Is Depression Just a Trendy New Illness?

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   Precious Williamsposted 14 years ago

   Before anyone get's really mad with me - this is my reworking of comments by Janet Street-Porter in the Daily Mail on the 19th May 2010.  Her view is that there is a rise in the numbers of wealthy, successful woman who have come out and said that they have been suffering from depression including Marian Keyes, and Alison Pearson. Street-Porter's view is that is that depression has now become a trendy illness to have.  If you haven't read the report click on the link below.  I'd be interested in your views.
   
   http://www.dailymail.co.uk/debate/artic … lness.html

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      Greek Oneposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I think forms of depression, or 'melancholia', were acknowledge to exist before modern psychology and medicine.

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         FrankiesGirl6Yrposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Absolutaly right! Melancholia (a condition marked by unshakable sadness) was identified during the flourishing period of Greek and Roman. Roughly 500 B.C to A.D 500. It was one of the 1st mental disorders named. There is Absolutely nothing new about depression

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      psycheskinnerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Just because depression is trendy, doesn't mean depression is 'just trendy'.  It is also very, very real.

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      Len Cannonposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Yes. Depression and sadness were invented in 1993 by Bill Clinton as a scheme  by Bill Clinton to score another four years in the Oval Office.

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      nikki1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Depression is when you feel sad about situation/'s. Depending on how deep it is that is. You need to start bonding with your family and discuss you concerns immediately. Good luck..
      A tragedy perhaps or etc as an example.

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      lrohnerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Back to your original post, I don't believe it's a "new" or "trendy" illness. It's hard to explain, but I was in corporate America for years making tons of dough and raising kids on my own at the same time--oh and taking care of my elderly mom too. Once you start doing it all, people start to expect it. And the expectations just get bigger every day. I just think the rise in the diagnosis is indicative of more women being in the workforce and being responsible for way too much

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      oxycontinworldposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Nah, depression is not trendy at all cuz it's no fun at all.  Even with more physically debilitating diseases, the bad thing about any disease is the psychological depression it causes.  The reason depression has become popular is because it has become profitable to treat and our modern lifestyles tend to cause more depression through overconsumption of food and chemicals, stress, and lack of sleep.

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      schoolgirlforrealposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I don't know how to respond to this.
      It would be nice if it was.
      But depression has been around for a very long time and it feels like hell!
      It's not friggin funny either.

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   optimus grimlockposted 14 years ago

   Its real, i think most of the time its a mind over matter thing, people are just weak and think they need drugs to control it when they really dont.

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      Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      thats an interesting theory you're putting out there. 
      
      I personally don't believe I'm weak and chose to stop taking 'medication' because I didn't believe it was helping me. 
      
      Mind over matter applies when its a mild depression, but I don't think that's the case for moderate or major depressions (major is when someone is thinking of suicide).   I also think some people need assistance in getting over their depression, if they even can - the question is...how?

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         donotfearposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         
         Sometimes it can be overcome without meds.....sometimes it cannot.  I've gone with & without. Depends on the severity of the illness.

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            Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            that's basically what I was saying.
            
            In my case I understand I'll suffer from mild depression for hte rest of my life and will have the tendency to slip in and out of moderate depression - hwhat's the best course of treatment for me?  I don't think its with medication!!

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      donotfearposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      
      Disagree.  Go talk with some of the clients I see in crisis and you'll change your mind.  Granted, there are those individuals in this world who may be "weak", by your standards.  And there are those who take advantage of the availability of drugs. But you wanna tell us what to do with the really sick ones who can't get out of bed cause their serotonin is totally depleted & they don't want to wake up, period?  How bout the clinically depressed who are so low they can hear voices?  Look, I'm not trying to be defensive here, but I tend to be touchy on this subject since I've suffered from the illness, devote my career to helping those who suffer from it, & have seen some that  appear totally fine one day only to find out they shot themselves the next day.

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         Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Depression is real and an awful thing to live with.  But I do think there are a lot of people who call themselves "depressed" when they're not.   And if you're rich, you'll find doctors who will agree with you and take your money to medicate you.  It's disgraceful, because it belittles the suffering of the genuinely depressed.
         
         Feeling unhappy because something bad has happened isn't depression, and doesn't need to be treated with pills - but these days, people seem to think they're entitled to be happy, and rush off to the doctor instead of coping with life.

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            Precious Williamsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I think you're absolutely right Marissa. I think there is a tendancy for everyone to say they are depressed when they are happy.  I think all of us are forgetting as you say that unhappiness is a normal human state.
            
            Depression, however, is a terrible thing and it manifests its self in so many different ways. There are undoubtedly too many pills being given out when people might benefit from different kinds of treatement.  I always hope that anyone who has to go down the medication route, will remember to ask lots of questions, so that they can make an informed choice of whether it is right for them.

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            donotfearposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I agree with this 100%.  But some people like to lump ALL depressed people into this category & it's just not true.  You know how many times people told me, "Just get over it.."  or "..gosh, you're not over that yet?..heck it's been 6 months..!"  Hearing those statements only pushed me deeper into the hole.

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            amberdragonposted 13 years agoin reply to this

            im depressed..... but i only thinkg that cuz when i was 4 i tryed to kill myself.. and every day i think about suiside... im 14 now and still survived... becasue i hang on to other people

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               couturepopcafeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

               amberdragon - please start taking supplements.  I've told you before, this is nothing to fool around with.  Your body is likely severely lacking the nutrients it takes to support brain function.  It's really cool to be able to take care of yourself and think clearly.  You won't know until you are well what a good feeling it is.  Go get those vitamins and minerals.  Stop all forms of fast food, sodas, cakes, white breads and flour products, bacon and all processed meats.  Eat broccoli, corn, real meat and chicken and fish, without the white bread, oranges, apples, all fruits, potatoes, real butter, drink milk, goats milk if you can afford it, real cheese, not pizza cheese.  You are at a critical developmental stage in your growth.  Eat well and you can get past this.  I did.  And stay away from themes like vampires, war, crime, teen angst, rebellious lyrics.  Watch only funny stuff.  Remove yourself from people who are negative.  Rent funny movies.  Go watch children play.

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                  Halaluaniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

                  I second couturepopcafe's suggestions.  It sounds ridiculous to many  people that nutrients can resolve a problem like this but if you think about it you'll realize that without nutrients we'd all be dead in a matter of a few weeks. Food is the  vehicle by which nutrients are regularly delivered to us. that your entire body  --  from each neuron, to each bone,  to the skin covering your skeleton -- relies upon nutrients to function properly.  In order to be healthy in mind and body, we must have the right nutrients in the right amounts.  The typical American diet is deficient in several nutrients due the poor quality of people's diets.  If one is not eating whole, fresh foods -- fresh veg and fruit, fresh meats, modest amounts of whole grains (if tolerated) one's diet cannot support good health.
                  
                      A 4 yo. who tries to kill herself is most likely nutritionally deficient and has most likely been so from conception on.  A child is only as well-fortified as the mother.  Today, we have an epidemic of nutritionally deficient people who are giving birth to more nutritionally deficient people.  The problem here is that when an infant begins life lacking the proper nutrients, development  does not happen as it should.
                  
                     You're 14 now.  At the least, ask your family to buy you the following things. All are available at Vitacost.com:
                  
                  -- Peter Gillham's Natural Vitality Liquid Organic Vitamins (<$20)
                                                     OR
                  -- Buried Treasure VM-100 Complete (<$19) 
                  =======================================
                  AND:
                  
                  -- NSI Liquid Omega-3 Purified Fish Oil EPA & DHA, Orange Flavor (<$17)
                                               OR
                  -- NSI Magnesium C.A.O. (<$10)
                  
                     In addition to eating a whole foods diet I encourage you to try a gluten-free diet for a few weeks and see how you feel. 
                  
                    Whatever you do, don't abruptly stop taking any psych meds you may be taking.  An abrupt withdrawal is more harmful to your brain and body than remaining on these drugs long enough to get off them appropriately.  For help with this try Yahoo Group Withdrawal and  Recovery.  In the meantime, you may want to read Robert Whitaker's Anatomy of an Epidemic. Have a parent read it, too.  You can get it at the library either right off the shelves or through interlibrary loan.
                   
                     Best wishes,
                     Halaluani

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         optimus grimlockposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         you have a point but i stand firm on the depression is all in your mind. Maybe your clients can be helped by someone else, meaning your trying so hard to help them you might miss the obvious.

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      FrankiesGirl6Yrposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I don’t think it has anything to do with a person being week!! That “idea” is obviously your personal opinion, a badly thought out comment from someone who is enclosed in their own little box of a world. Depression is a biochemical factors, the low activity of neurotransmitter chemicals, norepinephrine and serotonin. Serotonin is a neuromodulator, a chemical whose primary function is to increase or decrease the activity of the other key neurotransmitters. The cause of depression was identified 1950’s when medical researchers discovered that reserpine and other medications from high blood pressure were causing depression. The medication was lowering norepinephrine and serotonin, if not both. Now researchers have found   people who suffer with depression have an overall imbalance in activating the neurotransmitter of the two mentioned above, as well as dopamine and acetylcholine. Depression also involves the endocrine system and the release of abnormal levels in cortisol, a hormone released by the adrenal gland during times of stress. Modern help correct these “chemical imbalances” when the body cannot. There’s more complicated biochemical factors involved, but there is no point in explaining it to someone who thinks depression is something as simple as being a week person.

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         Pearldiverposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         I have found that most WEEK People on medication, tend to act in such a dazed manner that they completely ignore or overlook the importance of individual DAYS.   Perhaps that is also a 'Trend!'

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            FrankiesGirl6Yrposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            I didn’t say that over prescribing meds wasn’t a trend, it is. But antidepressants are not the trendy "script drugs" people go after. Antidepressants don’t cause a “dazed” effect ..Maybe the people YOU know have other problems their not mentioning…maybe afraid you will judge? People who appear “dazed” are likely popping opiates for (pain or fun) or  benzodiazepines for anxiety.

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               Pearldiverposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Thanks for being such an absolute 'expert'... that you completely missed what was said!

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         Halaluaniposted 13 years agoin reply to this

         Though this is an old post I think it is really important to respond to correct all the misinformation here.   
         
           There is absolutely no evidence that chemical imbalances are at the root of "mental illnesses" .  The notion of a chemical imbalance was born from the pharmaceutical industry looking to come up with an explanation that would sell more drugs and ideally, make people into patients for life.  People, forever seeking the easiest road, like the idea of a solution in pill form.  Most find out after a while that the promise of a cure is an empty promise. 
         
           Irving Kirsch, author of  the book and initial meta-analysis "The Emperor's New Drugs" and "The Emperor's New Drugs: An Analysis of Antidepressant Medication Data Submitted to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration" [Prevention & Treatment, Volume 5, Article 23]  respectively, did a meta-analysis on all the original studies submitted to the FDA by drug companies when they were seeking approval of the top 6 best selling antidepressants in the 1990's into mid 2000's.  At this time it was (and mostly still is) considered comparable to treason to speak out against drugs so widely accepted and embraced by medicine. The evidence was so compelling that the Prevention & Treatment Journal had to publish it.  They did so with an apology from the editor! Imagine, apologizing for publishing a well done piece of work!  Welcome to America.
         
           When the data from these studies was examined, it showed that the drugs outperformed placebo by an average of 2 points.  The one drawback here was that there was some missing data. 
         
         Before you dismiss this analysis , the study protocol was used in another meta-analysis in 2007 examining the full set data on 4 drugs ( fluoxetine, venlafaxine, nefazodone, and paroxetine)  as originally submitted to the FDA.  This paper was accepted for publication in 2008 to the highly respected, peer-reviewed PLoS Medicine in 2008 under the title
         "Initial Severity and Antidepressant Benefits: A Meta-Analysis of Data Submitted to the Food and Drug Administration".  The conclusion read: "Drug–placebo differences in antidepressant efficacy increase as a function of baseline severity, but are relatively small even for severely depressed patients. "
         
            As far as antidepressants not creating a "dazed effect", you may want to read these:
         http://www.breggin.com/spellbinding_psy … _drugs.pdf
         http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/inf … ed.0030240
         
             Also, perhaps most importantly, there are a number of books published in the past 18 months that are well-referenced and not afraid to tel the truth. They are:
         
         -- Anatomy of an Epidemic by Robert Whitaker
         -- The Myth of the Chemical Cure by Joanna Moncrieff, MD
         -- The Emperor's New Drugs: Exploding the Antidepressant Myth by Irving Kirsch
         --  Not Crazy: You May Not Be Mentally Ill by Charles Whitfield
         -- Drug-Induced Dementia by Grace Jackson
         
         Here is a preview of Moncrieff's work.  Her contention is that drugs themselves, give for "psychiatric conditions"  cause abnormal brain states and that any relief of psychiatric symptoms is coincidental.  I agree.   There are a high number of people who do not respond at all to antidepressants (according to drug companies, two-thirds of people are non-responsive).  That's another way of saying the drugs are ineffective. 
          
         http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/inf … ed.0030240
         
           I urge anyone with any curiosity and desire for the truth to delve into this material and see  what you think when you're done looking at this evidence.
         
         Regards,
         Halaluani

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      Always Greenerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      @ Optimus - the use of words like "weak" is telling us quite a lot about you as a person rather than the topic at hand here.
      
      You know, people with undiagnosed depression can think that they are "weak" and all sorts of untrue, horrible things about themselves. 
      
      The basis for theories you've stated here don't stand up on a logical basis, it's more emotive and not rational, actually.  Therefore, it is discredited
      
      Of course depression is not a "trendy new illness", the very thought of that is absurd.  Whatever this Janet Street-Porter person has to say is completely discredited due to her language.  She probably also thinks that the world is flat and that babies come from storks...lol.

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   Rafiniposted 14 years ago

   Depression is an interesting thing...because depression has individual causes as unique as the individual person themselves and multiple levels within itself, I don't think there can ever be, or should ever be, only one form of treatment.  I think doctors and researchers need to quickly discover alternative treatments to the current prescription medications and accepted therapies.
   
   So, then, is depression trendy among the wealthy?  I think depression has been over-diagnosed with pill-popping treatment and false assumptions used for therapy for quite some time.  In other words, I believe the trend began with the acceptance of the Hierarchy of Needs & the 'discovery' of mood altering 'medications' which are nothing more than a legal way to poison the mind against itself.

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   Originposted 14 years ago

   Well.. since I lost my professional college degree job, lost my home, lost my retirement, and now work overnight stocking shelves thanks to the recession (going from engineering to stocking shelves lol), I'm probably suffering from some sort of life-driven depression. But it's all good, I'll eventually go to a doctor whenever I get medical insurance again.

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      Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I'm so sorry to hear that, Origin.  But that's my point - if you weren't feeling fed up, angry and unhappy,  then there would be something wrong with you! 
      
      Feeling unhappy in your situation is perfectly normal.  You don't have an illness that needs treatment if that's all you're feeling.  Drugs won't really help.  Of course, sometimes people do sink from unhappiness into real depression and that's a different story.

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   wesleycoxposted 14 years ago

   My wife is depressed, course I would be too if I had to live with me.
   
   It's hard to answer this question because of the varying nature of the illness.  Yes most sufferers of depression need the medicine to balance the chemicals in the brain.  For instance my wife needs medicine to balance things. 
   
   If I became depressed it would only be a mild form and no I wouldn't need the medicine.  I would just need to do something fun.
   
   Living with the severe depression is hard for the sufferer and the spouse of the sufferer.
   
   P.S.
     The person with true strength is the one who recognizes a problem within themselves and takes measures to fix it, internally and externally.

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      Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      When you become depressed you don't get to choose whether or not its mild, moderate, severe, or major. 

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         wesleycoxposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Yes I do.  I'm Superman.

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      Joy56posted 14 years agoin reply to this

      i have to disagree Wesleycox, if you ever get it then your attitude will change quite distinctly...... it is often inherited, and lots in the same family suffer.  I hope you never do, but you will have no control over it's severity.

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      Always Greenerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      @wesleycox - at the end, a really profound statement - 100% agree with you! 

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

   my understanding on depression is
   
   a) situational (temporary - due to life's challenges - short-term medication may or may not alleviate it - counselling and other support tends to be the better answer);  and the situational could turn into something long term if help is not sought out for some.
   
   or
   
   b) physical - long term, can be chronic, can be severe/mild, medication most time is required, could be hereditary, it's a mental illness (in terms of it being physical - chemical imbalance).  many people suffer from the physical category for many years of their lives and may go undiagnosed for years unfortunately; sometimes the symptoms can be horrendous to live with making it difficult to work and function well.
   
   not an expert but I've worked around the health issue for a long time.

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      Marisa Wrightposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      The point I'd make is that there is a difference between situational unhappiness (which is normal) and situational depression (which needs treatment.  These days people are seeking treatment for situational unhappiness as if it's some kind of disease.

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      Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      you seem to have a good understanding of it, although I would disagree with a lot of what you say (only because I suffer from depression)
      
      
      The chemical imbalance is what I have the biggest problem with...I don't really know why, except...maybe to say...since I stopped taking meds 4 years ago my life has steadily improved.  Why did I stop taking the meds?  Cuz I noticed I felt better whenever I forgot to take them for a few days in a row.

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         SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         that's good Rafini!!!
         
         in the above I've tried to capture various degrees (acuity) and symptoms, etc. - everyone is different (as we know) - i think sometimes people have been over-medicated too and haven't found the right treatment etc. - there are so many different types of meds that work/don't work etc. etc.  I've been around more of the chronic and severe issues.
         
         and I'm not an expert.  just going by what my staff have told me.

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            Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            ----i think sometimes people have been over-medicated too and haven't found the right treatment etc.----
            
            
            Definitely.  The biggest problem I see here is...I've suffered from depression since childhood (but didn't seek treatment until I knew it was totally out of my control) and when I sought treatment, the treatment I received over 8 years didn't help - it made things worse!  So...what to do with so many variables to a mental illness?  I wonder if we'll ever know.

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               Precious Williamsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               I don't think we ever will.  I think sometimes we forget that the brain is incredibly complex and so much of it we still don't understand. Of course advances will be made, but our individual differences will inevitably come into play and effect positively or negatively any treatment offered.

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                  Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                  Sadly, I think you are soo right!

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   raisingmeposted 14 years ago

   Real yes....trendy....NO!

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   SomewayOuttaHereposted 14 years ago

   just a thought...
   
   Celebrities can at least bring attention to mental illnesses - at least.....there can still be such a stigma attached to some of the severe and chronic types (Psychizophrenia, etc) and sometimes people don't want to talk about it or acknowledge it I find.
   
   At work, i have such a difficult time raising awareness, educating people and raising funds in relation to a variety of mental health & addictions issues.  And, here in Canada, gov't just keeps taking away money that should be directed towards it.  And then they wonder why there are so many homeless people...why the emergency wards can be so busy, why the police have turned into social workers, etc. etc. (many are ill with addictions issues on top of it).  And the jails are/have become the new institutions for people that are really ill and have got themselves into trouble.
   
   Was at a meeting today with gov't as a matter of fact trying to save some free mental health services targeted at people that don't have the funds or other support to get help.  I may have to get political on the issue again.  have been fighting for local services for the past year.
   
   a bit of my rant for the day!  excuse me! 

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      Precious Williamsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you that celebrities can raise awareness but I sometimes suspect that people think it's okay for celebrities because they seem to be talented, creative etc, but they don't see it in the same light for the ordinary man/woman/child in the street. Some stars are now happy to admit they are bipolar or have suffered from severe depression, but they like anyone else would not be comfortable to admit to a psychotic illness like schizophrenia.

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   Kathryn LJposted 14 years ago

   TB used to be a trendy illness.  It still killed people.

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    Richieb799posted 14 years ago

    'Every man thinks his burden is the heaviest, but who feels it knows it' - Bob Marley

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       Joy56posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       i like that comment, nice one

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    Baileybearposted 14 years ago

    I think some people use the word depression flippantly to describe a mild disappointment. 
    
    Clinical depression is a real and life-threatening illness.
    
    Unfortunately, there is still stigma associated with mental illness.  I remember my own experience with depression - I was told I was possessed by the devil - not the most helpful advice!
    
    There are a lot of conditions that are more diagnosed these days, including autism and autoimmune diseases (I'm affected by both too).  I've read ignorant articles saying these are the new trendy disorders.  I think the rise in these conditions are related to toxins in our environment damaging our DNA etc.    I trained as a chemist, and I am too sensitive to work with chemicals.  My son and I are both very food sensitive.

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    Lecieposted 14 years ago

    depression is neither new nor trendy. i have suffered with it since the age of 6 and have to fight everyday just to get out of bed and find a reason to go on. if not for my cat this illness would have claimed my life 3 years ago this august. i really hit bottom then and was lucky enough to have a purpose in keeping this cute creature alive that wound up needing me so much i couldn't bare to leave her. this is a serious illness and most cases not always kept at bay by a furry friend. you have to reach out for support and find whatever helps you cope day by day.

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       Joy56posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       i feel for you, as i have had bouts of depression, and my sister actually commited suicide.....

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    joaniembposted 14 years ago

    The only trendy thing is how simple it is to get the drugs needed for depression.
    
    In my experience, years ago you would see a therapist and they would suggest to the psychiatrist what they thought the problem was and maybe recommend a drug to use.
    
    Now you can walk into your family doctors office and tell them you feel depressed and they will write a script for paxil, lexapro, zoloft, etc. So it is not the disease that is trendy it is the meds the doctors so freely prescribe.

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       Slainiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       The thing with that though is the increasing use of outside therapy methods. When I was first diagnosed with depression in my late teens, I was handed pills, and sent to a school counselor. There was no therapy in the idea that l learn how to fight it, l was simply told to talk. (not saying that doesn't have value.) Now, though, 8 years later, things have changed a fair bit. After my suicide attempt in 2007, l spent almost 3 weeks in the hospital on the 3rd floor, and honestly, committing myself was probably the best decision I've ever made.
       
       While there, they ran a series of physical tests to find out if A) it was something caused by health itself - ie a thyroid problem, or a few other illnesses that cause depression on a physical level, and B) figure out the dynamics of my life - in other words, how much of it was situational, and how much was triggered by the results of negative or unhealthy behaviors.
       Also, while there l found out l'm chronically low on Vitamin B12.
       
       The thing is, once they got the physical tests done, they put me into a program in the hospital to focus on skills training and group therapy; sort of an abbreviated version of linehan, to learn/consider new methods of coping. Two years later, I'm in ongoing therapy, as well as the actual Linehan program, am on medication for the chemical aspect of it, have a 3 month check up with my psychiatrist, and am in housing for those struggling with mental health. Now, part of this is because of borderline personality disorder, but the thing is, they're - in my opinion anyway - starting to tailor treatment programs to what the patients dealing with.
       
       (FYI the linehan program is a hell of a lot of work. Lol. To read up on it, check out my hub "Dialectic Behavior Therapy - Overview".
       Hrm. Sorry for the wall of text.

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    johnshadeposted 14 years ago

    I suffer from depression (bipolar II) and a suicide surviver, i can say its very real, and almost like having a disease trick your mind to negative thoughts. i tend to get annoyed when people say there are depressed when they are not REALLY. i agree people use the word without knowing what it really feels like

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    johnshadeposted 14 years ago

    and the drugs (antidepressants) are horrible makes you feel worst

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       nikki1posted 14 years agoin reply to this

       They may not be what you need. You may want to consider bonding with your family and your family Doctor. And, find out what is
       really going on.

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    Baileybearposted 14 years ago

    I get depressed from some natural food chemicals in fruit (salicylates). My son's reaction to these chemicals is to rage (another expression of low serotonin).  He is likely to suffer from a depressive disorder too.
    
    I think doctors hand out drugs too quickly without doing their job properly - looking for root cause.  Depression was a symptom of my autoimmune disease, which further damaged my body left untreated for years, as doctors focussed only on symptoms. 
    
    Some drugs were very dangerous for me - could have killed me.  If it were not for my supportive husband and knowing that my child needs me (we both have Asperger's Syndrome), I doubt I would still be here today
    
    Depression is a terrible illness.  I did not choose to wallow in self-pity.  It is a chemical imbalance.

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    Baileybearposted 14 years ago

    Depression is an equal opportunity illness/disability

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    StellaFreemanposted 14 years ago

    In its'correctly diagnosed form, depression is caused by an imbalance of chemicals in the brain.  It effects people in as many ways as there are individuals.  The chemical imbalance can be slight or enormous, have a small, or dramatic effect on the person and is not necessarily directly related to the amount of imbalance in the chemical make up in the brain. The chemical imbalance may be evident at birth, caused by birth, or a malfunction of the bodily systems through illness or accident, exposure to artificial/careonogenic chemicals.   Triggers can be stress; a) the type that produces adrenalin, b)the type caused by an overload of chemicals, either ingested or inhaled.
    Depression is much better understood by the medical profession and society in general and is not nearly as "taboo" as is was even ten years ago.  Clearly though, it is still greatly misunderstood!  Is there really an increase in depression as an illness or is it that people are more willing to talk about it and the media still find it interesting enough?

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    Dmitriy bestlifeposted 14 years ago

    The depression is a lack of vital energy! These one thijg is common in all cases. Where has it gone? To compensate all the negative factors, that influence our health. No need to list this factors again. Everybody is aware of the electromagnetic fields influence and so on. The sad thing is that people get usrd to the low energy lewel existance.
    One may analise the reasons of stress for years, take chemical pills and natural remedies. But it is biochemical level of influence. And stress has energy nature. You see, that these are different levels of influence! It is an explanation why there is so little help from pills, when itcomes to depression and stress. Look for a way to rise your energy and to protect Yourself from pathogenic influences. Reach people or poor -no matter - every big sity inhabitant suffers from them.

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    zrichardsposted 14 years ago

    Depression is not a disease or a virus or an infection. These illnesses you either have or you don't.
    
    Depression is a gradient based on levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This is where the terms mild depression and major depressive disorder (MDD) come from. To be properly diagnosed with depression one must have experienced symptoms of depression for at least 2 consecutive weeks or more. So being angry, upset, or lazy for a day or two would not be diagnosed as depression.
    
    Furthermore, neurotransmitters have a huge role in shaping the brains neuronal network. A tragic event for example can cause a significant change in neurotransmitter ratios and over time will actually restructure the network of neurons in the brain.
    
    The purpose of antidepressants is to alter the ratios of specific neurotransmitters to gradually help the brain restructure it's neuronal network (specifically in the hippocampus). For milder depression therapy and changing the way one thinks can do this. But for more severe depression drugs significantly improve this process.
    
    When depression is properly diagnosed and then properly treated the recovery rate is extremely successful. Tragically misdiagnosis and mistreatment can severely hinder this.

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    crazybeanriderposted 14 years ago

    It is not totally mind over matter. Tell that to the guy holding a gun to his head who thinks the only answer to ending his depression is to blow a hole through his head, all the while telling himself there must be a better way. Unfortunately he couldn't convince himself there was a better way. Depression won out. So it isn't always mind over matter. Not everyone can be STRONG enough to rise above the depression, some of us need medication, therapy or whatever else we can get to drag us out of a depression.
    
    If depression seems to be trendy, I don't get it, because they sure as hell picked the wrong trend. I think it is just more people are less afraid to come out and talk about being depressed. Or people in the entertainment industry anyway.

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    Joy56posted 14 years ago

    depression is not trendy,or new, and it can be crippling..........  it is a real condition, that can hit anyone at any time.  If you have never suffered from it, i am so pleased for you......... However it is hard to understand, i grant that.

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    selrachposted 14 years ago

    Depression is a gradient based on levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. This is where the terms mild depression and major depressive disorder (MDD) come from. To be properly diagnosed with depression one must have experienced symptoms of depression for at least 2 consecutive weeks or more. So being angry, upset, or lazy for a day or two would not be diagnosed as depression.
    Zrichards this exactly what my doctor questioned me on before putting me on meds. I will not go into details of my depression,but it got to the failed suicide stage.

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       zrichardsposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I'm sorry to hear that. Keep in mind that once a doctor prescribes meds they don't take effect for 4-6 weeks. Also, once you start taking meds you need to be monitored weekly for the first 6 months to make sure they are effective. This is an extremely important part of effective treatment. Taking antidepressants can sometimes make the depression worse, which is why close monitoring is essential. Seeing your doctor or a qualified therapist weekly allows them to asses how you are responding to the drugs and make changes accordingly. Not every drug works for every person, it's about finding the right fit. This includes type of drug (SSRI, MAOI, etc.) and also the right dosage.
       
       Since you didn't say any details of your depression I don't know for sure, but it sounds like you were not monitored at all on the meds. And if you were you must have had a very unqualified doctor.

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    TruthDebaterposted 14 years ago

    I think a person with depression is simply lacking a purpose.

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       Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       sorry, but you are sooo wrong.  if you were right, most children would suffer from depression (how many children do you know with a purpose??)

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          TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Their purpose is consistently exploring and learning which keeps their minds stimulated, this is why they are happy unless the parents depresses or disables them. Many grown up's get depressed because they no longer stimulate their mind with purpose which causes the unhappiness.

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             Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             So, you are saying that anyone who chooses to not stimulate their mind chooses to be depressed?  Or, are you saying that someone who has learning disabilities deserves to be depressed because they don't have the choice?  Or, are you saying that someone who continues to explore and learn throughout their depression is lying about being depressed? 
             
             I don't think you paint an accurate view of depression.

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                TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                Yes.
                No, a learning disabled person can still find purpose that stimulates their minds.
                No, a person can learn and explore without having or knowing a purpose.
                
                I just thought of this a few minutes ago. I can't find any gaps, but keep asking questions, they are good.

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                   Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                   again, I have to say you're wrong.  Depression is too complex with different triggers for different people.  There is no one cause.

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                      TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                      If there is no one cause, why does depression always happen in the mind? Why is depression sometimes changed by altering thoughts and chemicals in the mind? It sounds like the one cause of depression would be the mind. What do you think?

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                         Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                         I agree depression happens within the mind but for someone who's depressed, they don't seem to be in control of their own minds - or thoughts. (I would think...at least that's what I think my issue is)

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                            TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                            I think we gain more control over our thoughts and minds, the more we know how they function. If we were to all rely on medication rather than figure out how we work, would we learn self empowerment or outside drug dependency?

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                               Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                               I disagree.  Knowing how the brain functions is kinda what got me into this mess in the first place.
                               
                               I've understood the Power Of Suggestion since before I was a teenager and then learned how to fight it.  Yeah, that didn't work so well after I met manipulators who lie, cheat, steal, and then turn the blame on you for being single minded and able to reach your goals because of it.
                               
                               Knowing how the brain works also didn't help after a lifetime of absorbing projections from others but not understanding it and why it happened.
                               
                               Knowing how the brain works didn't prevent other people from believing false accusations made about me.
                               
                               
                               What I'm getting at is, at this point in my life I have extreme difficulty in controlling my thoughts/thought patterns/mind.  My thoughts in regard to myself are rarely positive.  I don't believe I'm alone - there has to be others who struggle for whatever reasons.

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                                  TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                  I think everyone struggles controlling their thoughts, It's more of a problem when they start lacking ability to control the actions the thoughts can lead to. The thoughts are often subconscious lies that must be analyzed to find the truth.
                                  You knowing how your brain works doesn't mean it will tell you how others brains work when all have a different reality. If you knew how the brain worked when absorbing the projections, you would know that the brain stores many subconscious lies that can be corrected. Manipulators can only work with a "host". When the host gains more knowledge than the one manipulating, the host becomes the superior.

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                                     Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                     Okay, now you've got my attention.
                                     
                                     
                                     Yeah, at this time I lack the ability to control my actions based on the negative thoughts caused by a multitude of lies, projections, manipulations, deceit, blame-gaming, false accusations, and other circumstances. (including my tendency to be critical).  I believe the problem came from over-analyzing things to the point of driving myself crazy (at one point I sincerely believed the false accusations and thought I was dangerous to others - it wasn't a fun time of my life)
                                     
                                     So, what you're saying is...subconscious lies can be corrected - in other words, just because I say its true doesn't make it the truth.  Right?  (funny, I included that line in one of my hubs, but can't really recall where and when I learned it or why...)  Live my own truth - right?  Its a scary concept, but I think I can manage....the biggest problem is the false accusations caused me to question every aspect of myself including my goals and priorities and why I have them - am I really being honest with myself or are the manipulators right since everybody believed their lies about me rather than believing me?  It''s really done a number on my brain. 
                                     
                                     Manipulators can only work with a host, huh?  How on earth does one prevent themselves from being a host??  (I like this thought...makes me think of a parasite and I don't want to be a host to a parasite!!)
                                     
                                     
                                     oh I almost forgot - I was too young to understand what the projections were and why it was happening.  At the same time I was perceiving things about people that most probably wouldn't have wanted me to perceive....(my mother was always telling me to stop being so critical & to stop judging people - now I take the info and write character sketches)

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                                        TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                        Thanks for your input Rafini, I am enjoying our conversation. I agree that over analyzing can lead to madness. I think this is linked to Obsessiveness which also has to be controlled. Sorry to hear about your down times, i'm glad you changed your reality instead of ending it.
                                        Yes, I think subconscious can be reprogrammed, but it takes conscious programming of what you let in and get rid of. Being stuck is subjective, if you learn everyday, you are never stuck.
                                        Yes, I think manipulators are parasites, they use the host to empower themselves. When the host gains as much or more knowledge than the manipulator, they then make their own reality instead of relying on the manipulator to create it for them.

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                                        Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                          I'm enjoying the conversation myself, and want to thank you for sharing your valuable insight.
                                        
                                        hhmm, I've never considered myself to be obsessive...well, except in the negative thought arena - lol - I can't deny that. lol  I'm guessing it's time to go cold turkey...but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that...(too much to explain, but I'll just say I have no support system other than my kids and it isn't fair to burden them with so much.  it'll be easier when the youngest is an adult)
                                        
                                        Reprogramming....any ideas as to how?  I have a difficult time forgetting things I would rather not remember, and struggle to remember some of the things I need to remember - such as paying my insurance on time.  (this is new - it used to be I couldn't forget anything even if I tried)

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                                           Slainiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                           Rafini, if you want to address the way you view the world, and how it affects you, I do have a suggestion. Look into something called Dialectic Behavior therapy. It was pioneered by Marsha Linehan, and is primarily used to treat borderline personality disorder patients, but part of what it teaches us is a new way to view the world.
                                           
                                           What I mean is, before we can build new, healthier habits, we have to understand ourselves. DBT takes a skills training approach with it, giving people new ways & ideas of coping with stress - ie instead of self harm one would experiment with self-soothing, contributing to something that made them feel powerful or skilled or worthwhile until they found skills that worked for them. The thing is though, theres also a strong mental aspect to it.
                                           
                                           Specifically, something called Mindfulness. The basic concept is kindness, to yourself first and foremost, and to the world around you as well. IT takes into consideration questions like "Do I have a right to ask this of this person? Is it my place in the relationship?"
                                           
                                           Whether thats your boss, your lover, or a family member, then gives you an opposite question for the other situation - do they have the right to ask me? is it their place? Once you look at things like that, you can begin to pick apart who's good for you, who isn't, why people make you feel the way you do. IT really helps you feel objective about yourself. 
                                           
                                           Anyway, sorry for the wall of text. I have written about this a bit, but if you prefer google, look up marsha linehan, mindfulness, or dialectic behavior therapy. Any of the 3 will lead you to the right spot. Good luck!

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                                        TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                        Thanks Rafini, your insight in invaluable. I can relate, the thoughts follow obsessive patterns, when a purpose is made or found, the obsessive thoughts of negativity are redirected to the purpose. Reprogramming is hard because the subconscious is stronger and used more than the conscious, but it is the conscious that feeds and suppies it. It seems the more meaning or emotion you put towards learning something, the more able you are to remember it. Reading books of other peoples realities also help expand thinking.

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                                        Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                        hhmm, I must not be there yet, with a purpose I mean.  Or, maybe I'm fighting it...I'm writing my life story and avoid it more than write it but feel the need to share it.  It's like a mental block that has to be broken because all it does is bring tears.  I'll work on this...redirect my obsessively negative thoughts to the purpose of writing my story.  Don't exactly know how, but this sounds like its what needs to be done.
                                        
                                        Reprogramming must go along with redirecting my obsessively negative thoughts?  kinda makes sense....
                                        
                                        Learning?  Are you kidding?  lol  Okay, I can do that!  (I'm finally going to college & learning crazy things like Photoshop & Fireworks & Dreamweaver lol)
                                        
                                        Reading of other peoples realities...you mean autobiographies, right?  Okay, I can do that....wow, I got a lot to do.  lol

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                                        Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                        Slainia -
                                        
                                        
                                        Thanks for the info!!  It sounds a bit familiar (especially the minfulness part) and sounds similar to the question of "Who's problem is it?".
                                        
                                        (what is IT?  or was it a typo / word stressing?)
                                        
                                        I'll definitely check into it.  Thanks! 

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                                           Slainiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                           Ooops! sorry
                                           It was a typo, that's all. But essentially what it aiums to do is teach better habits, which is why it works well for bpd  if you go on the premise that a bpd patient wasn't taught healthy habits to begin with. It's a lot of work, though.

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                                        TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

                                        Hello Rafini. I'm not speaking of a specific purpose that we are all born with to fulfill, just a purpose in general that gives us meaning and passion for what we are doing. Your idea to put all of the negative thoughts into your story sounds good and productive, just don't let them bring you back to the past. They shouldn't as long as you commit to forward progress and refuse to go backwards.
                                        
                                        Reprogramming, yes, pretty much. Changing previous thought patterns in programming them towards your goals.
                                        
                                        Not just autobiographies. It is amazing that every single book you read, there is an ideology behind it. Every book in a sense is an autobiography. When you learn how a person thinks, it gives insight into their reality and how their minds work. A lot of problems with ourselves can be fixed by seeing through others realities of how they fixed their problems.

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    TruthDebaterposted 14 years ago

    A person with the worst mental history imaginable can be transformed with a purpose.

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       Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       lol, I wonder what you're referring to.  I'm thinking of my ex.....yeah, he was transformed into a maniac with a purpose....lol...not a pretty picture! 

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          TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          What was his purpose? I didn't say that a purpose couldn't be bad. There are bad and good ones.

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             Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             oh no, I'm not going there online! lol  but you are free to imagine whatever you think a woman would be talking about when referring to her ex-husband being a maniac with a purpose and it not being a pretty picture! 

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    kimberlyslyricsposted 14 years ago

    I say with experience and knowledge this is the worst thread I have ever seen.  Even to hint of trendy disorders is a direct sign of ignorance and lack of any understanding, not to mention compassion.  What does a person suffering from depression who is feeling alone, I care not what kind, feel like should she/he see this and feeling mostly no recognition of validation.
    
    This must be a funny subject for you.  I am shocked and disgusted.  Sad to see the ignorance that still breeds regarding any form of mental illness.
    
    But maybe it's just trendy.
    
    Good luck with your quest, may it be fun for you.
    
    

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       TruthDebaterposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       What parts do you disagree with? To disagree without reason isn't a disagreement.

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    zrichardsposted 14 years ago

    There's a fine line between trendy and misdiagnosed/treated and it seems like people are beginning to blur the two. ADD seems to be in a similar boat now a days.

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28. 54

    KAE1992posted 14 years ago

    I think it mostly has to do with the fact that the essentials are no longer the 'need' in today's society. Today the eesentials and the luxuries are the 'needs'. In society today we aren't as thanfu for the little things and we want more and more. For example we can have a perfectly fine cell phone or computer, but we'll sell it or recycle it because we want that new feature. A lot of women nowadays get peticures on a monthly basis, not to treat themselves, but because they "have to" (not to say that there are no profressions that would require it because there are). I don't think it's anybody's fault it's just the fact that in society or luxuries and necessities overlap so much and not everyone can afford to keep up.

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    figmentposted 14 years ago

    There's a lot to be depressed about these days, but I guess it's all how you look at it.

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       Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Hi figment - haven't seen you in awhile...  How are ya? 

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          figmentposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Hi Rafini   I've been busy, but I'm great!!

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             Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

             glad to hear it!  Me too, busy that is.  Great comes and goes   lol

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    bsscorpio8posted 14 years ago

    Depression is not a "trendy new illness",it is very prevalent,especially in theses times.There is so much uncertainty going on in the lives of people today causing anxiety and feelings of hopelessness.People are coming out and being honest about their emotional and mental health,making it look like a"trend".

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       Slainiaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Well said, Bsscorpio. I know a lot of the older generation, who - in my experience - completely frown on mental health in any concept. At the moment, I could list maybe 10 people of say my grandparents generation that are bitter, unhappy people. It's not that they're depressed - but I think people were taught to suppress things for so long they forgot how else to live. I hope that makes sense, adn doesn't come off as offensive. Growing up with my grandparents, I saw a different side of mental health...

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       Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I think you're right.  With more and more people being honest and not ashamed of the emotional and mental well-being it may look like depression is a 'trend' when in fact its merely an honest look at mental health.

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    Fluffymetalposted 14 years ago

    I have suffered from severe depression all my life.  I would hate to think it's "trendy".  It's nothing to joke about.  It's almost killed me a few times.

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       Rafiniposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       definitely nothing to joke about. 
       
       
       
       How are you?  I haven't seen you in awhile.

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          Fluffymetalposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          I'm GREAT!!

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    rgarnettposted 14 years ago

    I definitely don't think that depression is a 'new' or 'trendy' disease. And that is what it is. A disease. I haven't really read over ALL the other comments, but its likely that I will agree with them. I live with someone who suffers from depression and it is no picnic. On her or me.
    
    There are treatments and programs that someone can go through, and given that this original post is about wealthy women dealing with depression, I find it hard to believe that they did not seek out treatment. They have the money and the resources to maintain and treat their depression.

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    BeccaHubbardWoodsposted 14 years ago

    I was diagnosed with clinical depression when I was 13, and I've been suffering with it since then. It comes and goes in waves from:
    mild - Life sucks but I'll get over it
    moderate - Life really freaking sucks and I'll never feel better
    severe - Today's a beautiful day to kill myself
    
    I throw the sarcastic humor in there because it's the way I deal with it. In all honesty, I can't remember a long period of time when I didn't feel some form of depression, even on the meds.
    
    To think that it's becoming a trend, a Look-At-Me kind of thing, ugh. Makes me depressed.
    
    Actually, it makes me want to slap these liars and tell them "You don't know what I go through"...
    
    Anyone think it's because of Twilight? LMAO!!!! (reference to a thread I posted not long ago)

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    leebertteaposted 14 years ago

    No I don't think it's trendy. Like many mental diseases, we have gotten better at diagnosing them and more people have been encouraged to seek treatment as the stigma for such diseases has also diminished. Look at Autism for example, it's the same situation, better diagnosis, and more folks seeking treatment.

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    johnshadeposted 14 years ago

    It's not trendy drug companies are making money from it so psycologist dont hesistate to prescribe drugs,
    
    Like they give antidepressants to people coming from a divorce

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    2besureposted 13 years ago

    Depression is as old as time.  At the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus wept.  I believe the stigma of depression and mental illness has slowly been lifted and man more people are seeking help.

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    petertheknightposted 13 years ago

    In a way, it is trendy, but it really has more to do with your diet and lifestyles.  Too much food now is dead food, and people are taking in things that are not meant for their bodies like meat and dairy.  (Which is pumped with artificial growth hormones and other additives.)
    
    There are natural ways to take care of depression including diet, exercise, and getting enough sunlight.
    
    Antidepressants are dangerous and should be avoid at all costs.  (In my opinion.)  I've had experience with these drugs in the past and have had everything from mental breakouts to weight gain and even once a seizure.

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    Flightkeeperposted 13 years ago

    Well I think that there really is a mental condition called depression that needs to be managed with prescription drugs.  Then there's the other depression when unforeseen misery happens and it colors the situation around you.  They're not the same thing but the second one is more about concentrating on only the bad things and not getting a better perspective.

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       petertheknightposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       I think to a certain extent I agree with you, but I would say that the majority of people taking these drugs should not be and that there are way better all-natural options for them.

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    Hugh Williamsonposted 13 years ago

    Depression is a serious condition that can spiral into ruined relationships, unemployment, the use of illicit drugs and death. It may be rooted in physical causes (hypo-tension) as well as psychological ones.
    
    Depression is nothing to experiment with -- you MUST get it stopped.
    
    Your physician is the first one to talk to for help.

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    WisieDailyWisdomposted 13 years ago

    Depression is created by you and can be solved only by you. Its all in the mind! If you let depressing thoughts cloud your mind, you will plunge into darkness and despair. Visualize and think about favorable situations. Instead of saying 'I can't', say 'I can' and repeat this to yourself again and again.
    
    Whenever you feel like giving up, tell yourself that you can do it! Rather than cribbing all the time, think of all the positive things in life. You will be amazed to see the magical transformation in your life, relationships, career, attitude and also fortunes. What you think happens to you. So think positive to let good things happen!

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    habeeposted 13 years ago

    I've never suffered from clinical depression, but I know people who have. I have had numerous "panic attacks," however, which is a related condition. Mine started after my father shot himself and my daughter was jailed on drug charges, which were back-to-back events. Believe me, I've discussed the problem with several physicians.
    
    Clinical or chronic depression isn't caused by external events -although such events can be a contributing factor. It's internal, and it's very real. It's caused by a shortage or depletion of certain chemicals in the brain, like seratonin. Our brains can handle only so much stress, and when the seratonin is all used up, depression, anxiety, and panic/anxiety attacks usually occur. Most popular antidepressants regulate seratonin levels.
    
    That being said, I think some doctors diagnose depression much too quickly and too often. I'm not convinced that everyone diagnosed with clinical depression actually has the condition that has an underlying physical cause. It's easier for a doctor to just prescribe a drug than it is to find out the real cause in some cases.
    
    I refused to take a selective seratonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drug for over a year. When I began having panic attacks on a daily basis, however, I was desperate and began taking Paxil. Once I did, the panic attacks stopped.
    
    If you've never had a panic attack, you'll never understand how scary they are. You think you're dying. I was "lucky" to have had one while at the doctor's office one day. My blood pressure and pulse rate immediately shot up, along with having cardiac arrhythmia.

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    guy1973posted 13 years ago

    yes, depression affects many people, i was depressed for some time, i think it has to do with life's pressure and inability to face situations and finding answer, at least for me thats how it all went. but when you have a more positive outlook on life, and hope and faith, all works out just fine

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    sean1885posted 13 years ago

    Depression is not a trendy illness but it is a common illness.

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       Right On Timeposted 13 years agoin reply to this

       Yes it is. It's actually approaching epidemic proportions, and thanks to lack of awareness from people will continue.

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    Right On Timeposted 13 years ago

    Is this one STILL going? Gee, I thought that it'd have been discredited entirely by now. "Trendy new illness"...where does that Janet get her statistics from. Of all the half baked ideas...

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