An important line of defense in the treatment of depression is coming to the realization that depression is a medical disorder. It’s a BRAIN disorder, not a MIND disorder (although depression effects the mind). A depressed brain is not running on all cylinders. Certain regions of the brain have bio-amine deficiencies.
Have you ever wondered why some people with terribly abused backgrounds grow up normal, while others are handicapped the rest of their lives? Have you ever wondered why some people who are raised in ideal homes still get depressed? Medical science is beginning to conclude the central problem is within the brain and not as much on the environment. The disorder seems to be genetic as well. Could this be one of the central features causing families to become dysfunctional?
Have you ever wondered why you feel so empty, even if your life is full? It’s not because life is pointless, or you have no place in life; it’s because the pleasurable regions of your brain are shutting down. This condition is a central symptom of depression and sucks the very life out of us. Many of us can’t even feel the love we have for our loved-ones. In the absence of pleasure, everything we do is done out of guilt, “shoulds,” and “musts.”
Other areas of the brain are affected as well. The sleep regions become affected, altering the natural circadian rhythm of sleep. You’ll either oversleep; under-sleep or the sleep cycle becomes inconsistent. You may feel tired all day, and yet can’t sleep at night.
Depression affects the higher cognitive functions of the brain. People fall under basic false beliefs that the world is no good, they are no good, and it’s not going to get any better. This is known as the cognitive triad of depression.
When depression alters our brain, we lose the person we once were and become our own worst enemies. I’ve noticed several people are afraid that antidepressant therapy will change who they are. However, it’s the other way around. Depression changes who you are. Antidepressants, on the other hand, restore the brains functioning so you can feel more like your real self.
So, in conclusion, you have a physical disorder that affects you psychologically. Your brain is not functioning normally. This is out of your voluntary control, and has nothing to do with your strength or self-worth.
Depression is no respecter of persons. Your perceptions have been altered, most of which are false. It’s important to be aware of this, so a part of your mind can discount all the distorted thinking. Not that it will do away with how you’re feeling, but it does help you get through episodes of depression.
Depression is a disease we need to take responsibility for. We should play an active role in our treatment. Don’t sit around and let your doctor do all the work. Honestly communicate to your p-doc how you’re responding to treatment. Educate yourself concerning treatment and open a two-way collaborative relationship with your doctor. The more active you become, the higher the chance of successful treatment.
Next FYI will be posted soon. This file will focus on why some antidepressants work while others don’t. Please feel free to post any questions you may have on this thread.
Take heart friends, we will all get through this with proper treatment and time. There is also great hope in future treatment. There have been many breakthroughs that will open new and better forms of treatment. I believe, in our lifetime, a cure will be found.
Posted on Mar 12, 2002, 10:52 AM from IP address 195.174.197.93