Question on Depression

Thank you for your post Scarlett.

 

Scarlett, I think you just proved my point. If there is a chemical imbalance that is the cause of the depression, then the chemical imbalance must be dealt with. However, I think that the chemical imbalance idea is little more than a theory, and you would have a hard time showing that the chemical imbalance itself did not have another deeper underlying cause. How can you be sure that any supposed chemical imbalance is not merely a physiological response to the same circumstance that causes depression?

All I'm saying is that western medicine tends to treat symptoms, not the causes of sickness. Treating depression like a medical condition results in the same type of treatment. Do you have a fever? Take some tylenol to make the fever go down. Are you depressed? Take some dope to make your depression go down.

 

Finding the root cause is VERY important.

And once that is pinpointed it may be something that counceling with your pastor on an ongoing basis will solve.

Or it may be a physical condition, such as a chemical imbalance that would require medical help.

I sincerely urge you to find the cause. And then do what is appropriate to control it.

Also remember that: Jesus is our Comforter!

 

It sounds like your depression is not being managed medically at all? I am going to agree with the people at the hospital. My sister has suffered chronic depression for almost a decade now and I'm sure proper medical care has saved her life at least once.

Your pastor may be helpful, but God does not miraculously endow pastors with the equivalent of a degree in psychiatry when they are ordained. Most pastors don't have the knowledge and experience necessary to help people with chronic depression, and your pastor is unable to help you manage your medication (this can be important because you may have to switch antidepressants a few times to find one that works well without many side-effects).

I can understand your skittishness about mental health professionals. We tend to have this feeling that if we can't manage our moods by sheer will, we have failed. But when your brain is temporarily biologically incapable of allowing you to feel happy, you need to see a medical professional the same as with any other illness.

You may be able to find a Christian psychiatrist in your area. Even if you go to a non-Christian psychiatrist you ought to receive good treatment. Any ethical psychiatrist will recognize your faith as an integral part of your identity and respect that.

If you have a primary care physician whom you trust you might go to him for a referral. Your church might be able to recommend someone as well. There are also a couple of websites to help find Christian and Christian-friendly psychiatrists. A simple search of your telephone directory may turn up an office advertising itself as Christian or Christian-friendly.

Christian Psychiatry--rather nosy registration page, but may be a more thorough database.

Christian Counselors Directory--open searching but incomplete.

 

Petrel and Scarlett have both given you excellent advice.
I have suffered from Severe Depression for almost 2 years now, and I am blessed to have a Christian Therapist.
"It is better to light a candle, then to sit and curse the darkness"
Feel free to PM me anytime Shell. I'm not a doctor, or a therapist but I can help to encourage, and support.

Rob

 

There is nothing to fear. The only thing I would avoid is someone who wants to hypnotize you. And pin 'em down before you go see them. Find out if they actually specialize in depression and anxiety disorders. Not all do and like to believe they are experts. This is where a great deal of the fear and mistrust of head shrinkers comes from and a lot of the problems associated with meds. Not everyone can take the same meds for the same problems. And keep in mind, a psychiatrist will handle the meds, and a psychologist will handle the therapy. Don't trust someone who says they can do it all. Their training is completely different.

And make sure whoever handles the meds wants to monitor you closely for at least 2 months. If they hand you meds and say, "see you in 6 months," say no thanks and find someone else.

 

Very true. If you start a new antidepressant, make sure to report any side effects or strange mood changes to your doctor. Sometimes it can take a while to stabilize on a new medication and dosages may need to be tweaked, or in some cases the medication may need to be changed.

 

Depression is seldom something that can be compartmentalized into one area: "it's just a chemical imbalance," or, "it's simply a spiritual problem," etc.

Deal with each and every front that you can. Seek medical help (make SURE your doctor knows ALL meds you are on)--and don't be afraid to ask questions. Doctors that prescribe psychotropic meds helter-skelter scare me, but there's certainly a place for medicinal help in many cases. I hope you're able to find a reputable, Christian doctor. They're out there.

Continue on the spiritual front as well. Keep meeting with a counselor/therapist/pastor that is capable of dealing with these issues.

And take care of the physical as well--eat well, rest well (even if sleep doesn't come), get and give lots of hugs, and find something to smile about.

You can make it through this...I've seen several family members come out "the other side." God's best to you.

RB

 

People who have difficulties with depression, which includes me, are among the most stigmatized people in our country today. It's pure ignorance to classify biochemically based depression as anything other than a medical problem like diabetes or high chlorestorol.

I've had "christians" claim to me that depression is due to demonic possion or that I should just think happy thoughts and it would go away. Anybody who has suffered with clinical depression knows it's much more serious than that.

I'm in relativly good shape now because I've been on a medication regimine for a long time.

Especially since you've attempted suicide I strongly recommend that you see a Psychiatrist ASAP. Prayer, staying close to your church and christian friends are also (as always) highly recommended. Exerrcise is very helpful as well.

Think about it this way. You've struggled with this for 10 years and attempted suicide. This disease has had a major negative impact on your life. Wouldn't you like to change that and be more like the person you were 10 years ago before this started? Then go to see the doctor. There's nothing to be ashamed of. Everybody has problems. Yours and mine just happen to include depression.

There is an upside here. I've turned this around into a ministry. My church (and others) know that if they have a problem with depression I'm always ready and willing to help them. You can do the same thing. Our faith becomes stronger through perseverence during hard times.

I wish you the best and will pray that God will guide you through this trial. Keep your eyes fixed upon Him.

 

I can understand that, I'm a very private person and I find it very hard to talk about my emotions even with my closest family members. Remember that the doctor is there to help you and he's not going to force you to talk about anything that you don't want to talk about. If you go to the first appointment and find out that you really don't like this doctor you can get a referral to someone you are more comfortable with.

Do you have any close friends or family there that you've confided in? It sounds unusual, but when my sister was having a tough time not too long ago she made a contract with my parents not to attempt suicide for the next few months. Maybe you could make an agreement like this with your pastor or with a close friend to not try to harm yourself before your appointment, and to call that person if you feel tempted to, no matter what time of day.

If you decide not to go this route, you can call the National Hopeline Network (1-800-SUICIDE) 24 hours a day if you need to talk to someone, or call a local hotline.

I'm glad you have an appointment and I think you'll really find an improvement once you start seeing the doctor and taking appropriate medication.

 

All I can add to that is Amen!

If you need inpatient care don't think of it as being locked up, think of it as being in a place where the bad things are locked out.

Bill

 

I agree, Shell. A Doctor told that to someone very close to me and it made the difference between a horrible experience and one in which they got the help they needed.

Remember the first word of my statement "IF pray that you don't need an inpatient stay. Keep talking to your pastor, and see if you can get into a therapist before you see an MD. It is usually easier to get an appointment with a psychologist, or LCSW than it is with a psychiatrist.

Bill

 

Shell, I had never given much thought to depression until about seven years ago when I had heart bipass surgery. For the first and only time in my life I experienced it and believe me it is as real as the tooth ache. This was early in my recovery period (within the first two weeks after)and I can only discribe it as a feeling of the whole world closing in on you and just wanting to get up and physically run. My wife would take me for a drive and I remember once rolling down the car window and sticking my head out the window to encounter the air blowing
in my face. This reoccured about three or four times within the next few weeks and after that I never had it again. Since then I have related this to at least two of my friends who had BP Surgery and their comments were similar with one commenting that I had helped him get over his depression by discribing the same thing that had happened to him.

 

Shell,
I struggle with depression as well. I just got back on medication three weeks ago after being off them for a year. It has made a HUGE difference. I would say that you definitely need to be under a professional's care in addition to working closely with your pastor. I understand you fears. Totally. Hopefully you will be able to find a professional who is also a Christain. Feel free to PM me if you'd like to talk...