Depression

knuckledragger · 01-03-2011 04:36PM

anon01 wrote: »

i do think id be the same as yourself seanybiker as in when i start i wount be able to shut up and i do find it extremley hard to say how im feeling but its something i guess ill have to start doing.

You don't need to "shut up" Counsellors are there to help.

The one caveat is that if you were to avail of on-campus counselling, there may be a limit as to how many sessions they can provide you due to cutbacks.

That said, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate.

If it's difficult to get your head straight, just keep a piece of paper somewhere safe, write down your thoughts over a period, and bring it with you to counselling.

No counsellor would be expect you to turn up at a session, being able to fully articulate your situation. Part of their job is to help you understand it yourself.

Go see a counsellor. Seriously.

Mars Bar · 01-03-2011 05:18PM

This is weird.

I voted in this poll when the thread started and voted "I have never suffered from depression". At the time, I was confused and was getting counseling but didn't think I was depressed.

Here I am a few weeks later on Anti - depressants.

Can I change my answer on the poll?!

Vicxas · 01-03-2011 05:56PM

Man that sucks

Novella · 01-03-2011 06:19PM

Naikon wrote: »

Just be aware, a depression diagnosis will disqualify you for career paths. At least for an extended period of time.

Do you think not treating depression for this reason is a good idea then?

Leiva · 01-03-2011 07:39PM

Excellent Thread and would be useful as a sticky on a major chunk of Boards threads.
Even if it just got the ball moving for someone to start to communicate whilst in that dark place of depression .

Naikon · 01-03-2011 08:22PM

Novella wrote: »

Do you think not treating depression for this reason is a good idea then?

At least not through the official channels, no. Personally, I would offer as little information as possible. As a society, we are fond of labelling and catagorically branding people.

You just can't trust people with this sort of stuff. I mean really, a mental health diagnosis is a potential black mark. It's not a good attribute to have noted. Sure, disclosure is limited, but the potential to **** up certain aspirations always remains. Any job that requires high security clearance for instance.

WesternNight · 01-03-2011 08:34PM

Naikon wrote: »

At least not through the official channels, no. Personally, I would offer as little information as possible. As a society, we are fond of labelling and catagorically branding people.

You just can't trust people with this sort of stuff. I mean really, a mental health diagnosis is a potential black mark. It's not a good attribute to have noted. Sure, disclosure is limited, but the potential to **** up certain aspirations always remains. Any job that requires high security clearance for instance.

Possibly the worst advice/attitude in this thread, in my opinion.

It's absolutely true that we're prone to labelling people. But that doesn't make diagnoses of depression, or anything else, invalid. It doesn't mean that depression, or anything else, shouldn't be treated appropriately.

It's society that labels and stigmatises, by and large. Doctors might put a name on a disease or disorder, but it's mainly society that decides how people are treated once the diseases are named. So telling people to hush up their possible depression...that's only contributing to the stigma.

Naikon · 01-03-2011 08:34PM

knuckledragger wrote: »

You don't need to "shut up" Counsellors are there to help.

The one caveat is that if you were to avail of on-campus counselling, there may be a limit as to how many sessions they can provide you due to cutbacks.

That said, it sounds like you have a lot on your plate.

If it's difficult to get your head straight, just keep a piece of paper somewhere safe, write down your thoughts over a period, and bring it with you to counselling.

No counsellor would be expect you to turn up at a session, being able to fully articulate your situation. Part of their job is to help you understand it yourself.

Go see a counsellor. Seriously.

Maybe I am shortsighted or stuck in my stubborn ways, but I fail to see how talking to strangers about highly personal stuff is a great idea. Disclosure has clearly defined limits. Not that I think other people should not try it, it just never crossed my mind as a viable solution.

WesternNight · 01-03-2011 08:38PM

Naikon wrote: »

Maybe I am shortsighted or stuck in my stubborn ways, but I fail to see how talking to strangers about highly personal stuff is a great idea. Disclosure has clearly defined limits. Not that I think other people should try it, it just never crossed my mind as a viable solution.

Strangers who are trained to deal with it. Strangers who have strategies to help the person deal with it.

Naikon · 01-03-2011 08:46PM

Buceph wrote: »

As will having to wear glasses, but no-one would recommend to someone not to get their eyes tested if they think there's a problem with them.

These two aren't comparable imo. As far as I am aware, hospitals which hold people with visual disorders don't exist.

Bruthal · 01-03-2011 08:49PM

Naikon wrote: »

These two aren't comparable imo.

Well i think they are. You think the best thing when someone is suffering from severe depression is to think of their career path ahead of getting help with it?

Naikon · 01-03-2011 08:56PM

robbie7730 wrote: »

Well i think they are. You think the best thing when someone is suffering from severe depression is to think of their career path ahead of getting help with it?

It's a seriously difficult issue no doubt. I have no definite answers. You always have to protect yourself from outside influence though. The stigma is silly, but you can't change perceptions.

wiger toods · 01-03-2011 08:56PM

Deleted User wrote: »

----
Editing this post to add in some phone numbers/websites that people may find useful:
Samaritans
Phone - 1850 60 90 90 Text (great service) - 087 2 60 90 90

Mental Health Ireland

Aware
----

Depression and suicide are a major risk in this country, especially with young males. It is seen as a taboo to have, which is something that needs to be broken. So - have you ever suffered from depression before? The above poll's results are private, so don't worry about anyone seeing them.

This being AH, I am aware that some smart ass c*nt will make smart assed c*ntish replies, but I hope the rest of the posters just ignore them and we can have an open debate on this issue.

For those suffering from depression, I hope they are aware that the personal issues forum (under soc) allows for anonymous posting, that is moderated. The mods over there do a superb job and ensure that only good advice is given.

I have suffered from depression in the past and still do sometimes, but I am doing a lot better now. I realised a lot of mine was circumstance-orientated so I made a change - I quit my job that was affecting me greatly and went back to do my final year in college, I went out to make some new friends and have become much more active.

For those suffering from depression, there is still hope. Talk to someone about it. If you're in third level education, go out and speak to an oncampus counselor.

Fair play to ya boneyarsebogman. Id say alot of people will find this extremely useful!
Well done buddy!:)

Bruthal · 01-03-2011 09:03PM

Naikon wrote: »

It's a seriously difficult issue no doubt. I have no definite answers. You always have to protect yourself from outside influence though. The stigma is silly, but you can't change perceptions.

No, but its better to be alive with a slightly narrower career prospect, than no prospect ever again.

Naikon · 01-03-2011 09:12PM

WesternNight wrote: »

Possibly the worst advice/attitude in this thread, in my opinion.

It's absolutely true that we're prone to labelling people. But that doesn't make diagnoses of depression, or anything else, invalid. It doesn't mean that depression, or anything else, shouldn't be treated appropriately.

It's society that labels and stigmatises, by and large. Doctors might put a name on a disease or disorder, but it's mainly society that decides how people are treated once the diseases are named. So telling people to hush up their possible depression...that's only contributing to the stigma.

Are you discrediting my advice because I am giving my perspective on the truth, or because my arguments are illogical? I hate arrogance, but I don't like burying my head in the sand. No amount of rulebooks and "procedures" will eliminate prejudice. No amount of assurance will catch the fringe cases. Excuses can be fabricated.

Novella · 01-03-2011 11:01PM

Naikon wrote: »

Are you discrediting my advice because I am giving my perspective on the truth, or because my arguments are illogical? I hate arrogance, but I don't like burying my head in the sand. No amount of rulebooks and "procedures" will eliminate prejudice. No amount of assurance will catch the fringe cases. Excuses can be fabricated.

Your argument is illogical, in my opinion anyway, I'm afraid. Someone who is suffering from depression should not suffer in silence for fear of having a 'black mark' as you put it. Do you have any idea how debilitating of an illness depression is? It's not just being a bit sad, then spilling your secrets to a 'stranger' and being all better. That's so simplistic.

Depression, when left untreated, in my experience, snow-balls. It starts off as a few bad days perhaps and gets worse and worse 'til there is no light at the end of the tunnel. No way should anyone just leave something as serious as this, no way.

kumate_champ07 · 01-03-2011 11:16PM

winter is gone, hooray!!

Naikon · 03-03-2011 02:05AM

Novella wrote: »

Your argument is illogical, in my opinion anyway, I'm afraid. Someone who is suffering from depression should not suffer in silence for fear of having a 'black mark' as you put it. Do you have any idea how debilitating of an illness depression is? It's not just being a bit sad, then spilling your secrets to a 'stranger' and being all better. That's so simplistic.

Depression, when left untreated, in my experience, snow-balls. It starts off as a few bad days perhaps and gets worse and worse 'til there is no light at the end of the tunnel. No way should anyone just leave something as serious as this, no way.

Do you acknowledge the possibility of being assigned a label though? This is the primary reason people refuse to seek treatment. Seems pretty logical to me. You have to weigh up the potential gains/losses. I am aware of what Depression can do to people, but I would still hesitate to shout at the top of my lungs telling people not to "suffer in silence". The whole "chemical imbalance" stuff is mostly nonsense, though it sounds somewhat legitimate for the purpose of generating profit.

Exercise caution. Don't go pouring your heart out until you have analysed all possible outcomes. Try to confide with people you know in non medical settings if possible.

thebaz · 03-03-2011 02:24AM

fairly scary results , only 25 % have not suffered from it - thats 75 % that have - i have suffered with it for 10 years , received very little help from services - my GP is ok , but just said i have to live with it forever - when i get a blast of it , usually triggered by something , life just goes blank and dark - lasts 2 or 3 days -

Trog · 03-03-2011 02:34AM

Naikon wrote: »

Do you acknowledge the possibility of being assigned a label though? This is the primary reason people refuse to seek treatment. Seems pretty logical to me. You have to weigh up the potential gains/losses. I am aware of what Depression can do to people, but I would still hesitate to shout at the top of my lungs telling people not to "suffer in silence". The whole "chemical imbalance" stuff is mostly nonsense, though it sounds somewhat legitimate for the purpose of generating profit.

Exercise caution. Don't go pouring your heart out until you have analysed all possible outcomes. Try to confide with people you know in non medical settings if possible.

So you think there's no middle ground between suffering in silence and getting help? There's no rule you have to tell everyone you know if you're getting help. The things you are saying are ridiculous.

Yes, obviously there is a stigma attached to depression. Why does this mean that people should stay quiet about it? Why should your perception of me force me to suffer more? I think you underestimate the severity of the situation. We're not talking about people feeling down and not wanting to talk about it. I had some relatively small problems which ballooned to a point where I actually had physical symptoms because of my depression. The reason they ballooned is because I felt like I shouldn't speak to anyone because I was afraid of the stigma.

I spoke to a councilor, in confidence. I didn't tell anyone else about it. I started to recover, and got to a point where I could tell my friends. None of them reacted like I thought they would. Several of them told me that they had been depressed before. I could have killed myself because of the underestimation of the severity of depression you show, combined with the overestimation of the importance of stigma.

Normally I'm happy to leave differences of opinion as they are once both people have made their points, but your ignorance could actually have a cost, people read these things for guidance.
If there is anyone reading this wondering what to do, please just get help. Talk to someone, ask a doctor what the best course of action is. It's not as hard as it seems.

kumate_champ07 · 03-03-2011 02:36AM

Naikon wrote: »

Do you acknowledge the possibility of being assigned a label though? This is the primary reason people refuse to seek treatment. Seems pretty logical to me. You have to weigh up the potential gains/losses. I am aware of what Depression can do to people, but I would still hesitate to shout at the top of my lungs telling people not to "suffer in silence". The whole "chemical imbalance" stuff is mostly nonsense, though it sounds somewhat legitimate for the purpose of generating profit.

Exercise caution. Don't go pouring your heart out until you have analysed all possible outcomes. Try to confide with people you know in non medical settings if possible.

ye I cant believe they use that term but they dont actually test you for chemical imbalances, what exactly is the imbalance? low serotonin levels is usually mentioned but as far as I know they dont even do a physical test for that but give you medication that physically effects your serotonin production

Naikon · 03-03-2011 02:52AM

Trog wrote: »

So you think there's no middle ground between suffering in silence and getting help? There's no rule you have to tell everyone you know if you're getting help. The things you are saying are ridiculous.

Yes, obviously there is a stigma attached to depression. Why does this mean that people should stay quiet about it? Why should your perception of me force me to suffer more? I think you underestimate the severity of the situation. We're not talking about people feeling down and not wanting to talk about it. I had some relatively small problems which ballooned to a point where I actually had physical symptoms because of my depression. The reason they ballooned is because I felt like I shouldn't speak to anyone because I was afraid of the stigma.

I spoke to a councilor, in confidence. I didn't tell anyone else about it. I started to recover, and got to a point where I could tell my friends. None of them reacted like I thought they would. Several of them told me that they had been depressed before. I could have killed myself because of the underestimation of the severity of depression you show, combined with the overestimation of the importance of stigma.

Normally I'm happy to leave differences of opinion as they are once both people have made their points, but your ignorance could actually have a cost, people read these things for guidance.
If there is anyone reading this wondering what to do, please just get help. Talk to someone, ask a doctor what the best course of action is. It's not as hard as it seems.

This isn't trivial stuff. I take that as a given. I just want to point out that Doctors and "counsellors" may not be the best point of call for situations like this. Seek help, just be suspicious of any advice given by so called cash hungry "professionals". I get the impression these very medical professionals may lack knowledge about depression. Ticking off **** like "have you been "sad" for two weeks or more?" just mocks the severity of the illness.

indough · 03-03-2011 02:54AM

i genuinely cant believe what im reading. first time thats happened in a good while too.

starviewadams · 03-03-2011 03:06AM

I'd been struggling with depression and anxiety for years and was completely afraid of seeking medical help because of the stigma attached,which sadly some people still seem to think is a good thing,judging by a few of the previous posts.

My depression got so bad as to where I was crying constantly for no apparent reason,was unable to sleep and cutting myself to pieces on a daily bases. I was finally persuaded/forced to seek help by my brother after he noticed the marks on my arms.

It was the best thing that I've ever done,my doctor referred me to a psychiatrist who diagnosed me with bi-polar disorder and GAD and I've been on meds since before Xmas aswell as seeing a psychologist once a week and am much happier in my own skin now tho I still have my bad days every now and then. if I had not been forced to seek help god knows what I would be like now,I'd urge anybody on here who is feeling depressed to ignore the small minded stigma that some people still attach to mental iilness and to seek professional help.

Wolfe Tone · 03-03-2011 03:13AM

Bit out there maybe, but talking to a priest may be a help..... They have lots and lots of experience dealing with depressed people, just a suggestion

RichieC · 03-03-2011 03:15AM

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Bit out there maybe, but talking to a priest may be a help..... They have lots and lots of experience dealing with depressed people, just a suggestion

Probably best to leave it to professionals, though, aye?

seanybiker · 03-03-2011 03:16AM

Wolfe Tone wrote: »

Bit out there maybe, but talking to a priest may be a help..... They have lots and lots of experience dealing with depressed people, just a suggestion

Not a bad suggestion. My mother brought me to a priest years ago to get blessed. I'm not religious at all but sure it made the mother happy and it didn't harm me so why not

Wolfe Tone · 03-03-2011 03:23AM

RichieC wrote: »

Probably best to leave it to professionals, though, aye?

Yeah, but some where saying they dont want to go to professionals and that, any decent priest will actually chat with ya, not fire some holy water at you and send you on your way.

WalterMitty · 03-03-2011 03:24AM

kumate_champ07 wrote: »

ye I cant believe they use that term but they dont actually test you for chemical imbalances, what exactly is the imbalance? low serotonin levels is usually mentioned but as far as I know they dont even do a physical test for that but give you medication that physically effects your serotonin production

The term "chemical imbalance " may have arisen due to marketing departments in pharmaceutical departments but it doesnt mean theres not a biochemical basis for depression. The truth is that the mind/mood systems are so complex that a simple story is needed to inform general public.

Giving a medicine that affects serotonin levels is actually probably an indirect way of boosting mood. Prozac and other SSRIs actual raise levels of serotonin very quickly(hours) in the brain but mood doesnt improve for weeks. It is thought that SSRIs cause production of other substances in brain that enhance mood and cognitive functioning.

There has been very clear genetic evidence of predisposition to psychiatric disorders. Genes along with environment effect neurotransmitter /mood systems in brain which can lead susceptible individuals to become ill.
If you dont think "chemical imbalances" can lead you to become unwell, down a bottle of whiskey and see how you feel mentally in the morning. Genes and environment affect how all the systems in our bodies(including mood/brain systems) function and there is a spectrum of functioning with vast majority of "normal " people clustered around it. In same way that some people insulin system doesnt function optimally, some peoples mood system doesnt function optimally.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOAgplgTxfc

cordub · 03-03-2011 03:30AM

I think unfortunatly that if you admit you have been treated for depression on a job application form you wont have a chance in hell of getting that job, but I also think the same could be said for admitting you had anorexia or ocd , the world is full of people who are predjudist so I think I would be slow to admit depression if I had it myself , as sad as that is to say because I dont think by admitting to it to a potential employer is going to change peoples perception of the illness but I would most definatley urge anyone who has depression NOT to ignore it and go seek help ASAP as the sympthoms only get worse with time.

Depression

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