for those that suffer due to a chemical imbalance, my heart goes out and should (this is all just opinion) take medication. ... however, (again an opinion), all too often it is too easy to try to patch up problems of a spiritual/psychological nature by prescribing medicine rather than trying to address the root of the cause. i personally have little faith in western medicine to cure things that they don't really understand.

[quote="redoctober
You obviously know very little about depression Magno. Sufferers of Bi-polar frequently work themselves into the ground, then have periods where they are too exhausted to do anything. Many 'artistes' (pop-stars, actors etc) seem to suffer this and it's the 'up' side that keeps them going. I could rant loads on this subject as I know it all too well, but I won't!

Be sure you know your subject before you dismiss it so easily.[/quote]

just been reading through this thread and thought i would post this website address up..

http://www.isitreallydepression.com/mini_c/isitreallydepression/index.asp

We are all individuals whom experience simular symptoms. No two people experience the same feelings. Depression is an illness and to many people cast judjment on others. wheres the compasion gone to ? Its a chemical imbalance within the brain that causes the mind to withdraw. I've been on medication now for several years and have found this, unhelpful.Doctors and phyciatarists have just fobbed me off never seeming to help. I;ve literally had to beg for help @ times, i just find life impossible @ times. If the people who seem to think depression is just an escapism , actually experience the true feelings of suicide maybe they might have a change of heart!!Well enuff of my drivel , JUST REMEMBER THIS.... THERES ALWAYS SOMEONE OUT THERE WORSE THAN YOURSELF!!"!

For sometime now i have been in the throws of stress and depression! i am on medication, probably drinking too much for my own healths sake and my zest for life is fading! In other words i have no enthusiasm for anything, even the basics are becoming hard work for me! I feel the weight of the world on my shoulders and wonder if i will even see that faint light at the end of the tunnel! All i seem to get is some git bringing me more hassles!

I have reached the bottom of the well! retreated totally into my cave UGH UGH! i don't want to see people and trying to be myself and i mean the true me is hard work! I have even had those dark thoughts too! This is not self pity i feel low and have been having dark thoughts as well!
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This guy is liscensed to chill, and thrill, but the opportunities to thrill are rather less than anticipated!!!!

Thanks for that polite reply Magno. It's probably more than I deserve considering how heatedly I jumped on your original post

You show a much greater understanding than I gave you credit for at that time.

I hope you can accept my apology. (sorry! no handshaking emoticons available )

It's ok redoctober, I completely understand why you quoted me due to your experiences - just wanted to reply and clear things up.

I've certainly learnt a lot from this thread and you seem like a really great forum member - I've enjoyed reading many of your posts!

One thing I like about this forum are the real life experiences people are bringing to the table; this thread is a perfect example. I should be around here more often.