I suffer from dysthymia which is a term for chronic depression.  In other words, even with medication, the depression does not totally go away.  I deal with it to the point that almost nobody knows about my condition, but it is really comforting to talk to someone else who has experienced depression.  Those of us that are depressed are not necessarily "crazy" or suicidal, there is a chemical imbalance in our brains.  Yes, it is an illness...DUH!  Those of us who are legitimately depressed are not making this stuff up.  We don't choose to live like this.

There is still much stigma attached to depression. It's also a big help when you can talk to someone who really understands. Many people don't realize how debilitating it can be. Well meaning people often try to give advice as if you could just pull yourself out of it. Sometimes you just need somene to listen. It's very painful especially when there is anxiety with it.

medacation

I've watched my son go through depression and anxiety for years. He has seen many doctors who misdiagnosed him and gave him the wrong prescriptions and made it worse. He now has an excellent doctor and with new prescriptions he in doing great. Yes, it is a chemical imbalance, I believe. These people should be treated with the same consideration and respect as any other patient.

I go on and off feeling really depressed, and a close relationship with God is what helps the most.  The reason I feel depressed, is because I feel that my life has no meaning.  I think that this country doesn't really care all that much usually about faith or anything with meaning.  People just care about getting a good job and living a normal, typical life.  People say you need to take medicine and such, but really I don't think that's the problem.  If you don't believe your life or existence has any point or meaning, then there is no reason not to be depressed, honestly.  There would be something wrong with you if you were not depressed, and did not believe life had any meaning.  What I did was channel my longing for something more in life into my prayer, and pray desperately to God.  And when I did this, instead of feeling extreme grief, I felt extreme joy and closeness to God.  The reason for the joy was that I trusted, or had faith that my life had meaning and a direction.  And I tried to love those around me with all my heart and soul, which also brought me joy and fulfillment.  I believed that my pains and sorrows had meaning and were to lead me to be happy and closer to God.  I also even noticed that miracles would randomly occur, such as when I am running (I really like running) I would run without growing tired, or one time I felt a burst of wind push me forward from behind.  I tried to devote my running to pushing myself for God.  But it just really annoys me when people tell you that you need to take medicine and such...  What is the point in doing such a thing, if life has no meaning?...  That's just my opinion.

These people should be treated with kindness and respect.  Doctors must provide the right medication and follow-up with the patient.

Treating depression is the only was a depressed person can survive.  I am depressed and many weeks I do not leave the house because I have no where to go or I don't want to have to get dressed.  I can and have spent many hours or days crying.  I relive things over and over.  I hurt emotionally when I have hurt someone else.  I become very stressed when I need to be alone and work out my problems.  Many times people do not realize I need down time.  When you find a depressed person don't tell them Oh you will get over it.  Or just put that out of your mind.  Because we can't.  Spend time listening to the person even if you have heard the same thing over and over.  Depressed people Need love too.

I'll keep it brief, regardless of the decade of close observation.  When you cut your finger, it heals.  When you catch a cold, eventually you get better.  If you become blind, other senses sharpen.  The human body has vast recuperative, and compensatory power.  I believe in most cases the mind can either heal or compensate for imbalances or depression.  That is, however, if the mind can recognize the problem.  Medications MASK THE PROBLEM.  In most cases, once diagnosed depressed, it's medication for the rest of your life!  The pharmacutical companies are making a fortune!  There is no profit in healing.  Again, once medicated, the mind will never have a chance to HEAL.