Depressed, or just "Life?"

EJBNeuroRN · Mar 17, 2012

I think this is such an interesting topic because depression, altered moods, and chemical imbalances are such a part of our society as of late. It seems that a lot of mood disorders are misdiagnosed, depression is so subjective, and we are living in such an instant gratification, 'me' society.

As far as making it more difficult to diagnose depression and mental imbalance, I think it is important to take the whole "pain status" into account in this sort of situation. When someone is in pain we take into account what the person is saying.. "10/10 in your right pinky because of a hangnail...let me get you something for that" (obviously over dramatized) But I think that goes with the same as depression...very subjective. Yes, maybe it can hurt those with chemical imbalances versus mild depression.

I have noticed this and am curious to read what others have to say.

DookieMeisterRN · Mar 17, 2012

Yeah I've kinda always thought along those lines. There are those with real chemical balances and some that are just never happy so they label it as depression.

leslie :-D · Mar 17, 2012

this is a wonderful question, jdoug.

the examples you provided, e.g., unemployed, money, new baby...

are normal, qd stressors that affect all of us at some time in our lives - often, at all times.

when we struggle with conflict, we're not happy.

this is unlike depression.

in true depression, there is an inner emptiness.

in major depression, even when life is going remarkaby well/no conflicts, you remain unphased.

now jdoug, that doesn't mean your friend isn't depressed.

just by virtue of being a new mom, she is sleep-deprived as well as adjusting to her new role.

if it really interferes to the point where she's having trouble coping, encourage her to seek professional help.

in the meantime, some sort of physical activity throughout day, will stimulate endorphin production and help somewhat.

glad you brought this up.

i speak from a place that understands depression, has lived it, and lives it.

finally, i agree with you that those who aren't depressed, but are experiencing challenges of daily life...

then antidepressants would be inappropriate. :twocents:

any type of psych med, should always be given as a last resort.

leslie

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

I guess my argument would be that depression does not have to be clinical. Depression can be a mood state, as well, not just a DSM diagnosis. Like happiness or sadness or whatever.

Now, I'm young, only in my late twenties so I don't have that much life experience but I would assume that certain moods as a reflection of current life happenings...have always happened.

To me, the bigger overall difference is that people can so openly project their feelings to everyone. And that this behavior is at least nominally accepted in (younger?) social circles.

So it's not necessarily that people these days have an exaggerated emotional response to events but that they have a) the ability to share their emotions with everyone via facebook, email, etc. and b) the social approval to do so.

Altra, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

dirtyhippiegirl makes some good points ... but this oldster still sees much of it as an exaggerated emotional response.

My threshhold for correct use of the term "battling depression" is a little higher ...

dirtyhippiegirl, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

dirtyhippiegirl makes some good points ... but this oldster still sees much of it as an exaggerated emotional response.
My threshhold for correct use of the term "battling depression" is a little higher ...

Eh, I tend to agree. Most people who invoke depression tend to use it in a clinical sense and you can probably bet that they would be rx'd anti-ds. (Wasn't there a pretty recent thread about needing psychotropic medications to do our jobs as nurses?)

pinkfluffybunny · Mar 17, 2012

I am 38 and even i see the change. I think the view of the op is valid. I also think that we have done a huge disservice to the youth. They have been told we are all equal, life is fair, etc. But, it is not. Then they go out into the world and realize all of the things parents have shielded them from first hand. Then there they are unequiped to handle the emotional burden that sometimes no matter how hard they try things may not be the way they want. They have been bombarded with this concept of depression, and instead of sticking it out, working through the problems, they reach for a Rx and an excuse. Not to say that some people aren't truly in need of meds, I have met a few. A little honesty with our children would go a long way. Sometimes life kicks your *** so you get up and go for a rematch.

JDougRN, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

The thoughts offered so far have been great! I'm glad to know I'm not the only one seeing this trend.

Leslie- I appreciate your input, and I was concerned about her possibly having some PP depression- and as any parent who has had young children and sleep deprivation, I can certainly relate. From what she described to me, she is getting out, has an active support system, is working on putting her new business online, ect. The things she is describing to me (IMHO-) aren't depression- Keep in mind though, that my friend is "One of those types..." You know, who has a very DRAMATIC and exagerated history. One decel in labor and "My baby almost DIED!" Some slight degenerative disc issues, and she "Has 6 months until she can't WALK!!!!!" You all know the type I'm sure.

I guess I kind of look at it like I look at the true chronic migraine pt.s, vs drug seekers. The Migrain pt might very well be discounted in some ways, because of all of the drug seeking fakers- I wonder if this has a similar effect with daily situational unhappiness vs. true depression sufferers?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 17, 2012

Even as a person who's had episodes of clinical depression, I don't see how anyone could really be offended by this line of reasoning. I think the OP, along with pinkfluffybunny and a couple of other posters have raised some valid questions and made accurate observations about the general public's lack of patience with 'negative emotions'. (There are no negative emotions; anger, sadness, guilt etc. simply are.) An entire generation of Americans has grown up with the idea that everyone is a winner and that no one ever has to suffer if they don't want to....there's "a pill for every ill", so to speak.

This does not serve us well as a society---not only because it makes a mockery of the difficulties that people with actual DSM-IV diagnoses go through, it provides the erstwhile 'sufferers' with a built-in justification for their behaviors. Sometimes I overhear the young gals at my workplace moan, "It's not my fault I'm late, I was just, like, soooo depressed cuz my boyfriend went out with his buddies". Wonder how far I'd get if I tried to excuse a lack of attention to detail at work with a statement like, "Well, it's not MY fault I didn't get those reports out on time, it's just that I've been manic this week and I can't concentrate"? :rolleyes:

I am older than most of you who've posted thus far, and I remember a time when folks felt that not every emotion deserved expression. While I wouldn't want to see mental illness pushed back into the closet again, it would be nice if more people would realize that every little upset, argument, insult, bad day, crying episode, and freak-out doesn't have to be documented and dramatized on Facebook.

:)

mofomeat · Mar 17, 2012

I'm 37 and I've seen a vast difference in people self-diagnosing an assortment of conditions in recent years. As much as I grumple about "the younger generation has it so easy", I'm also aware that for a lot of them the easy upbringing means they are unprepared for what real life is about to hand them. So along the same lines, many people in that segment will find the fastest and easiest way out. It's not their fault, and I feel bad for the plight they have.

I think that in this day and age, it is really easy to say "I have depression", and there are a lot of doctors that are willing to paw through the 4-color glossies and prescribe the latest wonder drug to cure all ills. So there is the justification, from a professional.

I won't bore everyone with the details, but (in my experience) the "real deal" when it comes to depression, there are three hallmarks:

1) Crushing apathy. Your sister could die today, and you could win the lottery tomorrow, and you won't be affected by either. At all. Not happy, not sad, not even preoccupied with either idea. You just acknowledge it and move on with your feeling of emptiness.

2) Loss of hope that not only will anything ever be different, but the incorrect belief that it never WAS different. There is a false perception that you've always been this way and always will be this way.

3) No motivation to do anything. ANYTHING. You reach over, shut off the alarm at 10am. But it's the hunger that eventually makes you get out of bed at 1pm. What were you laying there thinking about the whole time while staring at the ceiling? You don't remember. But as you eat those kidney beans cold out of the can with a spoon, you stare off into space for another 40 minutes ruminating on what you feel like, and none of it is ever remotely close to things like taking a shower, getting dressed, loading the dishwasher or *gasp* going outside for a change.

I'm no doctor, and I'm in no position to second guess anyone else's feelings or troubles, but when someone tells me they're depressed, this is the scale I use to measure it against. Depression is a little different for everyone, and maybe it was just different for me than others. At the end of the day, when someone is feeling down, they really need some empathy, hope and understanding. Drugs may help temporarily, but they're only a band-aid.

Perpetual Student · Mar 17, 2012

Depression is over-diagnosed and treated, seemingly due to patient demand. There's a difference between there being something off with your brain chemistry and being unhappy because you have a lousy spouse and a lame job, and are in debt up to your eyeballs. Being unhappy can be a helpful sign that you need to change your life--or perhaps your expectations.

As complex as the brain is, my inclination is to take a hands off approach unless function is significantly disturbed. In a world where instant gratification is expected, the pharmaceutical commercials promising rainbows and unicorns if you take their pills are taken as gospel without skepticism. Drugs should be reserved for those who have significant symptoms that affect their ability to function.

I in no way want to malign those with mental illnesses. There certainly are many people who're profoundly depressed and for whom the benefits of medication outweigh the risks.

Sometimes people just need to put on their big boy pants and accept life for what it is. You're not always going to get your way, things aren't always going to well, and you're not always going to be happy. So what. Do what you can to make the best your life and don't sweat the rest.

I echo the sentiment above that it is interesting that in our modern soft, weak society where people are coddled is when we have this surge of depression and anxiety. I agree that it may be in part a result of people having completely unrealistic expectations and never having developed proper coping mechanisms. Egocentrism certainly seems to play a role as well.