[Idealist]

I've wondered that for a long, long time. I know if there is one thing that most everyone on these forums has in common, it's some degree of depression issues.

I know a lot of members probably deal with it in their own forum homes, because that's where they feel most comfortable. Still, if more people were to at least occasionally bring it here, it would create a path for someone from, say, Chronic Pain to help someone on a totally different forum with a problem they have in common. When people are depressed, it's often good for them to be able to surround themselves with at least a small group of friends who will understand, help, and protect them.

And more people would "meet" each other. I personally don't have a forum home, except for maybe Social Chat, because I have no diagnosis. I come here to Depression very often, just to check on it, but there's just not much traffic. Again, I wonder why...

[Julie]

I wonder too. I know a lot went back to BT and they are missed. It's so necessary to have support when you are depressed. There wouldn't be a lot going on in my life without my online friends.

[Idealist]

Exactly Julie!

And I know a lot went back, but I see that we still have quite a few people on Neurotalk, and it's going to keep growing.

That's another reason for people to post a lot right now, if they can. To build up a reservoir of info-experience so that when those potential new members come surfing through here to check it out, they'll see something that impacts them enough to make them want to come back. And maybe stay. And they could get the support they are looking for.

Wouldn't both of those be great???

[Chemar]

Hi Idealist and Julie

Both my husband and younger son have bouts of clinical depression related to their Tourette Syndrome.

They both benefit from OTC supplements although they respond best to different ones...my husband likes St John's Wort, while my son does best on low dose 5HTP with VitB6 and Inositol
They both got meanie side effects from regular SSRI meds, which is why the supps are a real blessing to them, and have the added advantage of also keeping their OCD at bay!

I have joined the discussion cuz I so agree it would be good to have this forum become more active. Depression is something I think all humans experience to greater or lesser degrees, just not always "clinical" by definition.

Having a support group to vent and share with is so valuable, isnt it! So reassuring to be able to talk to people who really understand because they have had similar experiences, either in themselves or with loved ones. One of the things my husband recalls from his youth is being told to "just get over it" when he became depressed Enough to cause another downward spiral eh! I am so thankful that my son has had the benefit of a dad who can truly empathise and just "be there" for him

[jingle]

Well --- for some of us one of the large part of depression is feeling like the giant idiot, the one ignored, the one given pointless pats on the head so we'll be quiet.
If we DON"T post we don't have to worry about being stupid. It's just like real life -- be quiet, be very quiet, smile and smile but never make a sound.

[Idealist]

Jingle...

I feel terrible that you feel this way. I personally read your posts everywhere I see them. I really do. I don't see them all, I'm sure, but I haven't seen one yet I thought poorly of. Your input is valuable to me all the time, and I mean that.

Thank you for joining in Chemar. I've done it both ways, with the SSRIs and the OTC supplements. For me, currently, I find the herbal route best. St. John's Wart is good. For me, so is this tea I found called Tension Tamer. Of course, it may have St. John's in it, I'm not sure. But it helps.

I think depression, like all mental illness, is as horrible as it gets. They say physical wounds are finite, but emotional ones aren't. I believe it. I live with both, and although the physical is more constant, the emotional side-effects of it are at times worse than the pain that causes it.

People who are feeling depressed so often become reclusive. They need to be made to feel extra-special welcome, but it has to be done honestly. Like Jingle said, nothing's more patronizing than an empty pat on the back.

I care about people who feel bad. I know everyone else here does, too. So we don't have to fake anything at all. I read these posts carefully and respond truthfully when I think I might can help. I won't lie to anyone.

Jingle, you feel free to post anytime. I know the feeling you're talking about, because I've felt ignored, too. Many, many times. Don't let it stop you, though. I know I'm not the only one here who listens to what you say.

[Boopers]

I definitely am depressed most of the time. The doc has me on prozac. Do you think it runs in the family because not just my immediate family but my Mother's side of the family also suffers from depression. I think why I am so depressed is with all my medical difficulties, I stay pretty much housebound. Thinking back, my Father also was depressed and even was hospitalized after he had a nervous breakdown. Wow, I never really stopped to think about depression and where it might come from. Is it hereditary?
Linda

[Idealist]

From what I've read, there does seem to be a definite hereditary link, Linda. But they are not really sure how much of that is passed through genetics and how much is "learned". Scientists...

I didn't know you experienced depression so much. You must hide it through your cheerfulness. I've done that, too. Sometimes it actually works...

[Curious]

it's the big D word. it has negative connotations.

but i hope people will atleast lurk here. get some help by reading others words.

post if it's just "blue" or down day. you don't have to have a dx of depression to post here.

and jingle..you know ithink you are the best! so talented!!!!!!! hehe...take a look at some of the pics jingle has posted. they sure enspire and cheer me up!! :::smooches::: & ((((hugs)))) and LOTS of choccy toya jingle friend.

hi boopers..and yeppers...depression can be hereditary. part of that can be family lifestyles, behavior and tradions that are passed on.

[Boopers]

Thank you Idealist and Curious!

You know, I never thought of it as being learned but if you live with people that are depressed all the time, I guess you are almost destined to be the same way!

Yes, Curious, I do stay depressed alot and YES I have become very good at hiding it. I try and make myself seem happy as I like to make people smile. I just don't let them see the real me, I guess.

Love,
Linda