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I agree 100% with your comment. The stigma about mental illness is so painful to live with!
'Normal' people, people who have never suffered from depression, JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND that you are unable to control it on your own. I am battling with moderate depression right now. And it IS a battle. I feel completely empty inside sometimes, but I look around and see that my life isn't so bad. I am still able to function, but I can tell that it's getting worse/worsens with PMS, and the ability to 'just fake it' (fake being fine) is starting to fade. People have recently told me I have 'no reason' to feel sad/bad. They don't understand it's a chemical/hormonal issue, not something a depressed person can 'just snap out of.' So now I'm embarrassed to say anything to my family or friends, because they just tell me to perk up, or it'll be fine, or whatever they want to say just to change the topic--society is still uncomfortable talking about mental health. If someone breaks her leg and is walking on crutches, she gets sympathy--but what about someone whose brain/hormones are broken?? Whether it's with meds, psychotherapy, or herbs/alternative treatments, society must understand that depression is a clinical problem that the patient is suffering from.
The main reason (a catch-22) that I have sought natural treatments for my depression is that I don't have medical insurance, nor do I qualify for any kind of state health program. It makes me feel even worse/even more hopeless when I think about it! I can barely afford to pay for the doctor's visit out-of-pocket, never mind the prescription meds!! I have one friend who takes anti-depressants, and she's so much better, but even with insurance, she pays A LOT for those 'happy pills' as she jokingly calls them. I would LOVE to go on Prozac or whatever would work for me pharmaceutically, but I simply CAN'T. Unfortunately, I haven't found much information on being treated naturally that's effective and affordable. Exercise DOES help, but I still need to find something more. Soon.
Boy that was a rant!
I really don't think your wholesale indictment of alternative treatments is justified.
Many people have been helped using these treatments.
I think it is fair to point out that when anti-depressants are shown to be effective, they are only slightly more effective than placebos. Studies show that only 40% of people (at most) are helped with a given anti-depressant, and of these no more than 50% of them have their depression completely abated. It has been shown that at least 10-20% of people trying multiple treatments fail all treatments.
If you have benefited from ADs, I am very happy to hear it. But many people don't benefit or only have a marginal benefit, with often suffering through horrible side effects.
Personally I have been fighting depression for nearly 20 years, with only slight improvement with ADs. (I have tried nearly everything out there).
In the last 3 -4 months I designed a protocol (approved by my doctor) that included a stimulant (amphetamine), light therapy, exercise, a bipolar antidepressant (despite being told that I am not bipolar), and 3.6 grams of fish oil.
This protocol has been very successful, taking me from very severe depression, to being virtually free from it.
So I say that if the quick fixes don't work, or the side effects are ridiculous, find a doctor who will work with you. Consider natural medications, a variety of pharmaceuticals, and exercise.
Richard
I think we can all agree that clinical depression is due to a chemical imballance. The easy fix would be to pop a pill and have the problem go away. Is this the best solution? I don't feel it is. There are natural ways to stimulate these chemicals you may lack. Like the original poster mentioned, exercise is a main one. I feel the way you live your life will also have a big impact on things. Eating right, finding ballance between work, friends, love, family, personal activities, etc., avoiding situations that make you unhappy when possible but also challanging yourself to work out difficult problems, go through awkward experiences and do things that are not neccesarily the norm for you and may even frighten you a little. A combination of these things will not only help with your depression, but will lead to a better life long term. I like to think about things when I get depressed. Why am I sad? What can I do to make myself happy? Then I do those things. True we cannot always exercise on the spot when we feel depressed, but medicine should not be an easy out. Find someone to talk to. Try to get to the root of your depression. And if by chance after trying all these things, you cannot get the stability you need, then talking to someone about medical treatment might be a last resort. Too many people these days think their problems can be solved with a pill. Whether it's depression, obesity, hyper activity, etc. the instant gratification way of life that is instilled in peoples minds these days is not the best solution. That's just my 2 cents.
i fully agree you i also have had depression what i always find is that so many doctors are willing to give you drugs for depression like marplan etc all drugs really do is hide the problem it no diffence say if i had a cut on my hand or finger all drugs do is is putting a bandage on the open wound and than the wound gets bigger
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