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That statement implies that you're currently not medicated and also depressed. If that's the case, you really should meet with a psychiatrist; there's no reaso

That statement implies that you're currently not medicated and also depressed. If that's the case, you really should meet with a psychiatrist; there's no reason to suffer. The hyper-rational type of people here are more likely to believe in the absoluteness of their own perception of reality and therefore are less likely to seek treatment. If you're a hold-out and apparently in need, truly you'd be surprised how much medically-manipulated brain chemistry can improve your quality of life. A person's emotional world is highly plastic but successfully changing it requires the precise knowledge and quality control that is provided by a doctor and medicine.

cfrantz 14y ago
I disagree. Go to a psychologist. Psychiatrists are widely regarded as pharma-sponsored drug pushers. While the OP may need medication, medication is only one tool in combating depression. A psychologist will help you identify the root cause of your depression in a calm, non-judgemental atmosphere. He or she will explain to you how the various defense mechanisms in your mind work and how they can result in the types of thoughts and thought patterns that led to your depression. A good psychologist will help you see for yourself what is wrong and how to fix it.
- OldSchool 14y ago
  That's definitely a valid approach. Ideally in maturity you reach a state where you're always 100% honest with yourself and counseling can lead you there too. Many times both approaches are used. There are lots of off-patent medications that don't cost a fortune and can make a huge difference in quality of life for people who need them. Either way a statement like "I'd rather be a zombie than continue on as I do today," made in earnest, sounds like someone in need of help.
gruseom 14y ago
you'd be surprised how much medically-manipulated brain chemistry can improve your quality of life Except in severe depression, antidepressants have no clinical advantage over placebos: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/28/the-depressing-news-about-antidepressants.html http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/28/the-depress... According to Kirsch, antidepressant trials were also compromised by side-effect leakage: the drugs had side effects while the placebos did not, so patients knew when they were not taking a placebo. That's the equivalent of putting your finger on the scale. As far as I know, there has been no attempt to measure that distorting effect (Kirsch only mentions it), nor any clinical trials of antidepressants conducted on a level playing field, where the placebo had similar side effects to the drug. But I haven't searched, and if such studies exist, I'd welcome correction.
- derleth 14y ago
  > Except in severe depression, antidepressants have no clinical advantage over placebos: ECT can have a much better effect in these cases. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electroconvulsive-therapy/MY00129 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electroconvulsive-therapy/M... http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57400793-10391704/electroconvulsive-therapy-effectively-treats-severe-depression-how/ http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57400793-10391704/ele... And, it turns out, antidepressants can help ECT: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161300.ht... But keep in mind that ECT is only for crisis-level severe depression: > ECT uses an electrical stimulus to the brain to induce seizures. It is prescribed for patients with crisis-level severe depression – who are catatonic (people who are so slowed down that they stop moving, talking and eating) or suicidal – or for patients with major depression who have not responded to medication.

cfrantz 14y ago

I disagree. Go to a psychologist. Psychiatrists are widely regarded as pharma-sponsored drug pushers. While the OP may need medication, medication is only one tool in combating depression. A psychologist will help you identify the root cause of your depression in a calm, non-judgemental atmosphere. He or she will explain to you how the various defense mechanisms in your mind work and how they can result in the types of thoughts and thought patterns that led to your depression. A good psychologist will help you see for yourself what is wrong and how to fix it.

OldSchool 14y ago
That's definitely a valid approach. Ideally in maturity you reach a state where you're always 100% honest with yourself and counseling can lead you there too. Many times both approaches are used. There are lots of off-patent medications that don't cost a fortune and can make a huge difference in quality of life for people who need them. Either way a statement like "I'd rather be a zombie than continue on as I do today," made in earnest, sounds like someone in need of help.

gruseom 14y ago

you'd be surprised how much medically-manipulated brain chemistry can improve your quality of life Except in severe depression, antidepressants have no clinical advantage over placebos: http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/28/the-depressing-news-about-antidepressants.html http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2010/01/28/the-depress... According to Kirsch, antidepressant trials were also compromised by side-effect leakage: the drugs had side effects while the placebos did not, so patients knew when they were not taking a placebo. That's the equivalent of putting your finger on the scale. As far as I know, there has been no attempt to measure that distorting effect (Kirsch only mentions it), nor any clinical trials of antidepressants conducted on a level playing field, where the placebo had similar side effects to the drug. But I haven't searched, and if such studies exist, I'd welcome correction.

derleth 14y ago
> Except in severe depression, antidepressants have no clinical advantage over placebos: ECT can have a much better effect in these cases. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electroconvulsive-therapy/MY00129 http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/electroconvulsive-therapy/M... http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57400793-10391704/electroconvulsive-therapy-effectively-treats-severe-depression-how/ http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504763_162-57400793-10391704/ele... And, it turns out, antidepressants can help ECT: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161300.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090706161300.ht... But keep in mind that ECT is only for crisis-level severe depression: > ECT uses an electrical stimulus to the brain to induce seizures. It is prescribed for patients with crisis-level severe depression – who are catatonic (people who are so slowed down that they stop moving, talking and eating) or suicidal – or for patients with major depression who have not responded to medication.