If you don't believe me, check out WebMD - they have pages upon pages of information regarding depression and the symptoms that go hand in hand with it.
I have the luck to have all three causes of major depression: biological, situational and chronic pain. My family has a high history of hormonal imbalance and I am not immune from this. My mother, aunt, cousin, and brother all have hormonal imbalances that actually cause our bodies to go into a depression because of the lack of neurotransmitters in our brains. Situational is often due to stressful periods in our lives - if any of you have read some of my comments on other's posts, you know that my life is one giant stressful period blending into another. And the chronic pain caused by my systemic lupus erythematosus which has been diagnosed for 14 years, but after my diagnosis, everyone in my family stated that the symptoms have been present my entire life.
I wish that I could just decide to not be depressed, then I wouldn't have to take medicine so that I am not "scary mom" as my daughter calls my non-medicated state or while driving think of how I could have an "accident" so that my family wouldn't realize that I had committed suicide. Luckily (?) my depression was so bad at that point, that I couldn't even get up the energy to go through with my ideas.
It is only because of the medication that I am on that I can live a somewhat normal life. I still have problems with some of the symptoms, but I find that I can live with them because they are so greatly reduced.
However, I will say that too many people use the phrase "I'm so depressed" when what they really mean is that they are unhappy. People, unhappy is not depressed! Yes if you are unhappy, you may be able to "cure" yourself by deciding to be happy rather than unhappy - but this is NOT depression. I wish that I was only unhappy - my life would be so much less complicated.
Sorry for the rant, but the ignorance of some people towards what others have to deal with is something I cannot handle. If you have never been in someone else's position, then please DON'T think you can tell them that soemthing is all in their head or that they only have to do XYZ to get better. Commisserate, yes. Ask them what you can do to help, yes. Do not preach to them. PLEASE.
This is what WebMD has to say about Offering Support to those suffering with depression:
Don't ask your loved one to snap out of it. Depression is a real illness. People who are depressed can't just "pull themselves together" and feel better. It takes time and treatment. Think about it: You wouldn't ask someone with cancer to snap out of it. Depression is just as real and just as serious an illness.
Listen. Right now, what your loved one may need most is someone to listen. Don't dismiss his or her concerns. Don't assume that you know what he or she is going through. Just listen.
Encourage your loved one to be more active. Most people who are depressed isolate themselves. That can make things worse. So gently encourage your friend to get out more. Suggest that you do things together. Invite your loved one out to dinner or to a walk around the neighborhood.
Don't push too hard. Be encouraging but not forceful. Don't make demands. People who are depressed feel overwhelmed as it is. If you're always pushing them, they may pull back more. So if your friend or loved one declines your invitations, don't force the issue. Instead, just give it a little time and then ask again. Be persistent but gentle.
Encourage your loved one to stick with treatment. It's key that your loved one stay on his or her medication and get regular checkups. He or she may also need encouragement to eat well, get enough sleep, and stay away from alcohol and drugs. You could also offer to go with your loved one to therapy or health care appointments.
Create a stable environment. Reduce stress around the home. Try to get your loved one on a schedule, so he or she knows what to expect each day.
Emphasize that your loved one will feel better. Right now, your loved one may feel hopeless. Be reassuring. Depression distorts a person's perception of the world. But with time and treatment, your friend or loved one will see clearly again.
http://www.webmd.com/content/article/106/108350.htm?z=1663_108347_2211_nx_05
