Does anyone in this group have any opinions on this particular issue? How significant is it when someone reaches out to you and tells you they are depressed? Should this be a sign for serious concern, or is it simply someone’s way of gaining attention?
With celebrities like Robin Willams and Chester Bennington (first two that pop into my mind) having taken their own lives after dealing with depression for years, this is certainly something that seems like a major problem within our society and yet it also seems to be one of the most overlooked topics as well… Affecting untold amounts of people from all different walks of life regardless of your race financial stability religion or political affiliations… Yet it’s still so misunderstood, and it leaves me wondering why is this issue so damn unspoken about.
And what is the solution? Just medicate people? How much of this should fall on the shoulders of individual responsibility to deal with, and how much of it falls onto the rest of us to care and try to make a difference?
Is it even a real issue? Or just make believe in someone’s head?
It’s not make believe and it is a very real issue.
Depression varies in ranges of intensity and causation, it can be an episode or clinical. It can be extreme or mild.
Medication can help some people but therapy is always needed in my opinion.
People who suffer from depression are so in pain and at the same time so “ashamed” that it’s not always easy for them to seek help.
When Williams commited suicide I remember reading comments of people saying “what did he have to be sad about?” “He had it all, what a loser” etc etc.
People can’t see the pain so it’s hard for them to empathize.
And those that suffer from chronic deep depression also mirror this behaviour “I have nothing to be sad about, I’m such a loser, I don’t deserve to be happy”. It’s a viscous cycle.
If someone opens up to you about depression, tend a helping hand. Try to understand if this is an episode or if it’s on going. Suggest therapy. Check in on that person. Do whatever you can to make that person seek help of professionals, we are not qualified to deal with it effectively, don’t think you can solve it for them.
If AA can have “rooms” and meetings all across America in nearly every community and welcoming all to come at all hours of the day and night, I cannot fathom our government couldn’t manage to do something similar with suicidal and depressed people. I’m not saying the phone numbers aren’t also very helpful, I’m thinking we aren’t doing enough and can do better.
I’m not a proponent of organized religion but do feel they should bear some responsibility in organizing outreach programs within the communities they serve.
I couldn’t agree more with you. Depressed people need human contact and to feel accepted and supported.
I feel that the shame and feeling of unworthiness would make them not go though… That could be a support group after or in combo with therapy.
It would be so great though to have such safe places
Good ideas shared here. I would recommend first having check up with your physician because depression could also have a physiological component to it… I like to start with basics like how well you’re eating… are you sleeping …are you getting exercise? check out your thyroid and
Blood work before medication. Counseling can be helpful for learning coping skills…
A dual diagnosis is needed in all mental health issues. Chemical imbalances, hormone levels etc can be the culprit.
Taking the first steps to seek help are the hardest.
Please let’s never underestimate if someone tells you they are depressed
Do you all believe that anti depressant medications are a viable solution when a common side effect of these drugs is an increase in suicidal thoughts? Not to mention making someone dependant on them to function on something which is going to continually cost them money just seems like a bit of a scam in my mind.
I like the suggestion of having organized safe places similar to an AA type meeting that seems like it would be more effective
For me, medication was the only thing to get me out of bed or to leave the house. It made me open to talk therapy. I learned coping skills as well as made changes I needed in my life. Medication isnt for everyone. But if you tried therapy and you are still in severe distress then medications are worth trying.