When you struggle with depression, what do you say to those who insist its all i

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   Cas Merchantposted 11 years ago

   When you struggle with depression, what do you say to those who insist its all in your head?
   
   I have been told that taking medications is a cop out and not a solution, but I know that, without them, I crash and burn! I feel like they just don't understand that sometimes, nothing I do can lift my mood. Those close to me have seen my depression first hand, but those that haven't just don't understand how severe it can get. What would you say in response? Do you think depression is all in the mind?
   
   

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   Lorie Hillposted 11 years ago

   That is a tricky one.  It is all in your head but sometimes we do have chemical imbalances that help keep us depressed.  Positive thinking does go a long way in helping to cure depression but sometimes we need a little help to find those proper coping mechanisms and medications do help with that.  People who are anxious and depressed don't want to take the meds because it can be scary.  You are asking for help and that means you acknowledge that the problem exists and you have taken steps to address it so many kudos to you for that!!!!!  I have discovered I was a much angrier person than I had ever admitted to myself previously and once I could identify with that it helped lift a lot of things from me.  It was extremely freeing.  When you think about the things that depress you and you are not in a depressed state, you should ask yourself a couple of questions such as what part of that problem was actually in your control.  If it was in your control then forgive yourself for whatever you feel the wrong was.  If it wasn't in your control then you either must forgive whoever was in control or decide that was just how life happened and leave it there.  Look toward the positive things then.  Do not dwell on those things.  Most of depression is in our heads but it can be hard to deal with until we find the root cause of why we feel that way.  True chemical imbalances need to be treated until they are rectified.  We can rectify them ourselves in some cases by simple positive thinking.  I learned an equation that might be helpful to you.  emotional insult, injury, loss, and or rejection + self-pity= depression.  To put this simply it isn't what happens to you in your life it is how you decide to deal with it.  I never thought of myself as a self-piteous but I was and still experience it at times.  I am not a fan of medications personally but I do understand that at times they are needed. Sometimes we have things happen in our lives that simply feel unbearable and we may need help in dealing with them. Please don't inept or otherwise for taking meds for your depression because to be honest depression and anxiety are extremely prevalent and sometimes we just need help.  Be proud of yourself that you have taken the step to get help just don't forget that getting depression free is totally and completely within your grasp and you can achieve it without having to use medicines all the time.  If you need anymore help please contact me. I will be happy to help

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      Cas Merchantposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Wow...what a great answer. You have a way of wording things that just makes them click into place...great advice! Thank you!

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      Lorie Hillposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you so much that was very kind

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      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      A great answer. There are numerous natural supplements as alternatives to prescription meds as long as it is mild depression. Making sure to take care of yourself physically also helps. Making sure to get adequate sleep, water, and sunshine helps to.

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   LongTimeMotherposted 11 years ago

   Oh,Cas Merchant, people shouldn't judge you. You have to do what you think is best. 
   
   If you need to take meds, take them. Looking for solutions and other alternatives to the meds is always a good idea, but don't let yourself drown in despair if you've found something that helps keep you afloat.
   
   I've always been an 'alternative therapy' kind of person. I grow medicinal herbs (organic, of course) and I'm a Reiki Master, so I always encourage people to explore their options. But if you've found something that helps when you feel like you're about to crash and burn, stick with it until you find another option. And make the transition gently from one to the other.
   
   Back to your question ... How would I respond to people? I'd probably say something like, "Drag your a*** along the ground for a couple of weeks the way I do, and then talk to me about why I shouldn't need medications."
   
   I don't suffer from depression, fortunately, but lots of people do. You're in a tough spot. I do hope your critics lighten up a bit and try to help you instead of judging you.
   
   My latest obsession is food allergy testing. I wrote a hub in regards to anger management, but my friends out here in the real world have been discovering a link between food allergies and depression. If you can afford to get tested for as many foods as possible (blood tests, not skin scratch tests), you might find there's a link.
   
   Perhaps just start by keeping a food diary. Write down everything you eat, and then watch and see if you have a downer soon after. If you're on a constant downer, perhaps try eliminating specific foods from your diet for a few days and see if it makes a difference.
   
   Don't give up. You'll figure out what works for you. It just might be food (or drink, or food colouring). Experiment for a while and see what you learn.
   
   Meanwhile, ignore your critics and do your best to stay safe!

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      Cas Merchantposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Lol..I like the response you quoted about dragging your A**! Also, I started taking a megavitamin and I noticed a big difference about 2 weeks later. I just felt better, more alive. I've heard of raiki, but never tried it, its something to consider.

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