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How much do we actually know about depression? Why are there no depression experts?

Shock
Community Member

Just came out of hospital again and its left me feeling pretty damn hopeless. Tried taking my own life again and the only treatment I get is to 'talk about it' with a psychologist. But that just doesnt work for me! I've talked and talked and talked to counsellors and psychologists for the last 13 years - its clear its not something that I respond to. Likewise, I have tried just about every anti-depressant under the sun.

I will probably either soon end up dead or in hospital again. But I wanted to ask, is there any 'depression experts' out there? Does anyone know of such a thing? I have a friends with more physical ailments - epilepsy and diabetes, for example - and they get to see specialists. Does anything like this exist for depression?

(Sorry for the whinge. I really do appreciate the work people do at hospitals. I am just kind of desperate).

12 Replies 12

Dear Shock

Read headline, and 1st paragraph about again ending up in ward with multiple Jesus'. There are experts on depression. They are those who experience it. Reach out I guess. I haven't..cause I'm as rooted as you.

Steve

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

dear Shock, I'm sorry I have missed your post.

This is a very serious problem that we have here, as nothing seems to be working for you, however there have people above who are also taking this as serious.

There's an interesting site that I have googled and I hope that you have the strength to be able to have a look, and it's 'other options when psychologists can't stop me committing suicide'.

This is not pertinent so much to this discussion, however it's a side issue, as it reminds me many years ago when my Dad (GP) was in partnership with a few other doctors, and at exactly 3pm one doctor went missing, and this happened for awhile, so Dad, being the main partner, followed him to see where he went, and he hopped into his car and swallowed a large quantity of a alcohol, and went back to work.

Dad confronted him and asked where he was, 'caught like flyn', and sacked on the spot.

This just relates back to any psych not being able to help you, and follows on with the site to google.

When I was depressed there was no way I would ever join a gym, club or any social event, while others could do it, it couldn't, just like you.

My psychologist kept on suggesting that I do it, but I didn't have any inclination nor the strength or willingness, so I stayed at home and drank.

If anybody came they would always say to me 'pissed again', why don't you go outside and do something, 'why should I do that', although I did throw the ball to Tessie, but I did that for her, not me.

All in all it's a terrible place to be in, and I understand exactly how you feel. Geoff.

Paul1
Blue Voices Member
Blue Voices Member

Dear Shock,

The Centre for Environmental Therapeutics are (claim to be) experts on depression.

 
I had suffered from depression on and off for about 15 years.

I discovered that a simple regimen, coupled with standard treatment under my specialist, has enabled me to live a positive existence.

Several years ago, a Melbourne researcher published a paper linking natural sunlight exposure to increased levels of serotonin.

Further clinical studies, described below (2), have lent weight to and put into practical application this discovery.

I find that, in my case, one hour per day of natural sunlight makes a significant positive difference. This means simply being out in the unfiltered sunlight  (ie without sunglasses or glasses), which I weave into the day with light exercise and usual activity (eg eating meal outside) is enough to make a great deal of difference.

My understanding is that it is the light entering the eyes, rather than light on the skin that is significant.

I believe that there is nothing peculiar about my condition or situation to suggest what works for me should not work for you and others.

Further details below 1,2.

Paul1

1. Lambert, Reid, Kaye, Jennings, Esler: Effect of Sunlight and Season on Serotonin Turnover in the Brain, The Lancet, Vol 360, Issue 9348, pp 1840-1842, 7 Dec 2002.

2. Dr Gavin Lambert (1) referred to work of Dr Prof Anna Wirz-Justice and associates of CET as "well ahead of the pack" in terms of the understanding and application of the above.