depression ,is it not just a case of feeling sorry for your self n seeking attention?

Answer 1

To me, depression is not an illness, but merely a state of mind.
If you feel depressed, then you are depressed.
Just like how if you feel happy, then you're happy.
If you're an attention seeker, you're merely an attention seeker.
I believe that chemical imbalance is not the cause of depression, but rather an effect, but hey, that's just what I think.
If you've never been depressed, then obviously you will not know.

Answer 2

Clinical depression is very serious indeed and is, as many here have stated, a chemical imbalance in the brain that CANNOT be changed by positive thinking. But in combination with the right meds., ones that restore the chemical balance, therapy can help sufferers 'retrain' their old negative thinking patterns.

However, we all get depressed from time to time and for those of us not suffering from this chemical imbalance - which I think is an actual physical disability which affects the brain - we can change our mood through thinking more positively.

I call it the 'ahh' factor. When we see images of things we like, chocolate, kittens, people doing nice things for each other, whatever, it provokes an 'ahh' reaction. This simply doesn't happen for depressives. Their reaction is 'so what?' They then get even more depressed because they cannot feel anything for what they know are nice things. And may even think that they themselves will spoil the nice things. Or have spoiled the nice things in the past.

Attention is usually the last thing they want. But for most of us, yes a little bit of attention when we are feeling down is a good thing.

Answer 3

As some previous answers have suggested, the medical explanation for depression is that there is a chemical (neurotransmitter) imbalance in the brain. However, like medical explanations for other forms of mental illness, this view cannot be taken uncritically. Depression has historically been understood by psychiatry as either 'reactive' where there is a clear reason for low mood (bereavement for example) and 'endogenous' where there is no obvious trigger. What the purely medico-biological model does not really explain is why this imbalance should occur , it could be that chemical imbalances are a symptom rather than a cause for depression, although there are various theories of what might cause these imbalances (diet may be implicated, or a genetic predisposition for example).
It may be that depression is as much an environmental problem as a biological one. That people in distress do not recieve sufficient support from others, that depression may be anger turned in on itself and is therefore a learned response to distress or personal crisis. The position we take on these questions determines what we do to address the condition. The usual medical response is to give antidepressant medication which work in various ways depending on the drug. Whilst these may well have a role they only address the biological processes associated with depression, but not necesarily the cause.
In answer to your question, no...depression is not just feeling sorry for yourself, it is a debilitating condition that can be life threatening. However, its treatment cannot simply rely on chemical responses (i.e. limiting serotonin re-uptake for another example) but I would suggest requires a more holistic approach to the problem. In other words addressing depression takes time and effort on behalf of the therapist/carer and time is one thing our doctors rarely can give us.

Answer 4

No, true depression isn't just that at all. Real depression is long-term, very debilitating at times, and the person does NOT want to feel that way. True clinical depression is usually the result of imbalances in neurotransmitters---it is different than just having a bad day/week, or some drama-queen in high school trying to make people feel sorry for her. True depression is a chemical imbalance, and can be analogized to something like diabetes, where a person's body doesn't make the right amount of certain things.

Answer 5

Obviously you don't suffer from depression, or you would not be asking this question.
Depression is a medical condition resulting from a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Some people who are depressed do not want attention, they simply want to be left alone. Depression can interfere with daily living as well as relationships.

Answer 6

No seeking attention is seeking attention.

Depression will affect us all at some point its just theres mild and extreme cases.

Answer 7

Of course it was not...depression is a very complicated mood disorder yet it is very common on all ages... many people think that depression is just a feeling of sadness but they are wrong since depression is classified as one of a psychotic disorder.

Answer 8

I assume you don't suffer from depression, or you would know that it's not a case of just, snapping out of it.
If it were as simple as that, it would mean we could turn it on or off at will.
This condition, although the symptoms are not visible, is as real as measles and you don't get shot of them by wishing them away.
Wish it were that simple.

Answer 9

It is a case of negative thinking. Change your thoughts to positive ones that kill feelings of depression. Good luck!

Answer 10

Tut tut tut, its people like you that make depression something that people feel ashamed about. If you suffer from it you will certainly know you have no control over it. You want so much to feel happy and 'normal' but its like someone else has the controls. It isnt nice and i wouldnt wish it on my worst enemy.