Depression

[freckle]

Don't think this is a thread to start squabbling on in the usual forum fashion. The initial post is serious and deserves and needs support, where possible. However, as in my Reference Guide thread, I maintain that professional help is the key. That doesn't mean that supplementary advice from those who have been or are in the same predicament has no value.
To all sufferers - courage and strength.

I wholeheartedly agree. Depression is a common (about 1 in 5 of us in our life time will suffer from it ) and potentially life threatening disorder and the reductionist arguments being espoused by some on this thread are very worrying.

Can I please draw people's attention to the link I posted earlier, this gives information on what depression is, the variety of treatments available (both medication and therapies) within the NHS. For people who want to know more about the evidence base for such approaches I would recommend visiting the National Institute for Clinical Evidence (NICE) website which has specific guidance on the treatment of depression, anxiety and other disorders. They go into a huge amount of detail about what the evidence is. It is unhelpful (and inaccurate) to start rubbishing one approach or another. The fact remains that like other forms of physical treatment there is not necessarily a one approach fits all and it is about finding out which is most helpful for you. The point about waiting lists is a relevant one and GPs are often in a difficult position in that they may wish their patient to have a combination of both meds and therapy but the person may have to wait longer for the therapy. There are considerable efforts being made at present to increase access to psychological therapies by training more staff. If you look at the evidence a combined approach (meds and therapy) is helpful for many people.

I think the point about thyroid difficulties is a very interesting one and I agree should perhaps be checked morre often.


http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Depress...Treatment.aspx