Yes i did't say you're defined by your depression. I mean after experiencing a depression, and after moving on, you are not the same guy you used to be.
All true. But of course we can't just blame it on the chemistry -- I think it's more helpful to think of it as a symptom of social failure (not on behalf of the person, just in general).
How is that helpful, and how would that not be on behalf of the person...? (That sounded kind of bitchy when I typed it out, but I'm honestly curious.)
Because just seeing it as a chemistry thing makes us think that the solution is in medicine. Maybe pills can help, but we'd be a lot better off if we work to fix the social ills that contribute to it. Like, if a person is depressed partly because he has been abused, we don't just throw a prescription his way and call it good. We try to fix the actual problem.
I see what you mean, but I think that's why it's called a mental disorder - you have to fix the mental problem (at least that's my view). The problem with calling it a social thing is that people like my mother assume "oh, it's not a /real/ problem, you just need to think positive thoughts". Obviously that isn't true, but you can see the balancing act involved here.
I get treated unfairly because I have depression. People told me they cant talk to me because I have depression. I may have depression but that doesnt mean I have some weird cantagious disease people should treat you differently for right?
What about those that don't try to help themselves. Loved ones being patient and encouraging and the depressed person is saying it's not them and they don't have to do or change anything.
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