Korean Job Discussion Forums

[newyork10005]

do you think one can be depressed for no reason?
or is it just me?

[Seoulio]

Well, you cant say there are NO reasons, every single person has negative things and influences in thier life, and all of these things affetc them and thir emotional state.

These emotional states influence depression. So you are kind of arguing that depression can exist in the absense of a MAJOR catalyst ( deth in the family, loss of job, money issues)

BUt seeing as though depression is for the most part a chemical imbalance in the brain ( as far as I remember) many people have it without a specific cause, and many people find it increses when major events change their emotional state and these states allow the body to secrete different chemicals that can deepen the depression

[K-Dog]

Maybe you're depressed because you think you have no reason to be depressed? But that in itself is a reason to be depressed so upon learning that fact you should no longer be depressed.

[drkalbi]

I'm depressed reading this thread.

[balzor]

depression is a state of mind. Quit feeling sorry for yourself and enjoy life for everything it is and isn't

[nukeday]

[djsmnc]

[yoja]

In response to the OP's question, I don't think so.

I think that it is more likely that someone is in denial and/or is not emotionally ready to deal with the issues that lie at the source.

People experience depression differently. If someone thinks particularly negative thoughts about himself/herself, or if that person has feelings of worthlessness (which would indicate a depressed mood) or thoughts of suicide then I think it is unlikely that there is "no reason."

If someone is experiencing physical symptoms of depression but not so much of the mental/emotional anguish (eg, can't sleep/sleeps too much, has no appetite/consistently overeats to deal with the stress, experiences a much higher level of anxiety or aggression, etc.) then I think that the depression is likely due to a specific external stressor or a major life change, which can be harder to pinpoint. Overcoming a diagnosis of terminal illness, culture shock, having a baby, getting married, or even moving away from home for the first time can all be extremely stressful situations and could potentially trigger depression even though they are generally seen as happy, positive events. Even realizing that you're not as amazing as you thought you were, or that you'll never be the 'superstar' you imagined yourself becoming can be difficult to cope with.

If you honestly can't think of any cause for your depression, try asking yourself why you are experiencing it in your life now? What has made you particularly vulnerable or sensitive to the extra stress at this point in your life? Learning to ask yourself questions and being brave and honest enough to understand and deal with the truth can take time.

Good luck, find a good source of social support/a friend whose shoulder you can cry on, and be gentle with yourself.

[tfunk]

[kinerry]

Yes you can, that's what depression is.

I have a fun kind called bi-polar disorder where my brain will either produce too much serotonin and put me in a state of bliss, or not produce enough and put me in a state of serious depression. It tends to over compensate and you get this fun yo-yo effect going on where one day you wish you were dead for no reason, then the next you feel like it's the best day of your life.

I've had that happen for months on end...

The best solution I've encountered is 5htp, an over the counter serotonin booster. Counseling is useless for a depression sufferer, and depression pills usually just remove the sadness part at the cost of also removing the happiness part.

You can have chemical reasons for it, which everyone here is conveniently forgetting. I've gotten great at controlling my feelings, most people who are aware of them are, but you can't control chemicals.

[koreafied]

I hope you're not too depressed. If so, there are places in Seoul you can go and get help. My friend saw foreign counselors when he went through his divorce.

Seriously, I used to feel depressed when I didn't eat well. I've heard lack of vitamin B can cause depression, which is common after too much drinking. Vitamin B helps my mood. May sound silly, but vitamins can't hurt.

[Jane]

A lack of iron too can make you feel scatty.

I go out for a big steak at the Outback when I'm feeling bichy.

[kinerry]

Once again, 5htp

Vitamin B and Iron are useless unless you have huge deficiencies.

[Young FRANKenstein]

[.38 Special]

Happens all the time. It's all in your head.

My foolproof solution: "Hey Self, why so sad? If you're too sad you can kill yourself, right now. No? You don't want to die? THEN STFU AND GET ON WITH THE JOLLIES!"

Works like a charm

The thing about depression is that it is bio-chemical. You can't merely address it with pure willpower alone -- that is, at best, a temporary solution. Sure, it's doable, but it's not particularly pleasant and the long term effects will leave you a pretty rotten person.

Making changes to your lifestyle would be the first place to look. Changing your diet, your exercise routine, and your social network are the first places to look. Another great way to keep you out of the rut is to establish a goal and work toward that, such as losing weight, getting healthier, or going on an adventure.

My current goal is to find a woman desperate enough to sleep with me. I'll have to find a new goal after the horribly embarrassing outcome of the previous "accomplishment." A series of goals work best, that way you never feel a sense of anti-climax... well, depending on the goal...