Do you think depression is a choice or disease? I'd like to know your opinions...?

Question

Although I've never been diagnosed, I'm pretty sure I have some type of depression. I try very hard to keep a clear mind and to only speak things that make sense to other people but I think it's a way of thinking - a very bad way of thinking. When I talk in my "weird" way, my boyfriend tells me to "JUST STOP! Stop talking like that! Stop thinking like that! You're so negative!" I've told him I think I'm depressed but he tells me to just stop. Like I have a choice. I would just like to know other people's opinion on the matter.

Answer 1

It's definitely not a choice. Depression is not like feeling sad for a few days or even a week. It is a mental disorder--an altered state of conscientiousness, brought on by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain that normally act in harmony.

Answer 2

No i don't think that someone choeses to be depressed, but yes it can be looked at as a disease, since it is something that needs to be treated, just like a broken leg, or the flu, a common cold. It is just that it may take a bit longer. there are usually things that need to be worked through, and sometimes people do not even realize that they are depressed or need help, until it gets really bad. I guess someone could chose to be depressed, but that is usually cause they do not want to get help, and they think that they can cure it themself, or it will just go away on its own, in some cases it just might do that, but not all, some are so deep seeded, that they don't even know that it goes that deep, and they need to really get some issues out to work on , and then they can be ok again, and go on with their lifes.

Answer 3

You already have some really good answers in here. I also suffere with depression, and no it isn't a CHOICE I made to be depressed. However, if I don't take steps to help myself, like medication, therapy, and doing what I have to do to help myself, then it does become a choice to stay that way when we don't have to especially in this day and age. I am also bipolar, so if I don't take my meds to help myself, then I'm not being a responsible adult. It is like you giving a match to someone before they enter a dark room, and then cry because they are afraid of the dark, but doesn't light the match, would you feel sorry for them then? I wouldn't, esp. if they wouldn't light the match because they were to stubborn to use the help that was offered to them.

Answer 4

It's a disease. People with depression have a serotonin deficiency in their brain. It's not their fault or their choice. You can, however, do things that will help your situation.

Eating right and most importantly exercise will help to lift your mood. If you read 'Potatoes Not Prozac" you can get a lot of pointers. The main part of the book is that you eat a potato a half hour before bed and it will work to keep your seretonin levels up.

I'm doing this right now to keep my sereotonin levels up since I have quit eating sugar and it really works to help my mood. I usually wake up in a bad mood but with the potato I wake up cheerier.

Give it a try, it might work for you. And tell your boyfriend to be nice. You can't help the way your brain chemistry is!

Answer 5

I think its definetly a disease. People wouldn't choose to be depressed so the thoughts of suicide come to them. Depression is scary. Although I've never been diagnosised with it either, sometimes I think I'm clincally depressed as well. Most of the time I just don't let anyone know. Depression is caused by bad times happening in your life, and sometimes, although you may want to, you just can't get over them. If you think you're depressed please go to a counsler and get help. Trust me, in the end everything will be okay, and if its not okay, then its just not the end.

Answer 6

It is definitely both. Sometimes there could be a chemical imbalance in your head that is very severe. Other times people can get out of their depression. Your environment and traumatic events are only two of the factors that can trigger depression. My personal belief is that people have the self-ability to get out of these states if it is not severe. You have to find the motivation and the strength to do it. People can make it hard for themselves by not getting treated for it.

For example if someone gets raped, depression is bound to happen. It's not a matter of choice. It depends on the situation.

Answer 7

Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. I've dealt with depression for over 20 years and been on medication for the last 17 years.

Answer 8

You will get a large reaction from this, mostly towards disease. I wouldn't say its a choice, per se, but I think you getting a diagnosis is a choice. Taking a drug for the rest of your life is not a fair way to live. It is living under false pretenses. (in all but the most extreme circumstances). Quick fix.

I think Cogn. Behavior Therapy is a better way to go, if you truly have depression. There is your choice, how you cope with the problem you are presented.

Answer 9

Believe me its a disease because I have it and I would want nothing more to live my life without. Do you think people choice to life their life's in pain and fear,anxiety that leads to more problems.
If I had got my depression under control sooner in my life I would have been a happier person and would love life more and would of enjoyed all the things I saw more than I did. I seen the Vatican, Colosseum, statue of David, Florence, and missed out in the beautiful because i never learn to feel. But fortunately someone helped me before it was to late. Today I'm on meds and doing okay

Answer 10

I think depression is both a choice and a disease, for some people its a chemical imbalance and others just seem to get stuck, and they don't know how to get or feel better. Its hard to just think "positive", but it works for some people.