I tried google searching it and I didn't really find anything helpful.

If I didn't know any better, I'd say that doctors only prescribe drugs for it. I'm a little frustrated because it seem inescapable, like of like the flu.

Isn't it a physical condition? Your body thinks it's being attacked when it feels pain or something? Perhaps the cause could vary for each individual, or maybe it's a matter of being born susceptible.

I'd be interested to see a response from the seemingly knowledgeable people on this site.

Also, if this is going to start involving links that lead to reading material, I can pretty certainly say I have no interest in reading it, unless it's somehow interesting.

I am currently seeing a psychologist once a week, because I refuse to take drugs. Just thought I'd mention that, that way no one says to consider it.

Wouldn't want to start learning or anything... that would be boring.

Probably the most responsible thing a knowledgeable person here could offer you would be links to reading material. Reading can make you know things. Words written by people who know things can be put into your eyes and so then you can know the things. Besides, what else would you do with responses posted here? Listen to them? Smell them? Stop being lazy and find some actual information.

Good question.

Well, if the responses are nice...

i study mental health and no one is sure it can be lack of serotonin or dopamine or it can just be personal struggles it tends to be different to most people pity there isnt one fix or solution or one definition hell even recovery doesnt have one definition

i got some statistics which say in australia(population of about 22 million) 150 people attempt suicide every day so its a widespread problem

anyways sorry for ranting its really hard to classify depression there are so many factors involved and different forms of depression too

I have a BA in psychology and I'm applying to graduate school next year...

Depression begins (sort of debatable I guess but w/e) largely in the cognitive (thoughts) realm, which in turn affects emotion/neurochemistry (dopamine, serotonin etc), which of course all affect each other in a fun downward spiral.

That's why things like cognitive behavioral therapy are helpful in alleviating depression; change your thinking, change your life.

Drugs can help because something like serotonin affects emotion/mood, and so if you have an SSRI/anti-depressant preventing reuptake of the chemical back into the presynapse, making more of it available for absorption by the postsynapse, then your brain is flooded with higher levels of serotonin and you feel better. If you feel better, you probably won't have as many dark thoughts, etc etc. It's all intertwined--brain chemistry, thoughts, and emotions.

That's attacking the symptoms of course, rather than the root psychological issues (the thoughts and resulting emotions/changes in neurochemistry), which I believe therapy/seeing a psychologist like you're doing is capable of. Assuming 1) your psychologist doesn't suck and they're a good "fit" for you and 2) you're "willing" or "ready" or whatever to receive help.

It's a complicated issue but maybe this sheds some light. Also while I believe therapy is more effective overall when those conditions I mentioned are met, I do think anti-depressants can be a useful tool to help people keep their heads above water at times. I'm on one right now after being extremely stubborn and refusing help for many years, and I don't regret it.

have you been prescribed drugs and tried them before and found the results undesirable, or have you just always refused?

Is that TOO obvious?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depression_%28mood%29
P.S: Is it right?

Need to find the root of the problem.

Some people have past traumas that they can't seem to get beyond. This is where talking to someone would be a big help. Sometimes you just need to put your problem into words.

Other times, it can be a chemical imbalance. Drugs would be beneficial here (though you must watch for side-effects).

Depression being caused by a "chemical imbalance" is a complicated issue and a lot of people don't buy into it.

http://naturalsociety.com/depression-ch ... snt-exist/

Well that article about chemical imbalance kind of backs up what I was feeling. My intuition tells me that I don't want to put something into my body when I don't fully understand the effect it's having on my brain. I feel that brain science isn't advanced enough for me to get behind it. I would like to feel better, and not feel a lack of energy, and chronic negativity, and lack of interest, but I also feel I'd rather partially balance that out with proper diet and exercise, and talk therapy, rather than take some chemical that floods my brain and makes me feel good. At least the way I have been dealing with depression is 100% natural.

You seem to be in control of the situation (and you could try deal with it without chemicals) but ask for help if you get worse.
That's all I can say because and friend of mine got into problems because of chemicals (and a poor therapy and family control, I suspect).

If you can cope well without an anti-depressant, absolutely no reason not to. I think you've got the right mindset.

Considering that it came from a source that is clearly biased towards a certain point of view (anti-pharma), I wouldn't put too much stock in it. The majority of the medical profession, and extensive scientific evidence, still show that antidepressants overwhelmingly do what they are supposed to do. Rely on the scientific medical community, not selective publishers.

I encourage trying other remedies, but they can't necessarily deal with anything. Any of the drugs that you would be given as your first antidepressant would be relatively mild, often with minimal or no side effects. They generally have a very positive impact and should be something to consider. While they can be intimidating, it's something that you should consider, even try. You don't need to be on it forever, but there are things they can help with. Rather than thinking of it as changing you, just think of it as lifting your mood a bit, so all of the time feels more like your high points when you're feeling good.

Anyway, this user has been banned (again) so I'll close this thread.