Just a note of caution regarding the recent thread on depression

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Adven39

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 07:19 am Click here to edit this post

There was thread started a few days ago about the possibility of Josh suffering from depression. This eventually led to some people talking about their own experiences with depression and anti-depressants. Some people offered information on the disease and the medications used to treat it that was inaccurate or incomplete. I have worked as a psychiatric counsellor for close to 20 years and am all too familiar with this disease. Depression is an extremely serious affliction and has nothing to do with the emotional ups and downs we all feel on occasion. Anti-depressants are very potent and generally effective, but the results of the interaction between the drug used, the individual's physical tolerance for the side effects and the impact on the chemistry of the brain is often difficult to predict.
I would ask any well-meaning poster who has offered advice or information to be careful and that any individual who thinks he/she might be suffering from depression to consult a doctor. There is growing evidence to suggest the longer depression goes untreated, the more difficult it is to overcome and the greater the chance of a relapse when you do start to feel better.
Now, back to the show.

Kearie

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 09:23 am Click here to edit this post

Thanks Adven39 for this post. I certainly was not trying to sway anyone for or against taking certain meds. I do realize different meds work differently for each person.

I'm glad you clarified this. Thanks.

Adven39

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 12:41 pm Click here to edit this post

Kearie, thanks for the reply. I know you weren't trying to sway anyone. My post wasn't really directed to anyone in particular. I actually enjoyed reading that thread and found it heartening to see people caring about each other and sharing experiences. Just wanted to add the above as background for anyone who might think they are clinically depressed and looking for answers.

Jade888

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 12:49 pm Click here to edit this post

Adven39:

The post was more about the folks not being able to have access to treatment and unavalbility of medications for themselves due to high cost of drugs.

I had no idea on the mainland treatment is so unavaliable especially since the AMA and the Federal Gov are now saying that mental health is the number one dibilitating disorder in our country. Yet the Feds have not helped those who need treatment. It appears that Washington State is lacking services somewhat like California.

Adven39

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 01:25 pm Click here to edit this post

Jade888, it's a very scary, misunderstood and under-publicized disease. For reasons that aren't clear, women are more prone to it than men ( my ex told me it's because women have to put with men - which might explain why she's an ex). 10 to 15 % of women will experience at least one depressive episode in their lives and many believe it is much higher than that - largely due to the stigma surrounding depression and the resulting unwillingness to seek treatment.
You're right, medications are extremely expensive. Many of the pharmaceutical companies who make anti-depressants do have programs available that provide drugs free of charge or at reduced cost to those who can't afford them. Unfortunately, their definition of someone who can't afford them is much different than ours might be.
I also agree that governments need to become more directly involved. Aside from the human cost, business loses shocking sums of money each year due to absenteeism caused by depressive or stress-related illness.

Nance

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 01:36 pm Click here to edit this post

A topic that is hardly ever talked about,until it is to late!
We talk to our kids about sex & drugs,we should also be talking to them about depression.
I know first hand the tragedy....
http://visit.to/Jenn

Adven39

Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - 08:29 pm Click here to edit this post

Nance, I just visited Jenn's website. What a powerful and sobering monument to your daughter. I can't begin to describe how deeply moved - and disturbed - by it I was.
This is probably not the place to discuss it, but, as I have indicated above, I have counselled many individuals (far too many teenagers) and families devastated by depression and studying the disease itself has been the bulk of my work over the last twenty years. It is, literally, my passion. If you'd like to talk, exchange information, vent, reminisce about Jenn or ask questions please feel free to e-mail me at the address found when you click on my name (in blue) to the left of this post.