Not another depression thread . . .

I seriously doubt whether many of the people that can manage to get there hands on anti-depressants really have depression.

Docs will give them out like milk to and cookies...to all the "grumps" that would love to destroy there spirits further by ruining there bodies with drugs for this fashionable condition...


Antidepressants should be avoided at all cost's, why don't you try attacking the cause of you’re "depression" instead. There are many side-effects associated to most of the drugs arguably worse than feeling down/low mode.

To get yourself diagnosed then tick the following criteria, it's as easy as pie;

A Persistent low mood
Plus
B At least five of the following symptoms;
1 Poor appetite and weight loss or increased appetite and weight gain (a change of 1lb per week for several weeks or 10lb in a year)
2 Sleep difficulty or Sleeping too much
3 Loss of energy, fatigability or tiredness
4 Body slowed down or agitated
5 Loss of interest or pleasure in social activities, including social contact or sex
6 Feelings of self-reproach, excessive or inappropriate guilt
7 Complaints or evidence of diminished ability to think or concentrate such as slowed thinking and indecisiveness
8 Recurrent thoughts or death or suicide or any suicidal behaviour

I'm in the same boat. I think i may have depression but i don't think it's serious as i'm anxious alot of the time. The problem is i can't bring myself to see the doc - i know i should go and i'll just have to soon cos it wont go away by itself.

Hang on: it's hardly a 'fashionable condition'. True, people mis-use the term 'depressed', and some may misdiagnose themselves as having depression...however, the 'docs' are surely in the best position to prescribe medication!

And, although antidepressants can be addictive, it's a slight generalisation to say they 'should be avoided at all costs'. For one thing, it can be difficult for people who are depressed to try other forms of helping, especially cognitive therapy or counselling - that isn't for everyone too, you know!

If in doubt, go to the doctor - don't try and diagnose yourself. Let they be the ones to assess whether or not you need medication or whether alternative options are best for you

Well in my opinion it is much more "fashionable" nowadays. It is incredibly easy to get diagnosed with depression, and while I accept that changing social conditions could be behind that rising numbers of depressed young people, I don't believe this is solely responsible. This is a moderate mental illness yet its meaning has been somewhat lost. Where do you draw the line? The current line is not only less distinct than it has been, but draw within an easier reach. I mean, look at those diagnostic criteria, the happiest of men (or women ) could be labelled as "depressed". We are all depressed.

Antidepressants are not the answer (and if they were, only a short term answer at best), and although I concede alternate therapies may not be for everyone, at least some of these therapies can attack the root cause. Drugs are essentially a fake happiness.

If you go to the doctor about it, be careful, there are many that will dose you up as it will get rid of the problem for all (however, my opinion on "Doctor Behaviour" may be a little biased, if not a whole lot correct.)