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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 2 of 2. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by catachrest on September 10, 2003, at 13:04:24
Since realizing that I had all the earmarks of a serious depression I've been doing a lot of reading about it. Most sources say the same things. One thing that bothers me though is that in the area where they talk about reasons why people delay seeking treatment or never do seek treatment they always leave out the most obvious reasons. For example, "A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada" (Published by Health Canada with the contributions of all the major Head-guys in Canada) says: "The delay in seeking and receiving a diagnosis and treatment may be due to a number of factors, such as stigma, lack of knowledge, a lack of human resources, and availability or accessibility of services." (p. 39). Now, when I was terribly depressed and unwillnig to seek treatment about it, my main reasons were not lack of knowledge or lack of availability of services or even stigma (though that last one entered in a little). The main reasons I didn't want to talk about it were
a) I didn't want to talk about it. I've always been a very private person who doesn't talk much about her own feelings and the depression increased that feeling of isolation.
b) In my depressed/near despairing state I was sure that nothing could help. what was the point of taking pills which I thought would produce artificial emotions in me when it wouldn't solve the problems in my life?
c) Apathy! All the sources agree that a big symptom of depression is inability to concentrate and make decisions, to do daily-life activities. That includes making the decision - and actually carrying through with it - not only to make an appointment to go see the doctor, but also to actually get out of bed, go, wait in the waiting room, and then actually say something instead of changing your mind at the last minute and saying you have a cold.In short, what all these studies and things are missing in the reasons that people don't get treatment for their depression is DEPRESSION ITSELF. The feelings and effects of depression drastically reduce your ability to make healthy choices for yourself.
Okay, diatribe complete. Just wanted to get that out of my system.
Susan
Posted by HannahW on September 12, 2003, at 11:53:03
In reply to Causes of Depression (warning, diatribe alert), posted by catachrest on September 10, 2003, at 13:04:24
Sometimes I wonder what the medical community can possibly be thinking, and they overlook was is staring them in the face. What you said is a good example. Another example are how they choose to list the side effects on some medications. Did you know that one of the "side effects" of Viagra is Prolonged Erections? Duh! And one of the "side effects" of a cream to get rid of unwanted hair is Hair Loss!
This is the end of the thread.
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