Depression discussion

[Mennogal]

The knowledge that I have it better than most of the people that have ever lived helps me when I'm feeling down.

That is very interesting. Depression really does not seem to have a correlation with "having it better" in life.

Maybe but being content whether you are rich or poor has something to do with it. I've known plenty of miserable rich people and many happy poor people.

There is a great documentary called "born rich" by jaime Johnson. The rich young heirs do not appear happy or content to me.

Depression doesn’t have an income requirement. Just look at all the musicians, poets and actors that have suffered from depression - all very successful people in their own right - who have taken their own life because of depression. I cried when I heard about Robin Williams and thought, how could I have any hope when someone like Robin chooses to end his life. Or the lead singer from one of my favorite “heretical” (lol) bands, Chester Bennington, who had a relatively new wife and children, a new life, a very successful career and the wont of nothing.

I do think that it’s a choice that has to be made. I do think it is simply, you either give in or you fight. I guess that after all these years still walking the earth, I’m a fighter.

[Mennogal]

This was posted on another thread and thought it appropriate here...

Recently, i’ve been seeing this quote:

“Depression is living in a body that fights to survive,
with a mind that tries to die.”
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/ad/77/09 ... af4735.jpg

This seems accurate.
It’s like our struggles with sin. We fight God’s Truth, but, why?

Plants, animals, microbes, don’t wrestle like humans (so often) do.
The inborn instinct to live, no matter what our brains “want.”

I find this to be an accurate statement about depression, and I believe that the weak-minded, those that lack sufficient drive and instinct, are likely the ones who don’t make it, who take their lives. Previously, I would have argued for the strength in an individual to take his/her life, but on much reflection, those of us who choose to battle it out every day are the strong ones. It’s often not easy for me, and it would be much simpler, easier, to end it all. But for whatever reason, Jesus keeps me going; He keeps me alive, and surely He must be present in me. I had fought God’s truth, to live, but eventually saw things differently and try to fight the fears and death. And it is often a struggle. I think that instinctually we do strive for life, but like saying that our instinct is to also love, instinct many times does not carry the day and our addled brains throw us off the path.

[Josh]

That is very interesting. Depression really does not seem to have a correlation with "having it better" in life.

Depression is like other common diseases; it strikes the the poor, the wealthy, those who are sick with other illnesses, and those who are otherwise healthy.

[RZehr]

Can depression be diagnosed by blood samples like other diseases?

[Josh]

Can depression be diagnosed by blood samples like other diseases?

There aren't yet widely available tests, but research is ongoing and looks promising. There are other diseases that also don't have simple tests, like MS; instead, a process of elimination has to happen to rule out other possible causes.

Modern medicine has reached a consensus that depression is a physical disease, just like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's.

[Mennogal]

Can depression be diagnosed by blood samples like other diseases?

There aren't yet widely available tests, but research is ongoing and looks promising. There are other diseases that also don't have simple tests, like MS; instead, a process of elimination has to happen to rule out other possible causes.

Modern medicine has reached a consensus that depression is a physical disease, just like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson's.

There has also been alot of research into utilization of brain scans for diagnosis. Sadly, we are just now really uncovering the mysteries of neurology, and neuropsychology has a long way to go to catch up.

[lesterb]

Can depression be diagnosed by blood samples like other diseases?

Can you diagnose a broken leg with a blood sample? Can you diagnose poor eyesight that way? How about sleep apnea?

I'm not sure that I would call depression a disease as much as a disorder. But there are ways to diagnose it, and some of those have been mentioned here.

[Hats Off]

Talking about depression, I had a call from Lucy last night at 10pm our time, the first contact in a year. I can do with prayers for wisdom. I can't walk away from her but I don't have much to offer her. For her life without baptism and membership just isn't worth living. She is on 24 hour suicide watch.

[Bootstrap]

Talking about depression, I had a call from Lucy last night at 10pm our time, the first contact in a year. I can do with prayers for wisdom. I can't walk away from her but I don't have much to offer her. For her life without baptism and membership just isn't worth living. She is on 24 hour suicide watch.

All you can do is care and pray. That's worth a lot. The rest is in God's hands.

[MaxPC]

Talking about depression, I had a call from Lucy last night at 10pm our time, the first contact in a year. I can do with prayers for wisdom. I can't walk away from her but I don't have much to offer her. For her life without baptism and membership just isn't worth living. She is on 24 hour suicide watch.