is it really true

[melbatoast64]

I heard somewhere that if you are taking antidepressants for a chemical imbalance, eventually your brain will start working "normal" again. So, in theory, antidepressants are a cure for depression then? I kind of don't buy it.

[Bob_D]

Dear Toast,

I'm glad your antidepressants.are working for you.

Whether your brain starts working "normally" again is a completely subjective issue since normality is such a slippery concept. I think the most you can say is that many people find their sadness is relieved completely or markedly, and there may or may not be some side effects such as flattening of affect.

"Cure", to me implies a total resolution of symptoms after a delimited period of treatment and non-recurrence. Since we don't really know how antidepressants work (there are unproven hypotheses) and since many people have multiple episodes of depression, to say antidepressants "cure" would be, to my view, a gross exaggeration.

Since absolutely everything is made of "chemicals", to say depression is caused by a "chemical imbalance" is a bit like saying depression is caused by a molecule imbalance, which is to say nothing explanatory. I am aware that this phrase is in vogue but it is quite meaningless. I could say homelessness is caused by a "chemical imbalance" (shortage of chemicals in the form of a house).

Finally you ask "are we [ in the US ] just spoiled and looking for instant gratification?"
Whole books could be written, and have, on this topic. In my opinion, in Western culture we have been largely been falsely taught to believe that the greatest good and chance for happiness lies in personally acquiring as much power and security as possible through money, status, material things, and celebrity while traditional values of morality, learning, work, friendship, family, community, and citizenship have suffered or been discarded. As these trends have accelerated our national happiness quotient has gone down. Remarkably, it seems that sitting in a quiet place conversing with friends and family, which is still possible in countries with more traditional cultures brings more happiness then all the non-stop television, cable, movies, internet, video games, ipods, cell phones, piped in music and individual instant microwaved meals eaten in solitude that we can swallow.

Cheers,

[melbatoast64]

Thanks for the reply. My sister went through the same thing in her 20's and she said she grew out of it. I hope the same goes for me. I love what my AD do for me, but I just worry about the long-term affects.

As a side note, I read somewhere that the poorest people in third world country rate their happiness higher than how we rate ourselves in the US. And they don't feel the need for drugs. Are we just spoiled and looking for instant gratification?

[ParamedFlorena]

If antidepressants help you cope, then there is no doubt that they are working as intended. It's a good aid in them when the brain needs help with the chemistry.
Had they cured depression for good, they'd be classed as ... I don't know... miracle medicines? AD's help, so does a healthy living with nutrition, relationship and exercise in balance.

Put it like this: If I have to pay half of a thousand dollars each year to feel that life is ok, I will, of course additional costs for therapy but I will probably not need that for the rest of my life either. I'm determined to find ways to cope with my depressive behaviors. It is worth the 500... I do consider myself lucky thinking of others who might have to pay more..... Life is not a never-ending depression. We can take one thing at a time and master issues one after one.

Life is learning?

Florena

[melbatoast64]

Thank you for the response. I do all the things you noted. I think depression just runs in our family. The person that told me it was a "cure" was a neurobiology major in college so I believed him. I guess I was just being hopeful. I don't want to be on them forever, but i feel so great with them. I almost feel guilty about how good I feel.

[Venora Moonwind]

Its not a cure . your brain starts working Normal because of the andti depressants. If you stop taking them you will go back to the depression. Its a small price to pay for being normal.Also diet and exercise play key roles in stablizing you.Caffiene and sugar both aggravate depression so its good idea not consume these.6 small meals a day with lots of fruit, veggies and whole grains.3 oz of protein per meal.Exercise at least 30 minutes a day.even if its just a brisk walk. This will do wonders for raising you seritoin levels.
Love Venora