do you think depression is an illness (disease) or just "all in your head" or weakness?

Answer 1

Depression is not "all in your head" or a weakness. Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. The endorphine glands do not produce sufficient seratonin levels, that bind with the pleasure receptors in the brain. Medications such as prozac, zoloft, celexa, etc. help the body raise the seratonin levels which, in turn, helps to level off the depression level. There isn't a blood test the doctor can give you to test for depression because seratonin levels cycle normally in the body, sometimes higher and sometimes lower. That's why we sometimes have a "blue day". A doctor will listen to the patient's report on the severity and duration of the depressive symtoms to evaluate the patient's need for an antidepressant like prozac, zoloft, celexa, etc. The doctor will usually prescribe a very low dose of one or more of these medications to work the patient up to a working level of the medication which can take two weeks to a month. The doctor should re-evaluate the patient's condition before adjusting the medication to a maintenance level. Conversely, when coming off an antidepressant, it takes two weeks to a month to completely work the medication out of the system before the patient can be re-evaluated to see if they are depression-free.

Answer 2

There definitely is such a thing as clinical depression.
I think there can be depression that is rooted from different reasons like the brain chemistry one is born with, and there is brain chemistry that is altered by stress, poor eating, pain, or drugs etc.... There is also a degree of just "life is hard" and sometimes people have to cope with tough or sad situations where depression is a natural byproduct of living and unless it is prolonged, should dissipate after the grieving or healing passes. What I'm saying is, I think people sometimes can rush to quick conclusions about calling something depression, when really they are having a bad day on occasion and that is totally normal. Serious depression though should not be taken lightly and is treatable .
Good luck.

Answer 3

I believe some sorts of depression can be just an illness. But there are some bouts with depression that are trauma induced. Whether it is a loss of a close loved one or friend, or seeing something traumatic in your life. I do not believe it is a weakness or in your head.
i my self am dealing with depression at the present time. I lost everything due to Katrina, and just 4 months lost my mom to cancer.
i thought I was dealing well with it all. Boy, was I wrong. Now with the meds and counseling am I really dealing. Hope I helped.

Answer 4

Depression is an illness. I can't think of one of them that can be as debilitating either. It not only effects you but all those around you and can keep you from being productive and yes sometimes it can be a disease as in manic depression (Bipolar disorder). If you are depressed and have not yet seeked help do so now and get on a medication to help you with your depression. I am Bipolar and i have to constantly fight with myself to stay up but with the medications you are able to function in a normal behavioral pattern. Just remember be kind to yourself take your medication daily as directed to avoid falling back into a rut.

Answer 5

Depression is caused either by a chemical imbalance in the brain or an event which (such as a breakup with someone you love) which causes you to enter a depression.
Sometimes a medication, such as Prozac, will help you get over it. Sometimes it just disappears with the passage of time. If it's a chemical imbalance then you might need medication for the rest of your life. Sometimes psychological counseling is very helpful. You should discuss this with your doctor and see what he advises.

Answer 6

I have been dealing with depression for 6 years and I don't want to have it. As another person said earlier it was just a lazy persons way of getting money. I DON"T get a dime for being sick, all I get is a life full of never wanting to leave the house and not playing with my grandchildren because I never want them around me to see how I feel all the time. Anyone that would say is was a Lazy persons way of making money is an IDIOT. One of these days it will happen to someone very close to them and they will regret ever saying something so callous.

Answer 7

depression is a real disease, it's a chemical imbalance. It is often mis-diagnosed, therefore it is all in some people's heads. Just because you're down doesn't mean you're depressed. Depression is something that takes over your life. You don't want to do anything, nothing matters to you anymore, and life basically isn't worth living. It can also be caused by traumatic experiences. What is "traumatic" to one person, isn't to another... it's all a person to person basis

Answer 8

i know depression is a illness...it is not just in your head...it is a chemical imbalance of some kind...and there is medicine to help a person...there is different medicine that works better for different people...it is not really a weakness i do not think...because i think that most people get depressed at some time or the other....

Answer 9

Depression is an illness and it hurts! Seen the ads for Cymbalta? I've been treated for depression for 20 years and
believe me, it sucks! No - it is NOT all in your head!

It is in the medical books and their are related illnesses!
Don't let anyone tell you any differently!

Answer 10

Depression is an illness and thousands have it . Talking to your docotor and get the help that you need and medication would help. There is nothing wrong or wierd about talking to a Therapist...And it isn' t a weakness, it happens.