Depression Support Group

Depression is a real and debilitating condition that is often misunderstood by family and friends. Its meaning can range from a prolonged period of sadness to an actual mental illness with specific symptoms. Find and share experiences with others who are going through the same struggles.

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OldCodger 02/21/2015

Recently my therapist explained to me that depression is "negative brainwashing of the subconscious mind by the conscious mind at an unconscious/take it for granted/second nature level" (although for a short period of time [approx. 3 weeks] the brainwashing was conscious rather than unconscious - unconscious thinking is habitual thinking).

I'm interested to hear if anybody else here has had depression described to them in such way.

WanderingVet 02/21/2015

I have not ... but in and of itself, it is sensible ... to me.

WanderingVet 02/21/2015

somewhat simplified though.

undeadparagon 02/21/2015

Sounds like a common cause of depression, which to me, is the feeling that takes your energy away and makes you want to cry.

bluemood33 02/21/2015

No and I disagree with the therapist on this. Depression is very real but this therapist sounds like they are looking to impress. This is just my opinion (((((HUGS)))))

spacepony 02/21/2015

Idk. Depression is a body and mind illness. Not brainwashing. I don't get what your t is saying...

Razor91 02/22/2015

I've never had depression explained like that to me and if it was I certainly would not remember as it seems a very complicated way of explaining it. All I was told is that its a mood disorder.

undeadparagon 02/22/2015

Well I googled it, and it's not a cause or a disorder. It's slang for certain depressive mood disorders, but it's literally an emotion of sadness, despondency, and dejection. Emotions are chemicals in the brain.

heretic 02/22/2015

Sometimes depression has situational causes. I was hospitalized
recently and explained everything to the doctor. His response was to
add a few other meds to my already perfect cocktail. More meds
won't get me a place to sleep at night.

gustokitty 02/22/2015

yes, I've heard that. but this is only in part I think. the conditioning environment, ill health, abuse, lousy diet, etc, needs to be addressed.
But the explanation you mention is about brain connections and pathways. i'll explain in in my way, not necessarily accurate vocabulary.
But an certain brain pathway has been used so much it is the natural pathway. like walking a path through the woods or a field. it's easier to take the path that has been traveled most often. it takes practice and conscious decision to create a new path. ex: instantaneously replacing a negative thought, as soon as you notice it, with a positive thought.

koolman 02/22/2015

Interesting theory. Or it could be the unconscious mind overtaking the conscious mind, convincing the conscious mind that it's depressed.

OldCodger 02/22/2015

Emotions are chemicals in the brain - what stimulates those chemicals I wonder.

OldCodger 02/22/2015

As I understand it to be, chemical imbalance only occurs as a result of drug use or drug abuse of any kind.

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