Do you think overcoming depression is a question of will or the right chemicals?
457197
I feel it actually both. The right attitude will produce the correct chemicals. It like Adrenaline, when we become excited or scared we will produce Adrenaline. Same with other chemicals. Depression is cause by many factors, most, are things that get us thinking negative. Debt, a good example; we become overwhelmed and begin thinking negative and the chemical balance drops. When we find things to do that a fun and enjoyable we stop thinking of the Debt and in our excitement produce the needed chemicals to overcome the depression. That why a lot of people become Alcoholics for example. They can get feeling good and do things, AND, Alcohol can work the other way too. Doctors just prescribe a feel good pill for an easy fix. BUT, getting around Positive people will also produce a natural positive result.
698810
I was on edge at all time and really didn't help w/depression. It made me shakey and like I was on a caffeine rush at all times.\nEveryone is different though.\nGood luck.
755037
I understand how you feel and I think it's great that you're open to medication management and psychotherapy to improve your mental health.  However, in the beginnning with all medication management plans, it's imperative that you get the right combinations of meds, dosage and be monitored regularly in the begining.\n\nTreating depression is much more complex then treating an infection, like a cold or flu.  You're going to need to be an active participant in giving the Dr. information on your moods, thoughts, side effects and overall state of well being. \n\nThe mood disorder that your diagnosed with, will ultimately determine the type of medication your prescribed.  Each medication comes with a theraputic schedule for dosage and some require close supervision, as improper dosage changes can have detremental results with nasty side effects.\n\nThe point is, in the beginning, you'll have to be held on a short leash and be monitored until your Dr. figures out how you will react to certain meds/dosages and ultimately what blend will provide the best results.  Once you are at a theraputic dose where your brain has soaked in enough of the drug and you experience positive results, you'll only have to see your psychiatrist for maintenance purposes, for as little as once a month.\n\nI understand the money issue, I've been through it myself.  However, if you were diagnosed with cancer and you had to choose a more expensive and effective treatment vs. no treatment, what would you do?  It doesn't matter how, but you would certainly find a way to pay for it.  Mental health is equally important to your psychical health and you should prioritize it as if you would a terminal illness.\n\nGranted, I've spent tons of cash on therapy and it stressed me out plenty.  Right now, I've come from what I felt was a bottomless hole of depression, to the point where I look forward to every day!  I would have spent triple the amount I payed if I had to.  You really can't put a price on your health.\n\nI hope this helps and good luck in getting better!
1041923
well i'm still trying to battle mine...started with antidepressants....but they just made me feel worse...now I just try and focus on the gym, workout as much as possible and talk when I feel sad or emotinal....I might start counseling....but in reality, it won't end until you try to pull yourself out of it....it someitmes takes you to be strong and know that you need to deal and face your issues head on...
891761
well, i feel like mine will never stop. i was on meds for years, then i was taken off of them, and now i feel as crazy and depressed as ever. it's a chemical imbalance in the brain, and that might not always be fixable. emotional depression is fixable, and chemical can be, but sometimes it's not. just the draw of the hand i guess.
821717
thats a good step in wanting to turn it over to God. God can deal with our problems. you just need a little help right now. so maybe the medication can help you in this process. you can take them while you are learning. i used to be so opposed to taking anti depressants or other such meds. but now i am on lexapro and it has helped me so much. now my relationship with God has grown because i am not so focused on the problems that i am facing with my anxiety and depression.
939914
i personally think its there to overcome\nlove on the otherhand is lusting for whats on the inside.\nlust is powerful as is all temptation\nbut if we try we can overcome it in the long run
500139
The mind is a very very powerful thing. If you truly believe that you are getting something as a cure, it will really work. \n\nAn experiement was done with antidepressants. They mixed them up....half were placebos, half were the real thing. They did not say which ones were placebos. The people that were taking the pills kept a journal about the effects, the placebos did have some effect, but they did not seem to work AS GOOD as the antidepressants. :o)
610933
Not all meds are chemically or physically addicting. Theres a stigma on mental health everybody thinks for some reason it can be fixed by god.. sooo don't worry about it.. if you are doing better that's all that matters. It's very likely someday you will no longer need medication.
221542
The way I dealt with depression was to get into a deep study of the Bible.  Although I still sometimes get depressed, it is nowhere at all what it used to be.  I now know ABSOLUTELY that someone cares about me and loves me and will help me.\n\nJehovah's witnesses offer free home Bible studies at your convenience and without commitment.
1058944
Not at all.  It is the work of depression.  The problem with depression is that it snowballs!  You get a little depressed and people stop wanting to be around you.  You get lonely which makes you more depressed.  It really gets out of hand till you need external help to get you out of it.  \n\nIf believing in the god and the devil helps you out of your depression, then seek spiritual help.  However, I recommend not believing in fairy tales.  Instead, take the time to research the cause of the depression and slowly work your way out of it.  There will not be one cause that you can fix, but rather a myriad of cumulative issues that will need to be dealt with.  Consult your friends and even a counselor.\n\nCheers!
321615
hey thats an excellent thought, never really pondered that, it is just so easy to give in to medication when you think you are depressed, but in fact it is cause there is no excitement or sparks in the life you are existing in at the moment, so lets all get some excitement and sparks...
1146257
Yes absolutley, The most natural remedy is your mind and the strength of it.\nJust as your body needs exercise so does your mind.\nKeep yourself occupied when feeling depressed.\nlook up in the sky when you feel a bout coming on.\nLearn to recognize depression for what it is.....\nIt is only an emotion you must learn to control...\nEmotions can hurt you only if you allow them to...\nEvery one gets depressed ...some let it go to a point where it causes one to inflict harm on themselves.\nAs it is an emotion and only that you can and must realize it for what it is and make a consious descision to control it and not let it control you.\nThat is the exercise.\nYou must work out just as you work out with weights or in the gym.\nAlways keep in mind that it is only a feeling and it will pass it is uncomfortable at the time but it does go away and harming yourself for relief is not the way. Control it and it will pass.\nThere is a chemical reason for its increase and progression but that is brought on by the mind not controlling the emotion.It will feed itself if you allow it.\nDo not throw away the meds immediatly as the sudden shock to your system could worsen your situation. Tell your Doctor what your trying to do and work with him or her.\nBut you must first come to the reality of your affliction.
116880
No.  I would prioritize your depression as the first problem to work on.  If you get depressed for more than a few weeks at time, and it's been happening for more than a year, you should think about seeing a psychiatrist.  Many people have had their lives dramatically improved by getting treatment.  Good luck.
916823
Hi I really liked andiv's answer. But I just wanted to add that I was diagnosed with a low grade depression; and like you I also have a very high IQ, however I do not find that terribly relevant to my situation. A low-grade depression is characterized by a flat mood; not really deriving any joy in anything. There are treatments that may be able to help you to some degree. But finding a good doctor/therapist is not always easy, but well worth it. exercise was mentioned; I have personally found this beneficial, it does release those feel-good endorphins; important to be regular, develop a good routine.  I mentioned earlier finding a good therapist, because you seem to need to vent to someone(due to over-thinking). I have also  found having a knowledge of why were here and where we are going to be beneficial. My faith does provide me with an accurate knowledge, which has given me a hope for the future. Now if you want to know more about this, feel free to email me. If not, or even if you do,  I still feel a good therapist would be a good ideal; because it may be a chemical imbalance.
328099
maybe depression, or any mental illness, cant really be cured, like a broken bone. maybe mental illness will always be like alcoholism or substance abuse- under control but still there.
295817
my wife has been diagnosed with depression and put on 100 mg of Zoloft. Things have been rather rocky for the last few months around here. I believe she hasn't been making some decisions as rationally as she used to, and our ability to communicate is slipping. we are encountering quiet a few problems lately . I do think some of them are due to her depression but not all of them