Recovery From Depression and Bipolar Disorder

Although the word depression is misused in our society, sometimes describing the feeling that occurs along with minor disappointments, as in “I missed my favorite show, I’m so depressed” or “I’m so depressed, I didn’t get that promotion”, the truth is that most people who are suffering from clinical depression are reluctant to say so to anyone other than their most intimate family members or friends, and their treating clinicians. Actual depression is an overwhelming feeling of sadness, despair or even numbness to any aspect of life.

True depression, unlike a simple temporary situational sadness, is an illness that is every bit as biological in origin as diabetes, heart disease or cancer. Unfortunately, unlike many medical conditions, there is no simple diagnostic test that provides both an accurate diagnosis, and the most appropriate form of treatment. For instance, a broken bone can be seen on an X-ray, and the orthopedic specialist can determine exactly how to realign the fracture. A urinary tract infection can be diagnosed by a simple labratory culure which will also identify exactly which antibiotics will be effective against the bacteria causing the infection.

  Depression, on the other hand, is diagnosed based upon the symptoms that the individual describes to the psychiatrist, and is treated with medications, often on a trial basis, in the hopes that they will work. Trial and error is one of the primary methods of treating depression and we find ourselves thus feeling that this is not a true illness. However, at this point, physicians do the best that they can to choose a medication that will relieve the patient’s symptoms.

That may soon no longer be the case. Dr. Paul Greengard, who is the  head of the Laboratory of Molecular andCellular Neuroscience at the Rockefeller University, is a neuroscientist and the winner of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000 for his work related to dopamine and other neurotransmitters, and their effect on the brain.                                                                                                                                                

Other than medication, there are many treatment and recovery based practices that someone who is suffering from depression can use to regain their life, and be active in the recovery process. Therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, relaxation techniques, even signing a contract with the treatment provider to complete certain routines or tasks even when the depression feels overwhelming. Peer support groups, such as the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance are available in a growing number of locations, and the amount of on-line communities to provide education and support is huge.

The onset of depression is out of the control of the person who develops this illness. However, the use of active treatment regimens in order to combat the illness is very much in the hands of the individual who is depressed, but will require some initial treatment, most likely with medication, before they are able to complete such things as wellness and recovery plans.