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The Science of Depression

I found this interesting. Depression is very (!) misunderstood, and there's a lot of stigma associated with it. Someone I know once said that when people struggle with a physical ailment, there is a lot of rallying around that person to support and offer help. But if someone is suffering from a mental disorder or an emotional disorder, they're often shunned, and almost always misunderstood.

The video explains that there are many aspects to depression - both biological and emotional, and that it's complexity defies simple, pat answers. And while I applaud the video for bringing attention to these kinds of things, I also wonder about trying to place too much emphasis on the biology or physical side of depression. It seems like it might be an effort to have it gain acceptance, just like any other physical ailment. In reality, I feel that we need more acceptance and understanding of everyone, with any kind of disorder or malady. We all struggle, and we all rely on each other for help and support and sustenance. And we'll only get through this thing called life together.

(PS - I generally really like these guys. They're good stuff).

Comments

lillysmum said…
What is wrong with placing emphasis on the physical and biological side of depression? This is often from where it stems and where one needs to go to alleviate it. It is, as they said, a physical ailment with social and psychological implications.
August 25, 2014 at 6:19 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
None. But I said "too much emphasis". Depression is an issue with many facets, each of which deserve consideration. Ignoring one aspect while focusing too much on another would seem detrimental. I worry that people look for easy solutions to problems, attacking the branches rather than the roots.
August 25, 2014 at 6:33 PM
lillysmum said…
The root IS physical. Why is it ok to look for an "easy solution" to physical ailments without such psychological implications, but not for these? Your thyroid not working? Here are some thyroid problems. Erectile dysfunction? Viagra. Broken leg? Have a cast and some pain pills. Depression? Well, that's all in your head. Bi-polar? You just need to talk it through with someone. Why is there such a stigma against medication for clinical depression, anxiety, etc, but not for other chronic diseases? Yes, there are many facets to depression, but when I find a solution for it, by damn, I'm going to run with it.
August 25, 2014 at 7:28 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
I don't mean to suggest that the physical aspect of depression should be ignored. Quite the contrary. If viable solutions and aids exist, by all means. But my point is that it's a more systemic condition - affecting not just the physical, but the emotional and spiritual well-being of a person. As such, and because it is so complex, each aspect should be explored and treated as appropriate and if possible. The over emphasis of one aspect at the expense of others should be avoided.
August 25, 2014 at 7:58 PM
lillysmum said…
AFFECTING the emotional and spiritual well being. That's a very important distinction. You want to go after the ROOT, not the branches? The root is very, very often physical. Treating the symptoms doesn't treat the problem. And, believe me, no one is ignoring the the other aspects of it. It has been treated as "all in your head" for so long, that it is vitally important that the fact of it being an illness with physical roots be made common knowledge.
August 25, 2014 at 8:07 PM
lillysmum said…
As a person who has dealt with this illness the large majority of my life, I for one am very glad that it is finally being recognized as an illness with physical roots, and therefore, vast strides are being made in the treatment of it, not to mention, a moderate lessening of the stigma associated with it. Yes, it affects my emotional and spiritual well being, but when the physical part of it is corrected, the other manifestations magically correct themselves...
August 25, 2014 at 8:14 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
Clearly, I have much to learn. I agree that it needs to be brought to a greater understanding and awareness. I did post the video, after all. But my point still stands - a comprehensive approach to helping - even just understanding - depression is important, and better than an approach that downplays certain aspects, whatever they may be.
August 25, 2014 at 8:15 PM
lillysmum said…
Your point would stand if it were an issue. It isn't. Adding the physical element is what makes it comprehensive. That is what has been ignored for some time, or "downplayed" if you prefer. No one is ignoring the other aspects of it.
So...do we treat the root of it or the branches?
August 25, 2014 at 8:19 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
You're saying that all aspects of care for depression are being adequately addressed?

Hopefully we can learn to help and understand all aspects of it. Roots and branches.
August 25, 2014 at 8:24 PM
lillysmum said…
You're the one who said we need to treat the root, not the branches. The root appears to be a great deal physical, but yet you seem uncomfortable with idea of focusing on the physical, which is odd to me, when treating the physical often seems to control all of the branches...
August 25, 2014 at 8:29 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
No, I think I've been very careful to note that each aspect of care should be addressed as important. Maybe the physical is an easy way to help. For some. Maybe for others not so much. My caution is against the over emphasis of one at the diminishment of others which may be helpful as well.
August 25, 2014 at 8:34 PM
lillysmum said…
WHY do you think that FINALLY addressing the physical root of it, diminishes the other possible aspects of it?
August 25, 2014 at 8:40 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
I don't think that. I don't think I even implied that. Over emphasizing a certain aspect to the diminishing of others should be avoided. Of course one would do anything and everything that would help. But my point is that we should care for the whole person as effectively as possible.
August 25, 2014 at 8:52 PM
lillysmum said…
"And while I applaud the video for bringing attention to these kinds of things, I also wonder about trying to place too much emphasis on the biology or physical side of depression."
The implication seems to be that there is too much emphasis being placed on the physical aspects of depression, to the detriment of the other aspects, which is odd to me, because until recently, not nearly enough emphasis has been placed on the physical root of depression.
Perhaps that isn't what you meant, but it surely reads that way, which is where this little debate started.
August 25, 2014 at 8:58 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
The superlative "too much" may have clued the careful reader in. ;) Clearly an appropriate amount of emphasis is what is required for effective understanding and help.
August 25, 2014 at 9:08 PM
lillysmum said…
Ooh, way to pull out the snark. Well done! Alright, I shall leave you to your misguided opinions for the evening.
August 25, 2014 at 9:10 PM
Bill Cobabe said…
Nothing else clever to say? Soundly beaten in the skirmish? Leaving the field with head held high and dignity still intact?

Probably a good idea. ;)
August 25, 2014 at 9:17 PM
lillysmum said…
Getting ready to punch you in the nose? Yes, that's the one.
August 25, 2014 at 9:18 PM
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