[JEHR]

Hi

I'm sure you have had this debate lots of times before but do you think depression is chemical or situational.

My situation is pretty crap but I don't always feel depressed, occasionally I feel happy and optimistic. When I feel depressed again it is not because anything has changed in life. That makes me think depression is chemical.

However, if things were better in my life I can't believe I would be this unhappy. Which makes me think the depression is situational and there is no point in me taking drugs to help me, I just have to try and change my life.

[Elana05]

Hi JEHR,

It is an age old question. But just because you find you are able to feel contentment from time to time, laugh or enjoy time spent with friends doesn't mean you can't also be suffering from depression. Sometimes we truly have a respite. Sometimes we're just able to put on a good show for the world. In truth, even science doesn't have a handle on what part of depression is "physiological" and what part is "psychological." Studies show again and again that the best way to attack depression is from both sides: psychotherapy as well as medication.

E

[googley]

I think it is different for each person. Some people have totally situational and some totally chemical and most people have a mix of the two. I know that mine is chemical, but situations can make it a lot worse.

[dawnhopeful]

If your depression is mild, then exercise or therapy will be adequate. If you are moderately or severely depressed, then medication is necessary

[justfloating]

Mine is a mix of both. Since I got medication and therapy I have fairly long respites and the depression only rears its head every so often. But I know that there are certain situations that can cause it to return, like too much stress or family problems, so I try to avoid them, or curb them with things that help, like time spent with friends or light exercise. I think at the end of the day it's different for everyone but I agree with Elana, it really works best to attack it from both sides.

[dil5077]

I think both. In my situation it is primarily situational, but the chemical whosey-whatsis in my brain does not handle things well. Wires just get crossed in my head. I avoided meds for years thinking that "things just weren't that bad" and I could get over it on my own. (This belief is a learned behavior from my childhood, and how I compensate for the craziness around me -- "I'll do it myself".)

So I'm on a low dose of antidepressant that takes the edge off. But I still crash (like yesterday), putting too much pressure on myself. Even knowing that does not alleviate the depression ...it now seems physiological in me. Sore shoulders, OCD thoughts. I'd say try to consider it is both elements, and not just you changing your life.