Well, given how complex diabetic management can be, and the degree of changes in lifestyle which are required, I wouldn't say that this analogy oversimplifies depression. However, I agree that it gives a false impression of depression as a medical issue which is measurable, well understood, and should be primarily dealt with by medication for a 'missing substance'.

Although we know that psychiatric medication effects our moods, we do not understand the system as a whole. We know neurochemicals exist and we can influence them. However, I'm more prone to believe that this is a mechanism upon which thought and mood can work rather than the actual cause of emotional changes we have deemed pathological. In short, I do not believe the theory of 'chemical imbalance' and view it as oversimplified (with a strong economic base). Thus, by modifying these neurochemicals, I do not believe we are actually solving the root cause of depression in most cases. Instead, we are masking the symptoms and often ignoring the causes. Venus and Onward touched very well on some of these underlying issues and alternative ways to proactively deal with depression, respectively.

Part of why I think this way is because every therapist and psychiatrist I have seen has pinpointed my depression as having a very, very strong genetic basis. I concur with this evaluation, although I know that's not all there is to it. Even as a child I would have been considered melancholic. The difficulties which I experienced in my life hit me harder than they would have others. However, I have come miles with very focused thought, behavioral, and lifestyle changes. I don't think I'll ever be the ever happy optimist - and that's something to accept in my eyes, rather than to fight and lament. I think if I had taken medication, it would have retarded by ability to see where changes needed to be made in my life. My focus would have been on being happy rather than becoming well. I would rather grow as a human being and learn to live with myself.

This doesn't mean that I think there is no place for medication in treatment for depression. It just comes with a cost and a lot of unknowns which need to be evaluated heavily. It is certainly not the same as medication for diabetes, which is absolutely required in most cases if they are to live a healthy, long life.