Is diagnosis of depression an excuse not to take action?

[Tuumble]

A couple of years ago I was told I had borderline depression by my GP and was prescribed a drug to overcome it. Bizarrely I was quite happy at this news because it gave me an answer to my personal confusion and something to take that would hopefully cure it. In hindsight however, was I just using this as an excuse? Was I just saying: "Great! I can blame the way I feel on this medical condition and it means I don't have to feel guilty about not taking action."

I'm not sure if the pills did any good but I only took the one course and haven't since so maybe it helped in the short term. Trouble is I feel I'm back in the same territory and this time it feels worse. There are other things going on around me that I'm having trouble coming to terms as well as feeling I am having to deal with issues affecting the other four members of the family.

Dealing with life on a personal level is sometimes hard enough without having to do it with five.

Why am I posting this? I don't know really - maybe I just wanted to say it somewhere rather than having it rattle around my head.

[ar81]

You have taken action now, when you wrote this post.
Taking action is that easy.

You can blame biochemistry about the way you feel.
But deeply inside of you you can feel happy, for the world is not as dark as your body biochemistry shows to you.

So you may think "I feel depressed by a biochemical reaction in my brain. But outside of the biochemical veil, the world is bright, so what the heck, let's enjoy it."

[Angela]

Well, I'll tell you how it went for me. Last December I was diagnosed with depression, and I was also happy to be told that anti-depressants would have me back on the right track in a few weeks. I thought, Great! Because no action I was taking was working for me.

So, 3 different drugs later, feeling MUCH worse than when I started, and after a trip to the emergency room, I dropped the drugs altogether, took a week off work, and put myself on an intensive regimen of eating clean and exercise, and by the end of that week I felt wonderful -- I felt cured.

And with my new clear head and free time, I examined boldly what it was that had me being depressed. I had been increasingly scrambling to tend to the well-being of my boss and his family and putting my own well-being second. My body kept giving me hints and nudges to put myself first, but instead, I kept trying to take actions that would make me a more effective employee -- I kept trying to convince myself that 100% responsibility meant "fixing" myself so that I could do this job and love it. And my subconscious continued to give me little clues that all these "fixing" actions (talking to my boss, professional education, working longer hours, therapy, etc.) were mere distractions from the real issue, and I kept saying, no, no, no -- I can fix this!

The ER visit finally got it through my thick skull -- if I keep taking actions with the same mindset, the consequences are going to keep getting more and more dire until eventually I just up and croak. The action that was missing that would make a difference was finally in my face: Put my well-being first. Let go of trying to fix this job so that I could continue to put others first and still thrive. Surrender this attachment to aligning myself with values that had nothing to do with my own. Results came pretty quickly, and I am really having a great time tending my own vitality, needs, desires, and joy, and living in accordance with values that inspire me. Strangely enough, now that I'm putting myself first, my capacity to give to others has gone through the roof! Who knew? (well, my subconscious, probably. )

My point, I reckon, is: maybe the actions you've been taking are not inspiring you because they're just not inspiring. Here's an action item for you to consider taking on: Take a day to yourself with no interruption or interference and boldly look: what is it that your subconscious is hitting you with depression with, in the hopes that it can get through your thick skull? What have you been pretending? Your depression is a gift -- it's trying like hell to help you live a life you love, and so far you have been saying, "oh, no thanks!" How about trying on a whole new way of thinking, say thanks to your depression and really get what it's trying to let you know?

Listen.

Lots of love,
Angela

[Tuumble]

Angela.

Thank you. I...[sigh]

...I cannot say what I feel right now. I cjust an't articulate it, y'know? I know one thing - your post has had a profound effect and I'm going to prove it, not just to you and my family but to myself and it starts with me.

I've had enough....no more...

[ar81]

Originally Posted by Angela

So, 3 different drugs later, feeling MUCH worse than when I started, and after a trip to the emergency room, I dropped the drugs altogether, took a week off work, and put myself on an intensive regimen of eating clean and exercise, and by the end of that week I felt wonderful -- I felt cured.

The business of medicines and health in US is to have sick people so people pay more money. This is why natural solutions are replaced with artificial medicines.

A relative of mine had severe depressions all her life, until she discovered how not to let herself be cheated by biochemical reactions of her brain that caused that. It took her about 40 years to realize about that. Now she lives very happy as I have never seen her since more than 10 years.

Indeed medicines neutralize biochemical effects. But they do not solve the root cause, the way you face life, the habits you have regarding thoughts, feelings and reactions, that cause those biochemical reactions.

[David365]

Originally Posted by ar81

But they do not solve the root cause, the way you face life, the habits you have regarding thoughts, feelings and reactions, that cause those biochemical reactions.

The "root cause" of depression is complex and isn't always down to life events. Some people can become very depressed when there is no attributable reason:- their thoughts, feelings, etc are fine. Thats why depression is now more commonly considered a disease and medication is more often than not a vital treatment to address the chemical changes that happen within our brain.

Yes, there will always be examples of people who move forward without medication, or who have adverse reactions. Promoting drug companies as money grabbing and "natural" cures as the way forward is common place, but simplistic. Sadly depression is one of the most prevalent health problems worldwide and is getting worse. Yet according to the World Federation for Mental Health:

The majority of those experiencing a depressive illness receive no diagnosis or treatment.

Tuumble, your last post was somewhat enigmatic - I hope it was a positive declaration of intent rather than despair. The difficulty with depression is it isn't the ideal time to start making life changing decisions. As I've stressed above, medication can be a vital component of treatment. But GPs can also refer you onto other services that can offer support, counseling, CBT, psychology and advice that can help you move forward. Don't feel you've got to do it all yourself.

[ar81]

Yes the cause may differ.
It could be lack of exercise, habits, food (substances absorbed), sense of being powerless (education), etc...

What is certain is that depression in many cases could be overcome with human support. Or in some other cases when that's not available, learning to enjoy many things of life is helpful.

[Tuumble]

Originally Posted by David365

Tuumble, your last post was somewhat enigmatic - I hope it was a positive declaration of intent rather than despair.

It was a declaration of intent.

In a strange way I took action last night by simply going to bed early and just resting - the kids were still up. Rather than rushing around sorting out 'stuff' and making sure everyone else was OK I left them to it and they coped fine.

I got up a bit later but I didn't go on-line and I didn't watch TV I just was...me.

[MariaG]

Tuumble - I certainly support your efforts to put yourself first and engage in what seems to be some much needed self care.

That being said, if you find that you still can't get yourself in motion doing things that feel good to you, don't rule out medication. It didn't work for Angela (and does make some people even worse) but it did work for me.

I went through a period of time when I had random panic attacks and lots of depression. I was functional, but definitely not at a place I knew I could be. The problem was, I couldn't do any talk therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy effectively because I was such a wreck. Taking medication over a period of about a year really helped me stabilize my emotions and work through the issues that needed addressing. If I hadn't taken the pills, I don't think I would have been able to recover.

If you are still struggling with this after trying to make changes, please consider using medication.

[Angela]

Yes, MariaG, although I believe antidepressants are hugely overprescribed, I didn't mean to say they won't work for anyone -- I've known people who say they've been helped by them.

However, wouldn't it be nice if, rather than immediately slapping drugs on everyone who remotely meets any of the "depression" criteria, the first approach to anyone complaining of things like lack of motivation or energy, trouble sleeping, weight change, difficulty in concentrating, and anxiety, would be one of making one's well-being the number one priority? Wouldn't it be nice, and certainly effective, if we were to boldly listen to the messages that our bodies are sending us, before we rush to dampen those messages down with drugs?

If you are continuing the behaviors that led to your depression*, like working at a job you hate, being resigned in a relationship, feeling hopeless about illness or chronic pain, or living with poverty consciousness, then drugs will merely act like a band-aid on an open gaping chest wound. You'll bleed out and then you'll croak.

*I'm not referring to those incidents of depression that are purely physical and not at all circumstantial, attitudinal, or otherwise unresponsive to deliberate thought. But then again, I don't believe those cases are extremely few and far between, and even those would respond far more profoundly with a prescription of clean eating, hydration, and exercise, whether or not drugs are also prescribed.

[Tuumble]

Thanks everyone.

This coming week is a make or break time in many ways and it is what I have to deal with that has been causing the anxiety I guess.

I won't go into all the details but it involves money, our home and my annual appraisal at work. The thing is I now know exactly what I have to do and just have to put the wheels of my plan in motion - it's 1:36am here at the moment so little I can do right now.

From Sunday I will begin another phase which I will launch symbolically. For the first time in exactly 10 years I will shave off my beard and I will embark on a raw diet for seven days initially with a structured sleep routine too.

You can call the beard thing my Britney moment if you like but to me it's just a way to wipe the slate clean and give me a feeling of a fresh start. I've been pondering the raw diet for a while and I have the support of my wife in this which is of great comfort.

There is an industry event on Thursday right in the middle of the raw week so to keep on track will be a challenge but I insisted on attending to prove to myself I can do it.

I'm not attending to further my career but I will of course be professional - this is something where I push myself to a higher level. I will be drinking water and avoiding the food unless it falls into the dietary plan.

I'm really excited by this week now - I feel inspired rather than worried. Hey, it will be a breeze!

• Shave beard - 5 minutes
• Meals and drinks are simple over just 7 days
• I go to bed by midnight and sleep - 7 hours per night (instead of 5)

I shall also be devising a healthy but not punishing exercise plan too. All I will do is step up from where I am now so whatever extra I achieve will be beneficial and will fit in with a set schedule.

Bring it on!

[David365]

Originally Posted by Angela

although I believe antidepressants are hugely overprescribed

Originally Posted by Angela

the first approach to anyone complaining of things like lack of motivation or energy, trouble sleeping, weight change, difficulty in concentrating, and anxiety, would be one of making one's well-being the number one priority? Wouldn't it be nice, and certainly effective, if we were to boldly listen to the messages that our bodies are sending us, before we rush to dampen those messages down with drugs?

Angela - I think I understand where you're coming from but I think two points should be born in mind.

1) Worldwide antidepressant aren't overprescribed.
As I say above, depression is a major worldwide problem and many don't have the luxury of the discusion we're having here.

I cannot speak for the USA, but my main criticism with prescribing in the UK is that doctors don't always follow up properly and people can remain on drugs for years. And yes, once the depression has lifted not enough is done to look at other factors that could prevent depression in future.

2) What you are quoting here are some of the classic symptoms of depression, and anti depressants don't dampen but (should) help lift mood. My main concern is that so many people are quick to condemn medication, which for many could be a vital first step. As Maria says, she couldn't do anything because "she was a wreck". If we're able to listen to our bodies as you describe, we're probably not depressed.

[Tuumble]

Originally Posted by David365

I cannot speak for the USA, but my main criticism with prescribing in the UK is that doctors don't always follow up properly and people can remain on drugs for years. And yes, once the depression has lifted not enough is done to look at other factors that could prevent depression in future.

There's no doubt that I was cast adrift once the diagnosis/prescription was made two years ago. I've not had a single follow-up call and it hasn't been referred to when visiting my GP with other conditions.

To be fair it was described as borderline at the time and I was never "the wreck" that was quoted above. However, I do have a vivid memory of crying while standing at one of the sinks in the toilets at work. A senior manager came in and asked if I was alright and I told him in manner, completely out of character, that I was very much NOT alright. Was that followed up? No.

I was ultimately given the afternoon off but the subject was never broached again.

2) What you are quoting here are some of the classic symptoms of depression, and anti depressants don't dampen but (should) help lift mood. My main concern is that so many people are quick to condemn medication, which for many could be a vital first step. As Maria says, she couldn't do anything because "she was a wreck". If we're able to listen to our bodies as you describe, we're probably not depressed.

There are different levels, there is no doubt and while I did have a feeling of helplessness at the time (and recently) I could still grasp onto rational thought. My problem was the feeling that I couldn't justify any of my actions. If I wanted to feel angry about something, even if it initially felt justified, I could turn the table and see the situation from another viewpoint which invalidated my initial reaction.

This seemed to be reflected in virtually every area of life, and still does to some extent, but I think the difference now is that I'm looking more at life from a third standpoint.

I'm where I am because of my actions, nothing will change unless I take action and how I react to what goes on is my choice.

It's not rocket science and we've heard it all before but it's a fact. I must see the bigger picture and accept certain truths and make progress in anyway I can. The past has gone and I can only change the future. I must not compare and only focus on me because that is who I am. I can influence others but I cannot make them do anything. First of all though, I have start with myself.

I am so much more than I have demonstrated to date. I have so much to give. The change starts now - the future has already begun.

[mercuryrising]

I recently have been coming to terms with manic-depression. Originally, I thought the doctors were full of it when I was given this diagnosis. I couldn't accept that there was something wrong with me.

Now, it gives me some relief because my behavior makes more sense. I know the cause of these symptoms. I'm not a bad or stupid person, it's an illness. I've been beating myself up for a long time about this one and I've lived in fear of what I might do to those around me and myself despite my best efforts not to.

I agree for the most part with Angela about medication. It's the same critique I have of Western medicine overall. Medications help to alleviate the symptoms of the illness, but do nothing to cure it. Instead, the medical community says that these illnesses are incurable.

Many illnesses, both physical and mental, originate with the overall change in the our environment from a natural one to an artificial one. Instead of listening to our bodies, as Angela put it, we add a chemical crutch to deal with the artificial world we live in.