A Thought Concerning Situational vs Clinical Depression

[CallMeKate]

I think it's important to remember that a lot of "cures" that often get mentioned for depression (i.e. music, deep breathing, meditation, etc.) may work great for situational depression but will not do anything at all for clinical depression. That in turn leads a clinically depressed individual into even more darkness and hopelessness because "it didn't work."

This article spells out the differences and how the symptoms/signs differ.
Situational vs clinical depression: Differences and diagnoses

 

[dilettante]

I think it's important to remember that a lot of "cures" that often get mentioned for depression (i.e. music, deep breathing, meditation, etc.) may work great for situational depression but will not do anything at all for clinical depression. That in turn leads a clinically depressed individual into even more darkness and hopelessness because "it didn't work."

Excellent point.

Panic is related, and much of that can help... or not. I actually ended up taking my first ambulance ride because of excessive use of breathing exercises. A spasming diaphragm is painful. No joke.

 

[Paco Dennis]

I think it's important to remember that a lot of "cures" that often get mentioned for depression (i.e. music, deep breathing, meditation, etc.) may work great for situational depression but will not do anything at all for clinical depression. That in turn leads a clinically depressed individual into even more darkness and hopelessness because "it didn't work."

This article spells out the differences and how the symptoms/signs differ.
Situational vs clinical depression: Differences and diagnoses

When being diagnosed by a Doctor about one's feelings of depression and/or anxiety the diagnosis can vary. In the past decades many people were prescribed antidepressants and benzodiazepines on a regular basis. I feel like the medical industry pushed their use. Too many and too much was prescribed. In many to most cases the person can benefit with closely monitored use and accompanying side effects. When a person decides to taper off these meds they need to be careful because it can be quite difficult with some angry side effects.

Also there are new advances being made with treatments also. Some even include the use of psychedelics. They have proven to be effective in many serious disorders.

 

[dilettante]

Doctors here are pretty tight with benzos these days. Too easy to develop a dependency I guess. I hang onto some Xanax but it's maybe 5 years old now. Even when I was taking it I'd split it down to like 1/8 of a tablet. I haven't taken any in 3 months or more.

Escitalopram is working for me at a low dose, and I'm expecting to get tapered off even that after my next appointment.

 

[VaughanJB]

Depression is a normal part of the human experience.

Clinical depression is not.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I think it's important to remember that a lot of "cures" that often get mentioned for depression (i.e. music, deep breathing, meditation, etc.) may work great for situational depression but will not do anything at all for clinical depression. That in turn leads a clinically depressed individual into even more darkness and hopelessness because "it didn't work."

This article spells out the differences and how the symptoms/signs differ.
Situational vs clinical depression: Differences and diagnoses

Clinical Depression is never cured, it’s managed.
Anything that typically lifts the spirit can be helpful even with clinical depression. That’s why they are often suggested. When you are hospitalized for mental health you are introduced to many alternative health therapies.

It wouldn’t be wise to solely rely on holistic, alternative methods for treating clinical depression but adding them to an otherwise healthy lifestyle , proper meds and cognitive behaviour therapy , can help greatly.

More importantly, we are all vastly different from one another . What helps one person might not work for anorher.

It’s been proven that taking better care of our body in any way, shape or form is beneficial for our mental well being as well as the physical.

Solely relying on conventional medicine looks great on paper but realistically doctors are subject to making mistakes. Thank goodness for alternative therapies. Seriously.

Yoga, mediation, tai chi, wilderness walks, deep breathing, eating nutritionally dense foods, humidifiers with essential oils, Epson salt baths , classical music, journal writing, counselling etc… all add to wellness.
Looking after oneself is crucial to feeling better mentally as well as physically.

 

[VaughanJB]

Depression is never cured, it’s managed.

I somewhat disagree. Depression, as in normal depression, can be cured and is. Clinical depression, well, not always.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

I somewhat disagree. Depression, as in normal depression, can be cured and is. Clinical depression, well, not always

I think it's important to remember that a lot of "cures" that often get mentioned for depression (i.e. music, deep breathing, meditation, etc.) may work great for situational depression but will not do anything at all for clinical depression. That in turn leads a clinically depressed individual into even more darkness and hopelessness because "it didn't work.

Treating the body better will help the mind regardless of state of depression. Just last May I was hospitalized for clinical depression. Something I’ve suffered with most of my life. Part of my recovery course consisted of music therapy, counselling, colouring, reading books as well as walking and yoga. An entire section of the hospital is devoted to recreational therapy. If it didn’t work, why would they even have it?

 

[VaughanJB]

Treating the body better will help the mind regardless of state of depression. Just last May I was hospitalized for clinical depression. Something I’ve suffered with most of my life. Part of my recovery course consisted of music therapy, counselling, colouring, reading books as well as walking and yoga. An entire section of the hospital is devoted to recreational therapy. If it didn’t work, why would they even have it?

I'm happy it works for you. But for some of us, the underlying issues are never resolved or addressed. You have to be at a certain place, and have a philosophical agreement. I know my recent down times are not of my causing. It's outside things over which I have no control. Love can kill.

 

[dilettante]

That reminds me, I do have more Epsom salts around here somewhere.

 

[PeppermintPatty]

More importantly, we are all vastly different from one another . What helps one person might not work for another .

I'm happy it works for you. But for some of us, the underlying issues are never resolved or addressed. You have to be at a certain place, and have a philosophical agreement. I know my recent down times are not of my causing. It's outside things over which I have no control. Love can kill.

Most people have underlying issues that are never resolved hence the reason why clinical depression is never cured; it’s managed or maintained through a variety of drugs and alternative therapies including proper nutrition and exercise. Every little bit helps but it’s never cured.

Can you cure depression? Treatment and alternative therapies

Depression is a lifelong condition, as there is no cure. However, this does not necessarily mean that it will affect a person every day of their life. With the right treatment plan, remission is possible. The treatment plan may need adjusting throughout a person's life.

 

[VaughanJB]

Depression is a lifelong condition, as there is no cure. However, this does not necessarily mean that it will affect a person every day of their life. With the right treatment plan, remission is possible. The treatment plan may need adjusting throughout a person's life.

Again, I must insist on the distinction. Depression is normal. Clinical depression not. I do not believe we have a treatment that universally helps clinical depression.

 

[Remy]

I know much of my depression is situational and lifelong related to that.

Clinical depression is what the antidepressants were invented for.

No matter which, no one just snaps out of it.

 

[VaughanJB]

I know much of my depression is situational and lifelong related to that.

Clinical depression is what the antidepressants were invented for.

No matter which, no one just snaps out of it.

Indeed. Some of us are haunted by the past like a second shadow hanging over our heads. This seems to be a heavier burden as we march toward the end of our lives.