Job Discussion Forums

GambateBingBangBOOM · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Posts: 2021 Location: Japan

It really boils down to something that is very, very simple. Some people have depression- a disease. They would not do very well in rural Japan, unless they are very outgoing AND speak a lot of Japanese.

Some people are depressed. This is not the same thing. It is a short-term situational type of thing which looks like the disease, but can be caused by an emotionally tramatic experience like breaking up with their significant other- even if it is treated by medication. Again, it is a short term, isolated occurance.

The big difference then is that depression- the disease, would requre someone to constantly be on medication. A short term thing does not. If you are on medication at the time of the doctor's physical, or have recently been on them, then doctor's will not want to put their own reputation on the line by saying you are fit enough to go overseas (because the fact is, you aren't). But if it has been a while since being medicated and if your doctor sees your condition as fine, and the chance of recurrence as minimal at most, then they wouldn't have a problem saying so. It takes a while before drugs that effect a mental state are completely out of your system, just as it takes a while for them to start working.

King of Babylon · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Brisbane, Australia

I think any situation where one needs to ingest chemicals for the purpose of facing the day is a no-win situation. The quicker you get off them, the better in my opinion. The only person who can ever cure you (in terms of attitude and outlook) is yourself, and no cure is quick and easy. Different things work for different people, but medication can never be the ultimate solution.

spidey · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 3:23 am Post subject:

RIGHT ON, KING!! Very Happy

The ability to DEPEND on youself is by far becoming the most unused skill that we possess.

Just remember "the little engine that could." I know I can...I know I.... Wink

S

vash3000 · Joined: 13 Nov 2003 Posts: 56

Ha!

Nice to see the old crew still floating around, and Glenski ... you`re as grumpy as ever.

Please don`t ever change.

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

For all of you who feel people suffering from depression shouldn't take medication, do you also feel diabetics shouldn't take insulin or people with high cholesterol or blood pressure their legally-prescribed medications? After all, they should rely on their own inner selves, not medication, right?

It's a medical disease, you idiots, rooted in wonky brain neuro-chemistry, not a failing in character or will.

Celeste · Posted: Wed Nov 17, 2004 10:36 pm Post subject:

ntropy - I agree with you. I think it would be unwise for anyone who needed to be medicated for depression to come to Japan without a secure supply of their medication. Just as it would be unwise for a person with a heart condition to come to Japan without a secure supply of their heart meds.

Billy Chaka · Joined: 20 Oct 2003 Posts: 77

spidey · Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 4:16 am Post subject:

To Mr. Ntropy,

Did you forget to take your medication today? I think you are suffering from a "failure of character."

Are you so sure of yourself that you can go around calling other people idiots? The very process of you writing such a negative post would significantly alter your brain chemistry. Does this mean that you should take some drugs? Maybe a happy pill?

My point is that with every thought that we process and every emotion that we feel, our brain chemistry changes. We do not always need to rely on outside intervention when it comes to improving our state of mind. And it is "state of mind" that we are discussing here is it not?

Do you know the difference between a Psycologist and a Psychiatrist?

I would much prefer to learn how to control MY OWN MIND, then to have to rely on drugs.
Of course there are times when drugs are the answer, but it does not mean all of the time. As your previous post would suggest.

Have a nice day. Or at least try to... Smile

S

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

King of Babylon · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Brisbane, Australia

I find it a shame you also removed David W's wishes of farewell to me. I personally thought it was quite charming of him.

If I understand correctly, you describe trolling as 'just extending the conversation'. If you didn't want the conversation to be extended, don't reply to my posts. I'm not the one who doesn't want the conversation extended. Other than that, just lock the darn thread if it bothers you so much.

Well go ahead and delete this if you must, I can't so much as sneeze on here without somebody applying sanctions. Not that it matters anymore of course.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

You can post on here but there are a few rules you need to consider as anewbie poster:

no trolling and making a nuisance of yourself. Myself and a few of the others have been posting here for the last 6 years, when you were still in high school, and have a low tolerance for trolls and nuisance posters.
no dragging up old threads once they have been deleted.
no baiting people i.e posting just to get a rise out of people
no slandering of people, especially Moderators. Personally I dont care what you think of me. The same rules apply to everyone else as they apply to you. If you want to insult and abuse me send me a PM.
Keep to the topic. Your last thread went on for 10 pages going around in circles without much being said, not based on any logical or rational or consistent reasoning. I have at least a dozen people who will back me up.
You actually said you wanted to withdraw your membership and not apply for the JET program. No real interest in teaching English in Japan even though this is a Japan forum. What exactly is it that you are still interested in finding out here?
If you have any particular questions you want answered please feel free to post.
You also said you will continue on to graduate school after you graduate. My only question is: what you are still doing here if you are not trolling?
If you want your registration withdrawn for you as you asked for I will quite happily see to it for you.

Erikku · Joined: 07 Nov 2004 Posts: 20

King of Babylon · Joined: 09 Oct 2004 Posts: 24 Location: Brisbane, Australia

It is no fault of mine I am younger than you, Mr. H. You do not seem to have the ability to post a reply to me, or some other posters, without being belittling. Those who belittle others are insecure.

But wow. Being a message board moderator since I was in high school, I hadn't realised, serious respect is due there. I'll certainly give that little piece of information big points for relevance, if nothing else.

Of course you have several people who could back you up in your claims that I'm irrational. Other teachers of EFL in Japan, of course.

The thread I began might have saved other young uni grads with no idea what to do with their lives/skills a year wasted doing something thats not for them in a country thats not for them. One piece of valuable information in the thread was that being an ALT does not meet NEAS guidelines in Australia (and probably everywhere else too) as officially recognised teaching experience, for those wishing to pursue a career in ESL back home, and were thinking of using the JET program to get the experience. These small details can be life changing.

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Why are you posting on the JET and depression thread?

Are you planning to hijack this one as well?

PAULH · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 4672 Location: Western Japan

Start a new thread for Babylon and I promise I will leave you alone.

If I get any complaints from anyone else I will come and pay you a visit though.