Group therapy time

[infinite monkey]

Originally Posted by DanaC

The positive flipside to this story might be that there is less stigma attached to depression in the US, making it more likely that those who do need help will actually seek it.


The entitlement to happiness thing is also a likely factor. Or, rather, an assumption that if you aren't happy then there's something wrong with you.

Another factor might be work culture. Mild depression may not really need medication, but if someone is struggling to keep their head above water, they may feel they need it in order not to end up taking time off work, or otherwise fucking up their job.

You said what I would have said had I been able to say it.

Also, I'm not surprised that 10% of Americans are on an anti-depressant. It's a chemical imbalance, folks. Do I believe that for a few SSRIs are a "happy pill?" Sure. As with anything, some are looking for a quick fix.

But for some, they make the difference between living and driving your car off a cliff.


I am the 10%.

[Spexxvet]

Originally Posted by infinite monkey

I am the 10%.

I am Sparticus... I mean the 10%.

[Chocolatl]

Originally Posted by infinite monkey

But for some, they make the difference between living and driving your car off a cliff.

I know this is neither here nor there, but I just had to chime in to say how close to home this line hit for me.

I spent about 8 months on SSRIs last year after Life got to be too much -- the stress of being a teacher paired with my father-in-law battling cancer shut me down to the point where I couldn't function on a daily basis.

This summer, with the school year done and Dad on track to good health, I met with my doctor and made the decision to wean off the medication.

Then the school year started back up.

Earlier this week, I found myself wondering if wrapping my car around a tree on my way in to work would mean I could take a few weeks off.

I'm headed back to the doctor tomorrow morning.

Part of me feels like a failure, like surely I could keep my self together without chemical help. The rest of me recognizes the honest fact that I can only do so much on my own, and I wouldn't be doing much of anything if I ended up in a ditch down a wooded road one morning.

[TheMercenary]

Originally Posted by infinite monkey

Also, I'm not surprised that 10% of Americans are on an anti-depressant.

That number is way higher than 10%!