Depression vs. Clinical Depression was Re: New member

[Guest guest]

> It is not unusual for some of us to be depressed some of

> the time, because a) that's a normal thing amongst people

> of all types, and we are faced with more energy

> challenges and other things to overcome than the " average

> bear " (to quote Yogi Bear) ...

This is an important point IMHO. I know when I talk about the

possibility of depression (including in this group), I usually mean

some " run of the mill " , a bit down, kind of depression, perhaps

changing one's behavior in a minor (but possibly important) way. I

think recognition of some signs of that type of depression is

important to head off clinical depression.

I was dx'd with clinical depression by my first neurologist (first

ever, and first after being sick as well). I was crying during my

visit with him and had trouble speaking. I bought Prozac per his

advice, but never took it. Good thing I didn't, because about a week

after my visit, my crying and pain was increasing and it turned out I

had ulcers in my esophagus causing severe pain (hence the crying and

pain LOL). Amazing, it seems that Prilosec treats clinical

depression, because I was cured of the crying!

This site is pretty good at outlining the most common symptoms of

depression.

http://www.pennbehavioralhealth.org/employeeServ/resources/depression/

depression/index.html

IMHO, almost everyone has some mild signs of depression, be it

getting ticked off at something like putting salt instead of sugar in

your coffee or wondering why we bother to see a doctor who doesn't

believe our symptoms (or any doctor LOL), the issue is whether they

continue to deal with it and progress or go into a " deeper funk " .

My most important lesson in learning about depression was similar to

finding out about ADD - I learned not to immediately be on the attack

to whoever mentioned the possibility, instead I found that learning

about why the condition might be suspected gave me insights into my

character and personality. This helped me to spend more time

explaining my actions or modifying them in some cases instead of

assuming people can " read my mind " when I talk or write to them.

I also feel that I'd rather hear about these type things from friends

or family who have regular contact with me than from a doctor who

sees me for 30 minutes twice a year (unless you're rich enough to

have a doctor follow you around).

Just my $0.02...

Take care,

RH