say the majority of my mates would feel similar.

the sad reality is that while this misperception and stigma is out there, those with depression and other mental illnesses will continue to be marginalised and will resist seeking help, both of which will only serve to perpetuate teh situation, and ultimately, keep our suicide rate as high as it is.

+1

Disease Ridden

corkie wrote: »

I have read some of this long thread with interest?

Where you watching Stephen Fry on rte ryan?
Link to rte player. around about 50mins at the end of the show.
He even stated that he suffers from "Manic Depression"?

I actually saw the replay of that interview last night and I also watched his documentary on manic depression when it was shown on tv. I found it very captivating, especially seeing the GP who herself has bi-polar. Its worth looking up on youtube for those who havnt seen it.

I'm amazed at the number of responses this thread has brought in, abigayle and snow monkey in particular, fair play with the response you's are giving to people! :pac::)

Black Swan

zero_nine wrote: »

Anyway, I'm wondering has anyone here personal experience with using exercise to cure moderate depression?

I had posted earlier that a friend of mine claimed that it helped, and she was clinically diagnosed with mood disorder. Although I do not have this condition, we all as humans have an occasion to be depressed, and when I have been in such a mood, I have found that strenuous exercise really helped.

Be mindful that exercise is not the silver bullet for the cure of depression, but in combination with other interventions can be helpful. Don't forget a healthy diet, adequate sleep, vitamins, cutting alcohol (a chemical depressant), and sorting out work, family, and significant-other problems as parts of the solution.

zero_nine

Blue_Lagoon wrote: »

I had posted earlier that a friend of mine claimed that it helped, and she was clinically diagnosed with mood disorder. Although I do not have this condition, we all as humans have an occasion to be depressed, and when I have been in such a mood, I have found that strenuous exercise really helped.

Be mindful that exercise is not the silver bullet for the cure of depression, but in combination with other interventions can be helpful. Don't forget a healthy diet, adequate sleep, vitamins, and sorting out work, family, and significant-other problems as parts of the solution.

Cool. Will try some fun, but punishing exercise

Snowie

zero_nine wrote: »

Hi, I am given to periods of depression. I have had ocd in the past and was put on antidepressants for that. I was on them for 6 years as I was afraid to come off them in case the ocd came back. I came off them about 3 months ago, my ocd didn't come back too bad, but me and the girlfriend broke up a month ago and I've had my head up my prevebial ever since. I determined not to go back on antidepressants but I know I can't continue on like this. For me it seems to have a physiological basis, as I am not down about anything in particular. I going to hit the gym and try to get into shape, I'm hoping that'll cheer me up. I wish I could have been born different. I envy people who coast through.

i find part of the problem with depression is the doing of nothing....
Its all to easy..... I can admit that straight of keeping busy active and doing anything is better then sitting in front of a pc...

Im a pig for it... :mad:I cant help my self... tho recently Ive been giveing a list of stuff which require my cannon 5D and some ingenuity with a camera so the days are a bit better ....


tho i spend a lot of time on photo shop... what i will say is that i happily grab my skate board and hit the streets for an hour at times cause soem trouble cruising down hills or on main streets .... or going for a drive :cool:

you just gotta dos stuff tho i think motivation is another problem a depression suffer can have

zero_nine

Snow-Monkey wrote: »

i find part of the problem with depression is the doing of nothing....
Its all to easy..... I can admit that straight of keeping busy active and doing anything is better then sitting in front of a pc...

Im a pig for it... :mad:I cant help my self... tho recently Ive been giveing a list of stuff which require my cannon 5D and some ingenuity with a camera so the days are a bit better ....


tho i spend a lot of time on photo shop... what i will say is that i happily grab my skate board and hit the streets for an hour at times cause soem trouble cruising down hills or on main streets .... or going for a drive :cool:

you just gotta dos stuff tho i think motivation is another problem a depression suffer can have

Yeah motivation can be a big problem. Its way easier just to sit in front of the PC doing nothing in particular. Mindless filler sort of tasks. You kind of just have to make yourself get up and do anything. I like driving too.

Snowie

zero_nine wrote: »

Yeah motivation can be a big problem. Its way easier just to sit in front of the PC doing nothing in particular. Mindless filler sort of tasks. You kind of just have to make yourself get up and do anything. I like driving too.

and thats the bigist key to over coming it i think :)its being motivated to do things because when your depressed you don't want to do anything and when you go for meds or talking... things kinda go slightly turbulant and one part of you any one will admit that doing nothing and being a lazy is great but it doesnt do anything for you .... where as doing something anything from walking to taking a picture suddenly adds a bit of excitement to your day....:)
which is important...

drivings good, skating good playing air soft can be very good Ive found. Windsurfing just makes me blow a fuse think its music and going fast really fast and nothing beats it.,... Espechilly if theres some one out there who aint as good as you but with better kit i kind alike to think bring it on amke it my mission to make them look very slow :cool:plus i only weight 10 and a half stone...

Milky Moo

I think I am currently suffering some manner of depression or mood disorder,being out of work might be the cause of it or maybe it is just giving me time to think about feelings that were already there.

I made a doctors appointment so hopefully things will start changing soon enough,I am pretty sure if I got out there more,went to the gym and met up with people I would feel better but the fear is what if I do that and still feel all empty and sad.

I think the worst bit is the feeling like you will never feel happy again and if you do is it only fleeting?

I am very lucky in the sense my parents and friends are very supportive and I had no worry about what they would think when I told them how I was feeling.

Breaktown

zero_nine wrote: »

Has anyone actually tried exercise for depression?

I also found that going for a long walk improved my mood temporarily.

zero_nine wrote: »

Yeah motivation can be a big problem. Its way easier just to sit in front of the PC doing nothing in particular. Mindless filler sort of tasks. You kind of just have to make yourself get up and do anything. I like driving too.

That's always a big problem when I'm depressed. I can't make myself do anything, even the things I love. I love playing music and that always puts me in a better mood, but if I'm depressed I can't bring myself to pick up an instrument. Even though I know it will probably make me feel better. Eventually the lack of motivation seems to become physical and I just feel completely drained of energy, even though I've done nothing all day.

I don't know if it's mentioned in this thread already, but I would highly reccomend to any depression sufferer to read Gareth O'Callaghans book "A Day Called Hope". I've read it several times. He seems to put into words what I never can.

Xiney

fryup wrote: »

So 66% or thereabouts say they suffer from depression.....so does that mirror irish society?? or is it just 66% of Boards.ie users??

66% say they HAVE suffered from depression. It doesn't mean everyone is depressed.

Insect Overlord

zero_nine wrote: »

Has anyone actually tried exercise for depression?

To echo a few other posters here, I have noticed that excercise can be a great source of relief from feeling depressed. It's not a perfect cure, obviously, but it really can help.

As I mentioned earlier in this thread, I went through a few months of what I believe was mild depression. While I am sure it was down to a number of other factors (break-up of first major relationship, not seeing my old school friends after starting college, failing to make new friends after that, etc) my feelings really worsened after the sports season ended. I gave up playing soccer, never trained for any of my college teams and had no GAA to keep me occupied in the evenings from October until January that year.
I noticed that my mood changed significantly once I made myself do a bit of running, then started going along to college training sessions, etc. The combination of fresh air, physical activity and social interaction were a great boost. I'm still a bit moody, but nothing like I was 18 months ago.
It's also vitally important to have somebody to talk to though, whether it's a counsellor, a friend, a family member or whoever. Bottling things up made the feelings worse for me, and I reckon plenty of others can attest to that.

Acacia

Not myself personally, but it's common in my family. One family member tried to commit suicide a few years ago but we caught her in time, and another one last year (unfortunately he was successful.)

It's a big problem in this country, mental illness has such a stigma attached to it.

vibe666

not myself, but it's in the missus's family and nearly ended in a suicide last year.

the relative in question was initially just diagnosed as having depression but has recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder (which afaik is classed as manic depression) and is now taking lithium for it, but he doesn't seem to be a whole lot better tbh and in fact very recently seems to be getting worse again.

it's a year since it all came to a head and they are still changing his medication regularly to try and get the right mix for him, but it's not really working.

one of the worst parts of it all is that he has a wife and kids who are at their wits end and the whole family is struggling to cope with it and nobody seems to be able to do anything to help him.

his father has taken it so badly that he seems to be on the same slippery slope now and has taken to the bed for most of the day.

davidf1412

I read somewhere that the low-serotonin theory of depression has been refuted - but as drug companies make billions from serotonin boosting drugs they will wheel out their PR companies to bury this - as they have tried to bury the link between some SSRI anti-depressants and increased risk of suicide especially in younger patients. I would have thought the brain is an incredibly complex organ that we know little about and just going in and messing around with its chemicals might be risky.

Far better to exercise (especially team sports where you make friends), and one activity that sorted out my depression was volunteering to help people worse off than I was - you see your life in perspective and again you meet people and feel part of a team, and valued. And eat oily fish to get those omega-3 or whatever it is!

AckwelFoley

Mods sorry for the thread bump I needed to reply.

davidf1412 wrote: »

I read somewhere that the low-serotonin theory of depression has been refuted - but as drug companies make billions from serotonin boosting drugs they will wheel out their PR companies to bury this - as they have tried to bury the link between some SSRI anti-depressants and increased risk of suicide especially in younger patients. I would have thought the brain is an incredibly complex organ that we know little about and just going in and messing around with its chemicals might be risky.

Far better to exercise (especially team sports where you make friends), and one activity that sorted out my depression was volunteering to help people worse off than I was - you see your life in perspective and again you meet people and feel part of a team, and valued. And eat oily fish to get those omega-3 or whatever it is!

Gravity has been refuted too.

Simply refuting something doesnt always give any credance to the arguement.

However i do agree regular exercise does certainly help because it boosts levels naturally and partaking in something like volunteering helps focus the mind on other things and gives one less time to think negatively.

I do feel that there are far too many people prescribed meds, however we cant ignore the need for them for some people in conjunction with therapy, diet, exercise and and something to focus on

uprising

I suffered with depression for a few years, I believe anti depressants are designed to keep you depressed and dependant on them, they are definately highly over prescribed and can send you into a rage in a split second, they are dangerous, and I blame one particular brand on a mates suicide.
I also believe the causes of such high levels of depression is down to the food we eat, all these E numbers and and a society that has to be sucessfull and competitive, we should get back to basics really, we are building our personal towers of bable, without realising the closer we are trying to climb to our personal utopia, the weaker the foundations and base of our tower is actually getting, till it crumbles and falls.
I have always held an instinctive thought "It's not supposed to be like this", I think thats basically the closest I can describe simply how I feel about the world in general, it had the potential to be something much better that what its turned out to be, and its sad.
Imagine people actually got along and helped each other all through our existance, the feeling of anger or cruelty were something mankind couldnt try to comprehend. Imagine....
Something that made me think was while on a holiday to thailand, the poor peasents always seemed to be smiling and happy, genuinely.
I think we were the doves of love who got lost somewhere along the way.

Lia_lia

Apparently.