I'm not talking about an occasional bout of the "blues". I mean extreme, almost crippling depression; a case that would be diagnosed as such by a doctor.
Just curious if anyone on this site has ever experienced this....
Once when I witnessed a death in the family. I went into deep depression because I felt responsible. I enlisted the help of a therapist. Its something I've never done before and it took a lot of courage to make the initial contact and go. I'm not someone who believes you should run to the doctor for drugs or therapist just to complain about your life or you feel bad. I told the therapist I didn't want drugs as part of treatment and once we got thru the issues I told her I felt I didn't need anymore sessions. What I'm saying is there are legitimate reasons to seek out the help of a therapist, but you have to be serous about resolving the issue and not just use it for drugs or validation.
I Was diagnosed with depression in my 20's. Took medication and had regular therapy. I still have to deal with bouts now and again, but I am off the meds and therapy and generally regulate it with diet. It's never been so bad where I couldn't function, so I'm sure mine was mild.
I have never had depression, but my brother had clinical depression, and medication helped him. He seems fine now as long as he takes medication.
What people need to understand is the difference between clinical depression and situational depression. Clinical depression is thought to emanate from a chemical reaction in the brain, and it is very real. Situational depression is also real but needs different treatments.
I had a friend who was fired from her job and there was an investigation into her behavior. During that time, she was very stressed, so the doctor put her on anti-depressants. She told me the meds were not helping, and she could barely eat or sleep. I told her to discuss situational depression with her doctor. He then prescribed mild tranquilizers and sleep medication which really helped her. She got her job back, and all was fine.
My point is doctors need to know the different circumstances that surround various forms of depression. If it is clinical, then anti-depressant meds and therapy can sometimes help. Situational depression often brought on by the loss of a job or a loved one may need different kinds of support or help.
Thanks Joan, for pointing out there's a difference between clinical depression and situational depression.
When I made my original post, I guess I was referring mostly to clinical depression. However, if members wish to post about either kind, that's fine with me.
I used to suffer from depression, just not severe. But I know it can be debilitating. 
