Depression

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   lovetherainposted 6 years ago

   Is it a chemical imbalance, or "all in your head"?

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      promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

      It's both. How you think and how you respond to certain thoughts contribute to depression.
      
      So do lifestyle, culture and other environmental factors. Genetics is an important factor as well.

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      1. 63

         lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

         You are probably right.

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            promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

            I'm very familiar with the subject. 

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            1. 63

               lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

               why?

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                  promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                  Personal experience (abusive childhood), family experience (serious trauma) and a deep involvement in an agency that treats people with mental illness (along with substance abuse and developmental disabilities).
                  
                  It's not something people easily admit because we have a culture that frowns on sharing those kinds of experiences.
                  
                  But being open about them is exactly what we need to do to help solve them.

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                  1. 63

                     lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                     Do you think depression is a mental illness?

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                        promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                        Yes, absolutely. But in saying so, please don't think I'm saying it's a stigma.
                        
                        It's not only common, but it's becoming more so. Doctors hand out anti depressants left and right.

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                        1. 63

                           lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                           I think some people really do need antidepressants. When they just can't pull themselves up from a deep depression.
                           
                           But I'm not really sure.
                           
                           I have never been in a truly deep depressive state. But I know some people who are. I just don't know what to do for them. It breaks my heart to see someone I love so depressed and I can do nothing for them.

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                              promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                              Self therapy is the most important step in treating depression.
                              
                              Too many people rely on therapists and medication to fix the problem. Some therapists are good, some of them are useless. And medication can go only so far.

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                              1. 63

                                 lovetherainposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                 Maybe they don't know how to do self-therapy, or where to begin.

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                                    promisemposted 6 years agoin reply to this

                                    Meditation and self awareness are good starting points for examining thought processes.
                                    
                                    Daily physical exercise, especially cardio, elevates brain chemstry. Avoid alcohol, which is a depressant. Seek joy and various outlets for physical and mental stimulation.

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   Kenna McHughposted 6 years ago

   Google Green Mental Health. It is the best option for anyone who needs help.

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   Readmikenowposted 6 years ago

   I did have a friend who was diagnosed with depression after his divorce.  He was put on medication and he hated it.  My friend told me it made him not be depressed, but he didn't feel anything.  So, he took up bike riding.  Then he got into long distance bike riding.  Now, when he tells me his long bike rides keep him from being depressed.  I asked him what he does in the winter and he tells me he takes long walk or works-out in the gym.  So, that made an impression on me how he went from little physical activity in his life to it being a major part of his life to control his depression.  It's also gotten him into good shape and a bit healthier.  I wonder if it is possible that exercise is a major element to helping with all depression or just in certain cases?

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