Quote:
Originally posted by Gangrell:
You can't rely just on medication given to you, you also have to take a step in getting rid of it yourself.
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Absolutely. I'm not a fan of medication by itself by any means. The truth is, though, that people who are depressed most often lack motivation and self-direction. The ability of a depressed person to devise methods of overcoming their own depression then are necessarily hindered. Having a trained professional who can help you develop coping strategies, as well as provide unconditional support and empathy cannot be anything other than beneficial.
Sigmar, the general criteria for major depression include a persistant sad mood and or a loss of pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable. These are the major characteristics. These should be experienced more days than not for at least two weeks. Depressed people also experience appetite and sleep changes - either too much or too little of either. They feel fatigue, apathy, concentration problems, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, or suicidal thoughts. They need not experience all of these.
Of course, there are other disorders that fall under the umbrella of mood disorders other than major depression. These are less extreme - for example, you may not experience the sad mood for the full two weeks. Remember that mood disorders are cyclical. People aren't severely depressed for months on end (usually) - there are periods of relative normalcy. Also, people may experience mood changed during the day - often mornings are very difficult but symptoms recede during the day, or vice versa.
It is important that such feelings cannot be attributed to medical problems that you may not have any idea you have. This is one reason that professional advice should be sought.