Mark, you are right and you are wrong. If all you are doing about your
depression is popping pills, you are definately on the wrong track.
However, antidepressants are a great tool. Without them, I'd be to
depressed to work on more holistic approaches.
You also seem to imply that depression has deeper causes. In some
cases, I'm sure it does. For me, however, I got the flu. I missed
class. I thought I was feeling down about that, but I never came out of
it. There's a history of depression in my family, and a reasonable body
of research indicating a genetic predisposition to depression. All this
tells me that depression is not just something that has to do with
external causes, it's a disease like alcoholism or heart problems or a
predisposition towards hairyness.
(before all the hairy people get upset, that was a joke. I'm pretty
hairy myself)
On the other hand, I've read two books by the Dalai Lama (well, books
based on things he's said and stories about interactions with him) and
they are a source of great comfort. I meditate, and try to do it daily.
I walk. I got to my therapist to get out all the 'stuff' that has no
place in my interactions with family and friends. I examine my life and
think a lot about the 'why's of my actions.
Paul:
I agree with Robert that if you are wondering if you have depression,
and if it's "bad" (I assume you mean severe, because depression is bad
even when it's mild), you should be seeing a doctor you trust or trying
to see a psychiatrist or psychologist or therapist. Basically, see a
professional.
If you want to contact me off-list and talk, that's fine. If you want
to talk on-list, I have no problem talking about this in public. If you
want me to butt out, that's fine too.
--benD
Mark Smyth wrote:
> In my opinion leave the doctors alone, they'll only treat the symptoms and
> probably give you anti-depressants. If there is one thing western medicine
> could learn from eastern medicine is to look more deeply into the underlying
> causes of illnesses and not constantly treting symptoms.
>
>
> My mother has been seriously affected by depression for around 20 years, I
> really don't think the doctors helped. I'm pretty sure its affected me also,
> especially the past few years. I'd have to say depression is best dealt
> from a spiritually/mental approach.
>
>
> I'd recommending looking into some books by the Dalai Lama, there are some
> really good books. Basically he teaches that Suffering is encountered by
> everyone (therefore it is both a fact of everyone's life) and that its every
> human's inherent right to achieve happiness and it is within all of our
> grasps if we want it enough and are willing to act in a way which will bring
> us happiness. Basically happiness can be achieved through spiritual and
> mental exercises/frame of mind.
> I'm not a Buddhist par se, but I have found great comfort in those ideas
>
>
> I'd recommend this book as a starter
> http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1573221112/qid=1066831173/sr=8
> -1/ref=sr_8_1/102-7460743-2964960?v=glance
> <http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/1573221112/qid=1066831173/sr=
> 8-1/ref=sr_8_1/102-7460743-2964960?v=glance&s=books&n=507846>
> &s=books&n=507846
>
>
> HTH and good luck
> Mark
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Robert Bailey [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]
> Sent: 22 October 2003 14:48
> To: CF-Community
> Subject: Re: depression
>
> If you are asking if it is bad, then more then likely it is bad enough.
> Have you talked to a DR?
>
> Robert Bailey
>
> Paul Ihrig wrote on 10/22/2003, 9:45 AM:
>
> > just curious if any one on the list has had it.
> >
> > i have always had it mildly. since i was 12 or so.
> > but was always some thing that seemed to be a layer to my personality.
> >
> > but lately i cant seem to shake this feeling of dread/hopelessness.
> > i am sure part of it is not working & self esteem.
> >
> > but how do you know when it is bad?
> >
> >
> >
> _____
>
>
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