depression

[Freude am Fahren]

Kids, since none of you who have commented on this actually hold an MD degree, and neither do I but I'm in the middle of getting it, I couldn't help but notice a misunderstanding between two very different emotional states: "Feeling" depressed vs. "being" depressed. Just because you feel depressed (bereavement due to loss of your E30, your dog, or your favorite ice cream shop just closed) is a labile or transient period that should usually resolve itself within two months given the strength of the support system that you have at your disposal. Being depressed, as clinically defined in the new DSM-V guidelines, is considerably different and should be taken seriously as the consequences of under treatment of this disorder are often dire. Clinically depressed folks often experience insomnia or excessive sleeping bouts, have no appetite, have lost the joy and happines that they once experienced in doing things they once loved (such as fixing your E30 or driving it around), have suicidal thoughts, are constantly fatigued and the list goes on. These symptoms would have to be present for a relatively long period of time before you can diagnose someone as clinically depressed. With that said, non of you kids out there are depressed or else you wouldn't be on this website hanging out with your friends and buddies and showing off your cool cars. If you are feeling depressed because you've recently relocated and are forced to reestablish your network of friends and foes, or if you wrecked your E30 and god willing walked away healthy from the crash, believe in yourselves. you've made it this far in life overcoming far greater obstacles than this. To feel depressed is a normal thing. To overcome this feeling and feeling better is a challenge that is only there to make your life more interesting. So embrace it. God speed

[e30vert]

I have never been depressed! It is hard for me to identify with and I know it exists.

It would help to know if the OP is depressed or just doing a kind of informal research related to his course of study / degree.

If OP is depressed then the first thing to do is recognize it and share that fact with others. This will help with releasing the feeling of guilt /shame and may help open up the idea that anything is possible. Including not feeling depressed.

The suggestion to exercise is a GREAT one! I never felt better or more mentally sound when pushing myself to go farther, faster , and climb larger hills on my mountain bike.

It was all consuming and allowed me to get away from the everyday stress and pressure of life. I biked by myself and with others , but was always focused on wringing myself out physically. When physically exhausted I would imagine that it would be pretty hard to be depressed at the same time. It leads to better eating and sleeping as well.

I tell people of all the benefits, but it appears that some just tune that suggestion out as they dont want to put forth the effort.

To those I simply say this , Just DO It! Start with one foot in front of the other and only focus on small goals to begin with and then you can build on them -like building blocks.

I started riding 1 mile and when I stopped I was riding 8 miles to get to 3 miles of uphill climb and bombing back down the 3 miles. Epic!

Stopped because life intervened and friend had a "widow maker" heart attack , but lived.

[SUICIDE109]

I don't crash my E30 because I drive very responsibly and cautiously.

Sounds like you drive like a bitch, yup definately like a bitch....

[VANOS714]

Interesting

[RagtopE30]

When I get depressed I take a big dump. Then I get impressed that I made something so big. I then feel enlightened!!

[Stanley Rockafella]

wow, this guy /\ even shit's greatness :D

[freeride53]

There are many things that can cause it, and many things that can cure it.
Personal story: after a near-death experience that left me hospitalized, I felt the shittiest mentally that I ever have felt in my life, for about a week or so, until I took a trip back home, and started to forget all the bullshit that had accumulated in my mind.

By the end of the year, I was feeling like myself again, though I'll always carry a bit of that shitty experience for the rest of my life.

also, for le disclaimer, I'm in the process of getting my Economics degree (no psych major here :D) but I did spend many hours talking/chilling with friends and teammates who are psych majors, and gathered my analysis partially due to their support.