“People appreciated my knowledge as a Behavioral Health Specialist; however, hearts weren’t touched until I shared my own story of unrelenting, debilitating depression. Only then did they begin to understand how people can get to the point where suicide seemed to be the only option.” Anyone who has ever experienced depression or dealt with a depressed loved one can greatly benefit from Debbie’s story and insights which she shares here.
In the beginning, from my outward appearance, few people knew that I struggled with depression—not even me. I complained to doctors about headaches, stomach problems, and fatigue but it wasn’t until years later that I was correctly diagnosed with Major Depression.
The next few years were spent trying different antidepressants, even electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), but all to no avail. I still attended church exhibiting my pasted on smile, even teaching a weekly gospel doctrine class in my ward. However, once the symptoms of depression began to micro-manage my thoughts, body, and social life, my world as I knew it ceased to exist.
I had always lived the gospel with enthusiasm and had enjoyed the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Now, however, I felt nothing except fear-based thoughts and impending doom. I was often reminded of the source of such thoughts, so I embarked on a plan to increase my spirituality by doubling my efforts in scripture reading, temple attendance, prayer, and service to others. These efforts left me exhausted and even more depressed than before.
via www.ldsmag.com
Depression is less stigmatized today than it once was. I also feel that it is often one of the many symtoms of other chonic illnesses, or that it can be a passing mood or normal cycle of emotions.
If medical doctors cannot find a "logical reason" for virtually any symptom, they are often inclined to call it depression. This used to be most often expressed as , it's all in your head". This should be viewd as code for, "I don't know what is causing these symptoms".
Psychology in my oinion, is based upon quasi-scientific, or often, liberal thinking and very sparse fact-based studies. Phychiatry, which is a branch of Medicine wherein degreed Medical Doctors are trianed in phycohology, but who are also allowed to prescribe drugs, have more education; my experience is that they rely too much upon drugs and psychological explanations for real organic medical problems.
You should have a "Team" of healthcare professionals who can communicate with one another. This should include a Primary Care Physician, any applicable Mainstream Medical Specialists, a pharmacist whom you build a rappart with over time, a Physical Therapist where applicable. It would also be good to have alternative medical advisors or herbalists, preferably those with medical and/or pharmacuetical credentials, a chiropractor, and a couple of good web-sites from reliable sources. I would not hesitate to have bakc-up second opinion sources for each of these as well.