I don't know, to be honest. I had one therapist who had none of what I have considered necessities: no microwave, no wordprocessor on which to type and organize her notes, no cell phone. I don't know what else she "didn't have" but at the time I was horrified that she was typing her notes on an old Selectric typewriter, something like what I had used in typing class in high school many, many years ago. And she managed her ego boundaries just fine. My mom still has an old Underwood manual typewriter and occasionally uses it. I am just fine with having modern conveniences, even when paying for them is not always convenient. I don't have an iPod or iPhone but I do have iTunes and use it daily.
Would I be as content without my electronics/technology? A century ago, electricity in the home might have been considered modern. My mom was brought up in a house with an outhouse, no indoor plumbing. My grandmother got to ride in her first car and use her first telephone on the same day, when she was a teenager and was at the home of a wealthy friend. My dad and his family's "summer home" had no roof. He slept in the "attic" with the sky overhead. I don't know what he did when it rained. He started picking strawberries in the fields with his family when he was 5 yrs old. I feel fortunate that I have both air conditioning and ceiling fans and heat in the winter. I feel fortunate that I have 2 bathrooms and 2 bedrooms...and it's only me here. I feel fortunate that I have cable TV and cable internet and a cell phone...and so many other things.
Would I be any more or less depressed if I didn't have these things? I might feel deprived to some extent at first, but sometimes I think it would be a blessing to be w/o the noise, w/o having to instantly answer a cell phone in public or private, to have all my time free to read and write and think, to be inaccessible when I indeed did not want to talk or listen or drive anyone anywhere. I have done w/o a TV for months at a time just to acclimate myself to the silence/mental space and see what it is like. I do believe in experimenting with doing with and without technology to see what is a "good fit" for me personally.
But most of the time I would say it is less depressing to have the technology than to do without it.
I myself think that in some way it does not help to avoid human contact,in person, and hang onto a machine all day, something that cannot give you a hug, which we all know human contact is very important to have. On the other hand, I, too, have been helped alot with the questions and answers i have gotten from this site mainly and a few others online. So, I guess the best way to even it out is to watch how long we are online, and judge when we have had enough and do something else. Get outdoors and meet up with someone, get some exrcise,etc. Hugs, Sandy M
Welcome back, MM!
I'd say that for the most part, technology does help my depression, depending on how I use it. I do have an iPhone and like it better than I thought I would because I get notified if I have an email and I'm not at home, plus it has a GPS which is easier to use than our Garmin. I started using texting just so I could stay in touch with my sons without "bugging" them or interrupting them at work. When I babysit my grandson, sometimes I send pictures of him to his mom and dad so they can see what he's up to.
One of the best inventions, I think, is Caller ID - it has saved me from so many telemarketers or even having to talk to someone that I'm not in the mood to deal with at that moment. I would have a hard time living without that. If I miss something important, the person can leave a message.
There's a limit, though - I think people who are constantly texting or playing games on their phones while in the company of others are downright rude, it feels like they're turning their backs on you. Anyway, I can't imagine living without my computer and having access to such a wealth of knowledge - amazing!
Well said, Judy. I am in your camp. Technology has always been and will be neutral. The trick is to understand enough about technology to know when
not to use it.
Canada has made understanding electronic technology (media) a central part of the educational curriculum since the sixties- remember Marshall
McCuen.
The plethora of gizmo's that are supposed to make life "easier" only help
when the right tool is used for the right purpose.
The same principle holds for persons with depression. Addictions are not mentally healthy.
Ric
I don't think that technology has a big effect one way or the other. People were mentally ill before technology, just as they are now after.
In my own personal experience it has at times helped to go online when I felt like I could not go out and flirt with guys over the internet... it can be a big boost to confidence and ego. At the same time the guys can be jerks and make me feel worse. It is no different, really, to if I had bothered to go out and deal with people face to face - you never know what you are going to get.
There are places like here where you can vent - but the responses are not immediate and so at times that can fail to help, too. And there are other ways to feel at least marginally better immediately (even if it is something simple as eating some chocolate, watching a movie, or going for a walk) and some of those have nothing to do with technology.
So yes, I think at times it can help. At times it can make things worse, too (for example a person can more easily live as an agrophobic person having everything delivered to their door in this day and age with online shopping, etc). It all depends on the individual and how each person uses the technology.
I don't know if techology has any effect on depression but I think people do get very addicted to their cell phones, computers and internet, etc, and that can definitely ramp up the anxiety. Technology was a help for me in a way because, after getting diagnosed with depression and, later, ADD, the internet became an indispensable tool for me to dig for information. But on the other hand, I almost became obsessed with digging for information. Fortunately, instead of getting totally taken over by the obsession I finally just got weary of it and backed off.
I also experienced the "digging for information" obsession...after I was diagnosed with schiozphrenia and major depression. Like I couldn't get enough. But after I while, I thought, "enough is enough." And like you, I let it die out and went on happily about my business. And besides, you can find both good information and total bullshit from both the internet and other people. You have to fine-tune your internal meter to tell between the two.
I use to have cable tv which would help as a distraction from my depression. I would look forward to the morning shows and any news.,.but the bill was ridiculous - over $100 a month and now it's $85 for just internet and phone which I need for when my son calls and to have some kind of contact with the outside world while I'm home all day.
I think technology adds to my depression because for me it's hard to afford. I see others with the newest cell phone then I feel inferior or whatever because it's so expensive. I don't have a cell phone because I can't afford it and I've been on the road and needed one.. I liked being able to talk/text my kids at any second and getting a response back right away - I don't see my kids everyday and this adds to my depression big time.. I have to be able to contact them when I want via Facebook, or phone.
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In my opinion technology such as the internet has provided me with insight into my situation and in essence has helped me to feel as though while I'm unusual, in the realm of others with similiar experiences, I'm normal. So for me I'm saying that technology is a positive but at times can be a negative if you let technology define who you are. A few months ago I thought I was the only person in the world without an iPhone, I bought one and now realize that most people I come in contact with do not have the device, and guess what, they survive just fine. But I do like having the device and it makes me feel better about myself, though I don't think that is a positive. I should feel good just being me, and I am working on that aspect.
Hi Rick
Well add me to the list of people without an iPhone. I have an iPad which I love but I barely have a cell phone...I have one of those prepaid track phones I only use for vacations or emergencies. I understand...there is a need to keep up with the technology...I look in the stores and all the movies for sale are in blue-ray. I don't have a blue-ray TV yet. It seems there is always some new upgrade to buy and things don't last long at all. I wanted to get a simple iPod for my son...you know the nano ones that used to come in different colors? Now....they are nowhere to be found except maybe on ebay. It is crazy...you just get used to something and out it goes.
I too feel that technology has helped me to decrease my depression because I have been able to connect with others through on-line venues such as this one. I think when it becomes unhealthy is when I don't see the light of day because I am on-line too much. You need balance...you need to shut off the devices at times and just rest. I am all for having a "tech free" day where you don't go on-line...shut off the cell phone...turn off the TV and just chill. Have I done this? Sort of...went on a small vacation to the woods in a cabin and got a good dose of nature. It is good for the soul. But I did miss my computer I must say.
Thanks so much for your comment...good to see you!