Prozac Nation: Do You Really Have Depression? Top Ten Signs
It seems that more people are depressed today. But what are the reasons? And are people actually depressed?
Is it just that depression is more acceptable now and people are more willing to admit they are depressed? Is it genetic? Is it because society has become more corrupt? Is it because people have become hypochondriacs and think something must be wrong with them if they are feeling just a little out of it for a couple days? Is it due to self-medication and not knowing what real symptoms are? Is it because people are becoming less connected to the world and creating an antisocial bubble that revolves around “me, me, me?” Is it because people are getting away from God? Is it really even depression?
These are all ideas that have come to me recently, and I think there may be some truth to all of the above. I think many people don’t know how to handle average situations and just jump to the conclusion that they are depressed, and perhaps that is how the number of “depressed” people has risen.
Sure, there are actual depressed people out there who need medication and therapy. Also, there are people with short-term depression and depression that naturally occurs in certain situations and with life in general. I just think that some people confuse severe and clinical depression with just everyday depression.
I personally believe that people should not take pills unless they are completely certain they have severe depression. Why add any more unnatural substances in your diet and cause other health problems in the future when you could just go to therapy and learn a few coping strategies?
To back up my thoughts, an article I recently read talked about a study comparing the efficiency of an antidepressant, Zoloft, with St. John’s Wart and sugar pill placebos. St. John’s Wart helped 24 percent of the patients, Zoloft helped 25 percent and the sugar pill placebo helped over 30 percent.
The researchers think that the placebo worked because the depressed patients just wanted some attention, but when told it was a placebo, it stopped working. Um, what? That sounds like hypochondria to me!
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Add a Comment4 Comments
Damn, you are so ignorant.
May 16, 2010 - 3:02pmThis Comment
Anon,
Can you provide more constructive criticism as to why you disagree with this article? The strength of this community are from individuals expressing all opinions and providing the most up-to-date information in a helpful manner. (Calling someone "ignorant" is not helpful).
Thank you,
May 16, 2010 - 9:21pmAlison Beaver
EmpowHER Moderator
I think a bit more research on placebos may have been in order for this article. Not only hypochondriacs have positive effects from placebos, nearly everyone does. It's one of those weird things about the mind/beliefs having control over the body. Although well written and a good piece, I feel like negating depression as a disease is a negative thing to do. Thousands of people refuse to get help because they think they are "over reacting" or "weak". Depression kills people every day and it is very important to get help if you have long standing depressive symptoms. I think some sort of disclaimer to that effect may have improved the article.
November 16, 2010 - 1:46pmThis is Mariya, I'm very conscious about relations. I think that may be the reason I feel depressed many times.
January 5, 2011 - 2:48amMy doctor suggested me the medicine prozac , it is really helpful. I feel good after using prozac.
Hope it'll helpful to you also
Cheers!!!!
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