How many of you have experienced depression in your life?

[2kitties]

Yes, Cat, possibly there are some pretty depressed people in my circle. In fact, I know plenty who are. But my point is the majorty are not. They have bad days, but they generally deal with it.

Yes, I do believe in depression and I do believe it is a real condition that torments many people. But, I don't belive that the majority of people are clinically depressed. We all have bad days, but that doesn't make us depressed. I think there are a lot of people who lose their boyfriend and for some reason can't suck it up and get past it. I'm sorry if that sounds insensitive, but I suppose I am. If the majority of the population is truly depressed, well, that is pretty depressing.

[popcornbird]

Honestly, I don't believe the majority of the people in this world are *depressed*..........really. We would be having some MAJOR issues in this world if that was the case. Well, I know we do have major issues in the world, but I really find it hard to believe that THAT many people are clinically depressed. Or are they.........and just *under the carpet*, never known of and never treated? That is so sad.

I agree with the word *depression* being over-used when it isn't needed though, and to be honest, I have over-used it before as well. We all have our sad moments, but that is soooo true that we really aren't in a state of *depression*. I know that I've described myself as depressed at times of sadness, when I wasn't really depressed. I was just sad. I don't know depression at this point in life, and hope I never will. So it is over-used and we do use the word too much in the society, making it seem as not such a big deal when someone who REALLY has depression says they're depressed. I have a cousin who used to suffer from depression..............after her cat died. She was seriously depressed and had to take pills because of it. It was so sad. She had the cat since she was 4 years old, and it died of old age when she was 23. She just couldn't take it. It was the saddest thing to see her like that, but thank God she's alright now. My aunt was also depressed, for the longest time ever. She lost her eldest son at age 15 in a car accident and has never been normal after that. I feel so bad for her. She's ok now, but she still gets those depressive moments. So you're right that we all probably do have people who are close to us suffering from depression. Its sad and I wish their was something we could do to help. Someone thinking about killing themselves as a result of depression is very sad indeed. I could never even imagine doing something like that!

Some of the responses from the teens here really makes me sad. I can only say that I hope they find peace and happiness in themselves someday, and I thank God, everyday, that I'm not one of the many sad and depressed teens in the world.

[tikeyas_mom]

only a licenced professional can determin ANY of you have depression, dont just rely on a lil quiz, ok

[2kitties]

*if* you go by our little pole here, then for every 38 people you meet, only 6 of them are not or have never been *depressed*.

I don't buy it. And I think those people who truly are depressed should take serious issue with people who just toss around the term.

T_M you're exactly right.

[tikeyas_mom]

alot of teens toss around the term and mention suicide, but alot of them are really just wanting attention. it is sad... I am glad I got the help I needed for my anxiety, because if I didnt I would be a reck right now.

[Prairie Purrs]

I think arguing over who's *really* depressed (like it's some sort of privilege) entirely misses the point.

All teenagers go through hormonal changes, and those hormonal changes often cause mood swings. If those mood swings feel out of control, it's time to talk to someone you trust and, perhaps, to a doctor. Who cares whether you technically fall into the "clinically depressed" category--the important thing is whether you feel you need some help to weather the storm.

Am I surprised that so many people report problems with depression? No. Depression has a strong genetic component, and things that are genetic in nature tend to increase over time (unless, of course, it's a genetic problem that precludes reproduction).

Depression also can be related to traumatic events. Not only do we experience trauma (death of loved ones, divorce, job loss) in our personal lives, we're bombarded with horrible images on television.

No one who says she is so sad she wants to die (and yes, more women suffer from depression than men) should be told that she "isn't really depressed" and that she should just get over it like "normal" people. Someone who feels that miserable, even temporarily, should get some professional help. Maybe it is something that you can talk over and then feel better. Maybe it's something more.

And am I surprised that 32 people (at last count) out of all of the people who visit PT report some experience with depression? Of course not. For one thing, that doesn't mean that a majority of people at PT are depressed. It means a majority of people who have looked at this thread (which means they have some interest in the topic of depression) and who have chosen to respond to the poll report that they are or have been depressed. Viewed in that light, it's a pretty low number.

I, for one, would much rather that more people who suffer prolonged periods of sadness and feelings of worthlessness ask themselves (and their doctors) whether they may be suffering from depression. I'd rather more people get symptoms of depression checked out just as they'd go to the doctor with a high fever. Only when people start to think of depression the way they'd think of another illness will the stigma and the inequitable treatment (by insurance companies and others) finally go away.

[lovemyshiba]

Originally posted by popcornbird


Some of the responses from the teens here really makes me sad. I can only say that I hope they find peace and happiness in themselves someday, and I thank God, everyday, that I'm not one of the many sad and depressed teens in the world.

I couldn't agree with you more, it makes me very sad also.

I suppose I should clarify, I was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and acute agorophobia, both of which caused me to be depressed for a time, until I got help.

And, like Jynelle said, a quiz won't cut it--if you need help, see a professional.

[Fox-Gal]

Originally posted by Cataholic
I respectfully disagree with that statment. A chemical imbalance is a chemical imbalance. Counseling does not change that, anymore than it would change a thyroid condition, epilepsy, etc. You can't just talk away a chemical imbalance.

I never said you could take it away. I said it can help. I've seen it help with in my own family and other cases. No you can't change Epilepsy, for example, but you can get help to learn how to cope with it. Learning how to cope with any illness is important. I just belive that there is more then just Pills as a answer, to help with any problem a person might have.

When you see great changes in people with your own eyes you can't help but to belive in counseling combined with other treatments as an answer.

You are intitled to disagree though.

[Tonya]

Hi, everyone. I know I started this thread, so I should be following the conversation. I haven't read it much in the past few days. I just don't really want to read about depression right now while my friend is sick. I'll catch back up with you on the subject soon. Sorry for being rude.

[ILoveMyAbbyGirl]

Overall, on the test, I got a 17.

I don't usually talk openly about stuff like this, but yeah, I cry, I cry when my parents make me angry, I cry when I feel like no one cares, I've thought a few times that the world would be better without me, that stuff. It's better now, but it still happens.

Borderline Clinical Depression.

T_M, I don't do it for attention, I can't help that I feel worthless and no one cares. I don'tp do it for attention. I know there will probably be a day when I do need to get help. But right now I'm fine... I don't like attention anyway.

[Kfamr]

Some DO do it for attention. Infact most, if not ALL do it for attention. That is what they need. That is what they are starving from. They want someone to be there for them, they want someone who truely cares.

I, myself, only need attention from a select few people and I'm fine. When I get too much attention, I get angry. Expecially while at school. I hate when so many people come up to say "Hi" to me, when all I really want to talk to is the few people i *love* with all of my heart. I mean, I like all of my friends -- but these few people *almost* mean as much to me as Simba and Nala do. And for me, that's pretty much loving them with all of my heart, and I wouldn't know what to do if they were gone.

[Kfamr]

Originally posted by tikeyas_mom
only a licenced professional can determin ANY of you have depression

I'm not sure if a licenced professional could determine that 100% either.

I think really, it's all on you. You know whether or not you're depressed, you know what goes on in your mind and your life.
No stranger could say "Yeah, ok, i've talked to you for a half hour, you're not depressed" or "You're depressed."

It's only been a half hour, and for you it's been years (however old you are) -- YOU know what goes on in your mind, and you've seen what goes on through your eyes.

[mahayana]

Just wanted to say that I consider this thread to be an excellent discussion.

I took the Beck test this morning and got 13, took it again a few minutes ago and got 11. The only answer not zero or 1 was the sleep disturbance one.

"it's a long, long road...from which there is no return...
while we're on the way...there...why not share?"

You are all good people!

[GoldenRetrLuver]

I agree with Kayann. SOME do it for attention, because maybe they're not getting the amount they need at home. I personally, *HATE* being the center of attention and sometimes wish people would leave me alone. The only time I love getting attention, is from Molly and Daisy, of course. I feel really weird posting on this topic, because not even my closests friends know how I really feel.

Maybe it's just being a teenager? Or maybe I really do have a problem, who knows. I'm just glad I have my dogs to comfort me when I really need it.

[Kfamr]

I'm going to take the test again.
Last time I got something around a 50 ( If I remember correctly )
and I was fine that day. I feel fine right now, so lets see.