thanks for posting this dear! i've suffered from clinical depression since the death of my father when i was nine, and i think it's really important that accurate information about it be available. there's definitely still a stigma around depression and too many people confuse general sadness with clinical depression.

I agree with leigha926 - the stigma around depression is something I've had to deal with for years.

When I was a kid, my mother used to get on my case for being a miserable downer all the time and she'd tell me to "snap out of it," which was SO offensive. Depression is an illness. Would she tell someone to "snap out of" diabetes or Crohn's Disease?

Ugh. And don't get me STARTED on Tom Cruise's uninformed rampage against depression a few years back. YES, vitamins and exercise may help with the symptoms of depression, but they're not going to get rid of the underlying cause.

It's good that you're putting this knowledge out there, Dear.

i just want to add that i was depressed last winter, and actually started to think i was going crazy and *almost* thought about taking anti-depressants.

thank god I didn't because there was nothing wrong with me at all, it was all side-effects of a new birth control pill I had started 3 months ago.

so please try to think about any new changes in your life whether it be diet, pills, friends, anything; because sometimes all it can take is simply changing one outside factor to make yourself a happy person again.

surprised i got 100

I only got 2 out of 4 right...
Obviously I dont know alot about depression...!

3 out of 4

First off, *hugs* out there to anyone that's living with depression. It hurts, and it's hard, but no matter how bad you feel, there are people out there that want to help you. You're not alone.

I too got the "toughen up" or "get over it" from those around me. When I finally got the nerve to seek treatment, I was accused of being stupid with money (because I paid a therapist), and of wanting attention. Sometimes you just have to tune people out and do what it takes to take care of yourself.

I have these winterdepression.. there nothing really serious it's bcause i have a lack of vitamin D (which you normally get from sunlight) TL-bulbs aren't able to keep me fit all winter...

As a Christian, I don't believe "depression" is clinical. And plus the fact that anti-depressants have never been proven to be really effective in eliminating depression. When someone feels depressed, he allows his emotions to overwhelm him and Christians are taught (I'm not saying all Christians are perfectly happy all the time and never have any negative emotions whatsoever) to cast out negative emotions such as sadness and depression by praying to God w/ faith, worship, thanksgiving, and forgiveness and by imploring to God's strength as his own strength . Christians are taught to overcome any circumstances with "peace and joy" from God because they are just "circumstances" and that trust in God enables Him to bless us with the grace we need , anad the promises He will give us. So for me, depression is not "clinical"--medicines never could heal this condition successfully.

I get depressed in the winter! I think it is because of the cold, and there is nothing going on. It gets very boring.

Travel

I answered 4 out of 4-scary-but I have suffered from depression on and off for the last 5 years.

Clinical Depression is no joke.

It's not as easy as "think positive and cast bad thoughts out".
I strongly disagree with vienvien, no disrespect meant...

I lost my baby brother to serious depression.
I hope anyone out there suffering doesn’t attempt to heal themselves.
Clinical depression is not something you can just snap out of.
If church is what you need, wonderful.
If talking is what you need, great.
If you don’t know what to do and feel alone, get help!
Call a hotline, call a friend, a family member, just don't feel ashamed.
You are NOT weak if you need help to get better.

Much love to all....

I'm not trying to start trouble, Vienvien, because I know that you didn't mean any disrespect by your comment, but as a long-time sufferer of depression, I'm pretty offended by what you said.

First of all, by putting depression in quotes, you're making it sound like it's a made-up condition, and it's not. I'm not religious and I've never found any respite in prayer (I'm not saying that I don't believe prayer can do wonders for some people, I'm just saying it's not for me).

Depression can be caused by an event in someone's life - a loss, stress, etc. It can be a symptom of a physical illness. Or it can be caused by the levels of neurotransmitters in your brain.

I've suffered from depression all my life, but I had a really bad spell about four years ago where I was pretty much unable to leave my apartment except for work and I cut off contact with all of my friends. After a few months, I finally had my doctor put me on antidepressants. They didn't fix my problems, but what they did was give me a little boost so that I could stop crying, get out of bed, reconnect with my friends, and get my life back. Antidepressants weren't the solution - therapy and lifestyle changes were - but the medication was a helpful first step. And it didn't change my personality or turn me into Little Miss Sunshine or fix all my problems, it just helped level out my emotions and stop the crushing depression.

Anyway, to hear someone say that what I've gone through isn't real, or can be helped by prayer - that's pretty offensive to me.

Depression is a very serious condition and should not be taken lightly. Thanks for posting this information.

Cheshire4ever-- I'm sorry if you disagree w/ me but my comment is not to provoke any feeling or any negative reaction from anybody. It's just I'm compelled to tell others that God is the answer to everything. I don't knwo what your faith is and I'm sorry about your brother who lost to "clinical depression" but since for us , Born AGain Christians, we are taught not to make our emotions overwhelm us and we don't believe in "clinical depression" . Don' t you know that the medical miracles happen way beyond doctor's understanding and knowledge? That's also a reason why doctors are not really absolutely correct in finding "clinical depression" Depression is caused by emotions that produce certain chemical reactions to the body if depression is not checked. in other words, initially depression is "emotional" in origin that can affect the physical components of the body. It is proven even in scienc e and medicine that emotions can trigger certain illnesses in the body, like high-blood and could aggravate more exsting sicknesses like diabetes. Depression is emotional that can result in clinical ...therefore we don't believe depression is clinical.
I am so sorry about that. But because I have learned to be content and joyful despite whatever circumstances ---joy and strength that I derive from the Lord God. Circumstances are temporary, they change but never let anything or anyone rob you of your joy that God has given you.
Have a great blessed week!

I agree with a lot of the comments made above, depression is a very serious condition and should not be taken lightly. There are varying methods by which people can get help with their depression, some may find help through their religion (or just their faith, spirituality, etc. and not an actual church), or some may seek help from professionals, whether they be psychologisists, psychiatrists, psychotherapists, etc. You may or may not need to be put on anti-depressants. Whatever the case may be, you need to do what is right for you.

I know in my situation, it was tough being the only one I knew who had ever experienced serious depression. Having to watch my friends and family react to what i was going through. There are days and weeks where I don't want to go anywhere or do anything, let alone talk to anyone. I want to cry all the time and have no reason at all for this behavior. I have serious health issues that i have been living with for over half of my life, and I am almost 29, and I find that depression is just something that I have to deal with almost every day.

I know that the major media and public has a stigma when it comes to "depression" and "anti-anxiety" or "anti-depressants" (as mentioned above, we can say thanks to Tom Cruise for some of that) but you can't let any of that hinder what you decide is best for you. You need to honestly talk with your doctors and decide which course of action is best for you. If you just need to talk to someone, that is great. If you need to change how you are living, that is fine too. But if you need medicine to help you, DO NOT let any outside "stigmas" affect your decision. Also, beware of just letting any doctor prescribe you just any medication. Look at the side effects and what the meds are for. Do some of your own research and make informed decisions.

It's so important to decide what is best for you. Don't succumb to outside influences.

Vienvien,

The reason that doctors are not "really absolutely correct in finding clinical depression" is because depression is a complex disease that manifests differently in different people at different times. To pretend that depression can't have underlying physiological and chemical causes beyond emotional problems "causing" them is dangerous and reckless. If a person required medical treatment for cancer or a broken leg, would you suggest prayer instead? It's the same with depression- just because the problem is harder to image and diagnose does not negate its existence.

I'm not sure what kind of theology informs these misguided beliefs, but most Christians- born-again, evangelical, and moderates alike- acknowledge the existence of clinical depression and encourage people to seek professional help when they need it.

Well said, facin8me!

When I was depressed, my main symptom was sleeping all the time. Twelve to sixteen hours a day every day, in fact. I wasn't just laying in bed dozing lightly, either. It was heavy, oppressive, overwhelming sleep which was incredibly difficult to wake up from. I was checked for every sleep-related disorder known to man and everything was completely normal, but combined with my complete loss of interest in anything enjoyable, and my inability to concentrate on anything, the doctor diagnosed depression, and with my medication, I was able to get by with a normal amount of sleep, and to make it through college.

My point is that depression isn't always emotionally based (I had healthy self-esteem and every reason to be perfectly happy), and can't always be overcome with willpower (or prayer--I tended to sleep through church). There are times when, for whatever reason, our bodies don't always make the appropriate amounts of neurotransmitters. Sometimes this is because of outside stimuli, and sometimes this is because of the way our bodies were made. Every person's (im)balance of neurotransmitters is different, and the causes of imbalances are different, and to pass judgement on what other people need to make their lives right is counter-productive. Everyone who is struggling with any aspect of depression should be encouraged to find treatment options that work for them, and anybody who has/is successfully combating it should be applauded and supported, regardless of how they achieved their success.

Facin8me, you said it well!

Depression is very serious... at least to me. My mother suffers from it! It's mild but let me tell you, I've see what it can do to people when it's gone unnoticed. I've lost friends to depression. Take it seriously.

I feel happy for those who never knew what a depression is...
it is not about strong or week people
it is a disease and its treatment is slow and, sometimes, hard

Glad that Dear has posted this informative post but given that it's a sensitive topic, let's all be respectful of each other's opinions.

Thank you Team Sugar....

Sorry, my point was that coming from my point of view, in which I and other family members have had our lives permanently altered or ended by something that has been proven to run in families, guilting and shaming depressed people will never cure depression.

Yep.

Anti-depressants may not have been proven to be really effective, but let's face it, God may not have been proven to really exist.

Maybe both require a little bit of faith to be effective.

I'm sorry about this matter. I think I have already apologized to her. If she was upset about this ; it was done not for the purpose of upsetting her nor provoking her. In fact, I apologized twice. I am just so sorry about her brother and I think that the more she needs to learn about how joy is easily being robbed by negative emotions ---which in fact, I think, have rubbed on her.
I tried to explain what my comment was and that was all there to it ---so that to inform her about how sorry I was and then try to convey to her that there is something that might be beneficial to turn our depression and negative emotions regarding about these. My message was in fact TO INSPIRE HER.
Anyway, since private messaging to people about God, I think I am not in the right website to spread the good news of God.
I think I have to terminate my account now.
Thanks for a wonderful time with all of you here. I really have a pleasant time here. And of course I 'm so glad I joined because within 6 weeks I made a lot of friends.

i got 3/4.
i've suffered from depression and suicidal thoughts because of childhood abuse and other reasons. i tried anti depressants, but i had terrible effects from them. i started taking herbal pills and they surprisingly worked a little better. i'm lucky to no longer be suicidal. it shocked a lot of people who knew me because i have always been the girl who laughs and smiles alot. it goes to show it can happen to anyone.

100%

wow. thats all I have to say

My husband suffered from clinical depression and I have to say that anti-depressants really seemed to help him. I'm sure that they weren't the entire answer, but they were certainly a good stepping stone on the road to recovery and understanding.

I have suffered from Clinical Depression for 6 yrs. now but have it under control with medication. At first, my family physical diagnosed me & stated that "it was not my fault, I had done nothing wrong & it was a chemical disturbance within the brain". That helped me so much. I then started seeing a therpist & he helped tremendously by allowing me to voice my fears & pain. Depression hurts both physically & emotionally. And, there are alot of people that do not undertand it cause they've never gone through it. Now, I take my med once a day, still have "sad" days but not depressed. There IS a difference. Plus, I've accepted that Jesus only gives us so much to deal with but he also gives us the strength to deal with it. My love & hugs go out to anyone suffering from this & it's so sad that people feel you can not talk about it. If anyone wants to talk to me about it, feel free to e mail me. Love ya, Linda

To each his own and I mean no disrespect but I am a devout Catholic and even my faith was not enought to help me "think positively enough" to "just pull myself out of it". I find it offensive that some may think that one has to do with the other.

When I went through depression in college, I realized it when seemily minor problems and glitches became overwhelming to me. The littlest things could either start me bawling or send me into a rage. I really just could not reel in my emotions...

I think that, until you go through it, you just don't realize that it's not simply about changing your state of mind or pulling yourself out of a funk.

ATTN:

VIENVIEN...

Stop sending hateful private messages to me!

I don't want to hear from you again!

You are a very mean person.

I want you to leave me alone!

You have the problem not me.

I respect that you and I disagree about depression.

I happen to believe it's quite real, and serious.

Your low blows about my dead brother are so evil.

You have taken it too far!

I don't respect you or your wicked words of hate.

For the last time, leave me alone!

Do not contact me again.

Your fake "sorry" followed by a sucker punch is not a sorry at all. You are sick, not me. So quit with the insults, jabs, Holy Roller, higher than thou junk. If you were such a good "Born Again Christian" as you claim to be you would not be treating others this way.

ENOUGH!!!

^Psh, she sent you those? What a stupid b*tch.

Depression is a serious thing. I have had and it and maybe even still do. People who make fun of it are cruel.

Especially people claiming to be Christian who above all are supposed to be compassionate toward the suffering of others. I have suffered from major depressive disorder for as long as I can remember. Currently I am off of my latest medication (Welbutrin, sp?) because it is no longer working for me. This is such a frustrating disease, you know you should be happy, but when you can't and it seems to be for no good reason, it's just SO hard sometimes!
I've tried, and sometimes suceeded, in feeling better through the power of prayer, but sometimes the symptoms of this disease can be so overwhelming that prayer cannot help get me out of bed and try to function through my daily life.
I can relate to the people that wonder why such a soul crushing, dibilitating thing has happened to them. It's a day to day process sometimes, and I can only hope that in the future, scientists can get a better grasp on why this disease takes such hold on so many people.
This is an incredibly sensitive topic to some people, particularly people that have never had to go through it. It's a hard thing to explain to a person that cannot and does not know what you are feeling. It's even worse for people who have never been afflicted with this disease to pass any judgement or insinuate that a depressed person is "just not trying hard enough". Believe me, I have been trying for many, MANY years to overcome this, and luckily I have had an incredibly supportive mother and husband to get me through the particularly trying times. I just wanted to shed some insight on what this disease is really like. It's an ugly and petty disease and should not be taken lightly by any means.

3 outta 4. depression is a serious matter. i just wanna say, i feel for peeps who are going through this or have witnessed it.

an believe me i know how people with a depression feel, i danm know .

VIENVIEN is one of those people that make clinically depressed people feel worse, like they are making it up..as she made clear that's what she's been brainwashed to believe. To come onto a site and condemn people who are clinically depressed sickens me. I have struggled with the disease for many years as well (it started after my mom died when I was 7) and I have had to deal with so many people like her in my path. (including some of my own family). So what, are we supposed to be like her and be happy all of the time? Are we just supposed to say.. oh, someone I love died or I was in a horrible car accident..oh well. She needs to quit being so darn ignorant and do some research before she comes onto a board and preaches to people about depression, which according to her is made up. At least I know that what I am feeling is real and I am dealing with it. I am taking my medication and it does work for me. She should mind her own business and stop belittling others!

Cheshire4ever I am so sorry about her sending you private messages with such awful comments about your brother. It pisses me off that someone would stoop so low.

Please! Please! talk to someone if you ever feel so depress that you think you should end your life. That is such a selfish act and you would be surprise how many people been where you are now. So please talk to someone, nothing's wrong with asking for help. We are all unique in many ways and have something to offer. I also believe we are all here to help one another, some of us just don't know it yet. We shouldn't be so quick to brush someone off or to be rude, but take the opportunity to get to know someone.

Live life like it your last holiday!