2 years ago
via depression-questions.com
Why do people draw into the most common myth that people who are depressed can just "Snap out of it"? ..
I know many who deal, cope, and suffer with depression find this to be one of the most common myths they bump heads with... This belief in snapping out of it.. I never did understand why people felt people with depression just can.. Maybe someone can explain this to us. :)
Separate topics with commas, or by pressing return. Use the delete or backspace key to edit or remove existing topics.
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$1 Answer
Most people still have the misconception that depression is a choice, but we're learning that it's often a biochemical imbalance. Telling a depressed person to "snap out of it" is like telling a person with diabetes or other medical condition to just "get over it." Mental illness has been stigmatized throughout the ages but fortunately that stigma is being lifted as people become more enlightened to the true causes of depression and other mental disorders.
My own dad has dealt with schizophrenia and depression and in his case it is only the medications that keep him well-balanced. All the psychotherapy in the world won't make a difference when the cause is an imbalance in the brain chemistry. One problem is that many drugs used to treat depression and other mental disorders are strong drugs and have some unpleasant, even serious, side effects. Some patients will second-guess their doctors and not use their medications correctly, if at all.
These patients need a strong support system, family, friends, coworkers, to help keep them on the right path. My dad has been one of the fortunate ones and has been able to live a fairly normal life when his meds are well regulated. He always was a great dad to us kids, and still is.
My own dad has dealt with schizophrenia and depression and in his case it is only the medications that keep him well-balanced. All the psychotherapy in the world won't make a difference when the cause is an imbalance in the brain chemistry. One problem is that many drugs used to treat depression and other mental disorders are strong drugs and have some unpleasant, even serious, side effects. Some patients will second-guess their doctors and not use their medications correctly, if at all.
These patients need a strong support system, family, friends, coworkers, to help keep them on the right path. My dad has been one of the fortunate ones and has been able to live a fairly normal life when his meds are well regulated. He always was a great dad to us kids, and still is.
source(s):
personal experience
personal experience
You can leave an optional "tip" with Mahalo's virtual currency, Mahalo Dollars. If you are asking a difficult question that might require some research, or if you'd like a wide variety of feedback, a higher tip often leads to more answers to your question.
M$
Well, do not underestimate that psychotherapy without meds can not help. It helped me for years.. I was in therapy from 1993- 1999.. only was medicated for 2 years that entire time.. It really depends on the type of depression. .. Mine was Seasonal Affective disorder, and situational... So sunlight exposure, and learning to cope and handle the current situation through psychotherapy was a serious help .. I firmly believe in not only treating it through the meds, but also teaching the individual different skills of how to cope and manage it in case the meds are not working their best, and through the hard trial periods as they hunt and search for the right meds combinations... Meds, did play a strong part in helping me until I masters those coping skills.. but yes, a strong support system is definately needed amongst family and friends.. and understanding, and listening.. from a close friend can be even more powerful than the best psychotherapist in some cases. In others, People just need meds and no psychotherapy.. it really depends on the individual, and the seriousness of their depression, and other skills... I see people downplay too also things that may appear silly to be depressed about.. But, when those things are serious to the individual they should not be downplayed.. and be taken serious as to help them learn to cope and deal with it, or encouraged to go to someone who can. :) Thanks for answering.
Very true, Some need meds, some do not.. Some have another undiscovered illness that they are not aware of having that depression is a symptom of.. In fact.. I tend to view depression as not the disease itself but as symptom of something else going on. One example: Diebetis.. If your blood sugar is to high or low it can lead to depression symptoms. I knew someone who went for 15 years with a depression that was not responding to any treatment at all. It turns out she had diebetis that never was caught, as soon as she had her blood sugar under control the worse of her depression was gone.. This can happen also with mineral, vitamins, and other deficiencies or illnesses.. like for my SAD it is the lack of sunlight basically it is a seritonin production deficiency :) ... that is my views on it.. Many need meds, others do not.. and there are healing foods and teas, and others can learn to manage their endorphins and sertionin through exercise and martial arts. For me personally practicing meditations and chants really helped me out of the worst of it.. Since I discovered this studies later on proved that Chanting and deep meditation boosts the same natural chemicals that fight depression. I am for both meds, exercise, and alternative treatments. I know for me personally sunlight and meditation, chanting and dancing works the best. For other relatives of mine.. They can not function or think well without meds.. Thanks for sharing! and enjoy your best answer :)
Well, I do agree that some people can overcome depression without the meds, but in my father's case he says that he knows it is the meds that helped him; the didn't feel the psychotherapy was any real help.
Treatments need to be individualized of course, but I think many people seek help through psychotherapy when all they probably really need is someone to talk to who won't judge them. That's where the family support comes in, but not every patient has the advantage of a patient and understanding family.