Depressed, or just "Life?"

[JDougRN]

I'd like some feedback from my fellow Nurses on this topic. Sociology question/debate.This IS NOT, I repeat NOT in any way shape or form a flame against ppl who have depression issues, so please don't bombard me with numerous vehament messages telling me that I don't know my buttocks from a hole in the ground.I am NOT talking about those types of people.Thank you.

Now, my question/observation to you all is this- Do you think that it's possible, that all of the technological, educational, and entertainment changes over the last 40 years or so have changed how the population perceives their quality of life?

My case in point- I have a friend who is 30ish. Just had her first baby, just got married to a slacker doofis. She posted on some social media that she is "Batteling her depression." Obviously, as a friend, I was concerned, and messaged her about her issues. She was feeling tired, and unhappy that the baby daddy could only get spotty work, and didn't help out, and she is struggling with finding work in the career she want- (Photography- something that is difficult to have as a career.) I questioned her and she has no post-partem depression signs...just a general malaise. Nothing that would lead an MD (IMHO) to feel it necessary to give her meds for. But she labels it as depression.I realize I can't look into her head, but everything she was describing to me seemed like "Life."

Working in an ED, often in triage, it amazes me the number of younger 40ish and down people who are being medicated for anxiety/depression.

I'm wondering if the changes in technology have gotten 40's and younger "used" to being constantly entertained, and happy- and that what we percieve as the regular "stressors" of life are now being viewed as depression? Example? For instance, when I was a child, there were 3 channels on TV. Cartoons were only on Saturday. We learned to entertain ourselves. I've noticed that the common mantra of 40 and down..."I'm BORED!!!!!" Um, 258 TV channels, the internet, every book ever written available, ect....and you can't find something to DO?

I kind of wonder if all of the people who have this "Regular life" dx as depression, are even sort of making it more difficult for those who truely have a chemical imbalance? Thoughts? Has anybody else noticed this?

[leslie :-D]

I think it takes a lot of things to get out of a depression, and if meds help great. Some people make to much a big deal of it all. It's just a pill. There I said it. You can do a lot worse to "harm" yourself IMHO. Relax, see if it works.

i have to tell you netglow, i disagree with you.

let me say that i have absolutely no problems with one taking meds, if the situation warrants it, and you are being monitored by a competent professional.

but speaking from personal experience and a knowledge base, those seemingly innocuous pills, carry plenty of power and punch.

most, if not all, antidepressants carry a warning of potential suicidal ideations, along with a dozen of other (potential) se's.

these meds can truly, precipitate ravaging effects on one's mind.

that is why i am against them being used for relatively benign depression...

and should be prescribed selectively and judiciously.

major depression is a devastating illness that impacts all who are close to the person.

given appropriately, antidepressants can be literal lifesavers...no doubt about it.

but "just a pill", can also be wreak excruciating havoc, if chemically incompatible.

you are 100% spot on when stating that it takes a lot to climb out of depression...

and that meds are only a small part of the solution.

i also really liked the poster who stated that if you have the energy to complain, then use this energy constructively.

being productive help with one's depression...often feeling rewarding.

this thread has been enlightening in so many ways.

thanks to all who have contributed.:)

leslie

[wanderlust99]

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