Depression is a copout...?

[knightfan26917]

A friend of mine has been diagnosed with depression. However, he has chosen not to seek treatment (which would include a medical leave from work and daily therapist sessions) because he feels it is a "copout" FOR HIM. He does not feel, however, that those diagnosed with depression (and seeing treatment) are "copouts" ... just him. In fact, he says he realizes that others need that "push" to turn things around and doesn't think badly about or begrudge anyone who chooses that route. However, for himself, he feels that he shouldn't need help to "get happy" again ... and doesn't want the "stigma" of having depression.

I don't agree with him. First, many people are diagnosed with depression, so the idea of a "stigma" to it doesn't carry much weight, imho. Second, three people I know have been treated and/or are being treated for depression. None of these cases, from my view, are "copouts".

Yet, my friend's comments made me wonder how many others think that taking treatment for depression is a "copout", especially if it involves a medical leave from work. So, what say you?

Cort, "Mr MC" / "Mr Road Trip", 32swm/pig valve/pacemaker

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"I will not make the same mistakes that you did" ... Kelly Clarkson ... 'Because Of You'

[capriceman]

I was going to say somthing but i really cant comment.

[aaaantoine]

I bet just about anyone who's concerned enough about their mental health to walk into a psych office will be diagnosed with depression. In some cases, the chemical imbalance is very real. In other cases, the doctor's just trying to make more money.

I sometimes believe that I'm bipolar because I have pretty intense mood swings. But then again, how does that make me different from anybody else?

[FAPTurbo]

If anything, he's a guy who thinks that feelings and the discussing of them is for wussies. I often think the same thing, maybe way too often.

That, or he's afraid he'll have to use the mood altering drugs.

If anything, tell him to go out and get jogging and hitting the weight bench. Exercise helps release endorphins and that may be all that he needs. Plus, he'll end up looking and feeling better, thus making him generally happier. It'll also make him not look or feel wussy if that's the case.

Take from it what you will. I'm no doctor anyway

[razoredge]

Im with aaaantoine, were all syco if we give them the chance to eval us. In dire need of theropy.

Depression sucks, life takes enthousiasm, thats why people should not go out of their way to take enthousiams from people. Steal their wind. After awhile you run out of teeth to kick out, then what ? Id be afraid of meds myself. Last year my towns superintendant of highways, had his meds switched and he took a gun to himself..................just great ! Most of us never knew and he was well liked and respected. Some people do have serious problems and others are just weary and "ran out of teeth to kick out". Theres a difference between being naturally sick and someone that has suffered too many failures and/or losses.

All depends on his circumstances.

[bobo]

I know a lot of people who suffer from depression, and I think it's a good thing that those who have chosen to get treatment have. I've known some of these people before they got treatment, and it's hard to say something good about their being chronically depressed or suicidal.

[knightfan26917]

Thanks for your replies ... definitely appreciated.

To see or talk to him, you wouldn't know he had been diagnosed with depression. I think that's part of the reason why he isn't seeking treatment...but, I'm not sure.

Heh ... he talked more about different cool places (i.e. the thread I started a week ago or so about Rt 66 and Raceway Woods) than anything.

We'll see what progresses.....

[trinacriabob]

I bet just about anyone who's concerned enough about their mental health to walk into a psych office will be diagnosed with depression.  In some cases, the chemical imbalance is very real.  In other cases, the doctor's just trying to make more money.

I sometimes believe that I'm bipolar because I have pretty intense mood swings.  But then again, how does that make me different from anybody else?

189000[/snapback]

I've had my bouts with it. I can think of a few times when it's been quite debilitating. People need to get help and not sweep it under the rug. Most cases are mild and/or transient. Others can be downright horrendous from what I have seen/heard.

It can also be endogenous or exogenous. The first means it's in your DNA and you have a predisposition to it. The second term means external stimuli bring it on. I once read that "lack of parental empathy" is one of the primary causes of depression in youngsters and teenagers. I would have to agree with that.

[knightfan26917]

I once read that "lack of parental empathy" is one of the primary causes of depression in youngsters and teenagers.  I would have to agree with that.

*nods*

Yeah, thinking about it, so would I.

And, frankly, that is a scary statistic .