3 ms·

I believe it is a chemical balance, which requires chemical intervention.

by mrcdes 14y ago

whatshisface 14y ago
Depression seems to be defined (or at least is talked about like) a set of symptoms. As far as I can see, it's like the observed state of data corruption: there are many, many things that can cause that, some being an order of magnitude easier to fix than others. Sometimes people feel horrible for a real reason, but don't know why. It would be foolish to medicate that away.
meej 14y ago
What if the chemical imbalance is a symptom of depression, and not the cause?
Evbn 14y ago
Chemical imbalance just means a chemical level associated with feeling bad. Which is also what psychological pain is. So you will you need to be more specific if you want to differentiate.
intended 14y ago
I've been stuck at that stage of thinking as well, and after many data points that got shunted aside. Currently the most interesting and fun counter point to it I am using is that its not just "mind", but a mind-body issue. There are many ways in which your body function influences and alters mood and perception, and vice-versa. Talk therapy goes the other way too, it has the potential to alter the equation, provided other things are done as well.
grego 14y ago
Exercise is a chemical intervention. It is not a panacea and it will take time, typically weeks before it has a significant effect, but it does have an effect. The body is the temple of the soul, you should not ignore either.
singular 14y ago
Going to back that up at all? I believe in unicorns, by the way. Obviously brain chemistry is involved (reduced serotonin, etc.), but I'm sure I could adjust your brain chemistry by jumping out at you and saying boo too; so I don't it follows that chemical intervention is the only approach that will change your brain chemistry. I think antidepressants are very important and a great tool if you are suffering from severe depression, but I don't think they are the only answer nor a long-term solution, alone. As an e.g. a metastudy on CBT - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735805001005 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027273580... - indicates that it is both effective and superior to antidepressants alone. Given the nature of depression, which really muddles your mind clear advice is vital - go see your doctor, get onto antidepressants (you don't have to be on them forever), get onto a form of therapy. The shit works.

I believe it is a chemical balance, which requires chemical intervention.

by mrcdes 14y ago

I believe it is a chemical balance, which requires chemical intervention.

Depression seems to be defined (or at least is talked about like) a set of symptoms. As far as I can see, it's like the observed state of data corruption: there are many, many things that can cause that, some being an order of magnitude easier to fix than others. Sometimes people feel horrible for a real reason, but don't know why. It would be foolish to medicate that away.

meej 14y ago

What if the chemical imbalance is a symptom of depression, and not the cause?

Evbn 14y ago

Chemical imbalance just means a chemical level associated with feeling bad. Which is also what psychological pain is. So you will you need to be more specific if you want to differentiate.

intended 14y ago

I've been stuck at that stage of thinking as well, and after many data points that got shunted aside. Currently the most interesting and fun counter point to it I am using is that its not just "mind", but a mind-body issue. There are many ways in which your body function influences and alters mood and perception, and vice-versa. Talk therapy goes the other way too, it has the potential to alter the equation, provided other things are done as well.

grego 14y ago

Exercise is a chemical intervention. It is not a panacea and it will take time, typically weeks before it has a significant effect, but it does have an effect. The body is the temple of the soul, you should not ignore either.

singular 14y ago

Going to back that up at all? I believe in unicorns, by the way. Obviously brain chemistry is involved (reduced serotonin, etc.), but I'm sure I could adjust your brain chemistry by jumping out at you and saying boo too; so I don't it follows that chemical intervention is the only approach that will change your brain chemistry. I think antidepressants are very important and a great tool if you are suffering from severe depression, but I don't think they are the only answer nor a long-term solution, alone. As an e.g. a metastudy on CBT - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0272735805001005 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S027273580... - indicates that it is both effective and superior to antidepressants alone. Given the nature of depression, which really muddles your mind clear advice is vital - go see your doctor, get onto antidepressants (you don't have to be on them forever), get onto a form of therapy. The shit works.