lame argument.

cancer is physical, while depression and the like are for the most part mental. you can't talk yourself out of cancer, but many people can talk with someone who can talk them out of their problem, or take drugs that make them feel like they've found the solution to their problem.

i think many times people feel like they have a problem, and instead of trying to sort themselves out first, feel the need to seek therapy or prescription drugs. i am not saying that there aren't people out there that truly need help, but i do feel people don't try to seek help from inside themselves enough, and tend to lean on crutches first.

Your clarification makes more sense. I understand that. I don't think I have known many people to jump into psychiatric help before trying to sort themselves out though. In a lot of ways going to a "shrink" is still pretty taboo and not something people casually talk about if they go to one.

My argument was not to make a direct correlation to cancer insomuch as it seemed like you were insinuating that because it was in the head it was not actually a physical ailment. I believe that true depression, like other disorders, are actually a physical condition in that there are chemical imbalances and the like that are outside of the persons immediate control that bring on things like depression. But, I will agree that jumping to meds is never going to lead to a positive result if there aren't any changes in the external self to supplement them. It's almost like taking a diet pill or getting liposuction (sp). If someone doesn't change their diet then they'll be fat again eventually. I think it relates to depression on a level and in that regard I agree with you.

I teach junior high. I feel like I help others every day. This, I believe is the main reason that my life is so much more bearable during the actual school year. I've explained this situational issue to my psychiatrist. She changed my meds. I don't know. It's just that after all of these years of being unable to find the "tonic", I'm a little discouraged and cynical. She's added Amitriptyline now, though. So, tonight, "this one's for you, John Vanderslice."

Kon, I'm certainly not trying to make an enemy of you. I felt that my comment was justified after the way you completely dismissed what I was saying.

I grew up with a manic depressive mother and I became "depressed" as a teenager. There are situational depressions and chemical depressions. I was situationally depressed for a long time and some think that chronic situational depression can actually cause prolonged imbalance thereby making you chemically depressed as a result. Well, that is too simplistic maybe.

Anyway, I take Wellbutrin and am happy to say that I know longer want to drive my vehicle in front of an on-coming semi-truck, or drive my vehicle into a tree, or drive off of a tall bridge, etc. So, if that is a crutch then so be it. Having said that, there were some drugs that made me feel like I was flatlining. I actually enjoy the ups and downs of rapid cycling -- it is part of my personality. The part I don't like is the suicidal ideation (now under check) or the anxiety.

The best therapy for me has been exercise (endorphins) and having a loving relationship (support) and y'know really good sex releases so many feel good chemicals as well.

Some people do not respond to these "depression" or "anxiety" drugs because sometimes the problems lie elsewhere. For example, if you have a hormonal imbalance it can throw everything off (and make you think you are crazy). I highly suggest that you have your TSH and ANA checked by your doctor (or go to an endocrinologist if you are able). Part of my "recovery" had to do with the fact that I found out I had autoimmune disease and the my antibodies were chopping away at my adrenal glands and thyroid. Now, I keep these in check with a pill and do quarterly blood checks. Also eating right, regular exercise, etc. (Also, stay away from alcohol as it is a depressant).

So, make sure you have a physical -- it may just be that an underlying health problem could be exacerbating the problem.