Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Globutron]

Exercise has proven to be the best medicine. It has been shown (walking) to improve ones mood much faster than pills.

As for the original question, Apathy can be a form of depression. I was often accused of being depressed because I was/am so indifferent about anything in life (This isn't true, I just have that kind of aura about me), shrugged about things, never got angry or upset or overexcited.

I just tried to insist I was simply content. Which is true, but many depressed people are similar in appearance, they feel nothing. It can be a lifelong thing, related to Bi-polar disorder (manic depression) which isn't curable (among others), and also autism... I think. This is all old, old memories.

[nukeday]

I'm surprised at some of the Korean attitudes (shared by some in this thread) re: depression.

"Cheer up!"

[Zulethe]

Here are the facts folks: No one knows what causes depression...many theories but no indisputable empirical evidence.

Biological basis....sure...

Environmental....of course....

But how can one be depressed who has everything?

The Hollywood hottie who offs her self?

The lottery winner who becomes extremely depressed.

There is no one cause but I strongly lean toward existentialism combined with a biological predisposition to depression. That is to say, a lack of meaning in one's life is a definite precursor to depression.

Depressed? Get out of yourself...stop thinking about yourself and start thinking of others. Volunteer....etc...

[Forward Observer]

This is a very interesting book. It also talks about how our feelings affect others around you. Amazing stuff.


http://www.connectedthebook.com/

[D.D.]

How much alcohol do you drink. I am always surprised people who drink a lot wonder why they feel depressed.

Yes depression is a chemical imbalance. But what causes the chemical imbalance? I tend not to agree with the happy pill salesmen in white coats about how to cure most cases of depression. Before popping pills one should make dietary and lifestyle changes. If it is like suicidal serious or long term than one might consider meds, but anti-depressants are nasty things and should not be started on lightly.

Another thing is feelings are part of life and people who tend to try to numb their feelings get more depression. People who think too much and work too much also burn out their mind and tend to get more depessed feelings.

For many people short term depression is just a normal feeling that passes just like any other feeling.

[PRagic]

Have your thyroid checked out. Imbalaces add to depressive tendancies. Exercise is a natural pick-me-up, as is a healthy diet. Booze should be a no-go for anyone who is clinically depressed.

[southernman]

[Koveras]

Ya u gotta just chilllax. d

[The Gipkik]

[Kaypea]

So, you can just go to the yak and ask for 5htp?

Also, alcohol is the devil itself. I almost want a sponsor... or to get "DO NOT SERVE" tattooed on my forehead. It seems like a lot of people enjoy alcohol, it's nice to see I'm not the only one who can't handle it. I had a few on Saturday, and I had the shakes on Sunday with terrible paranoia.. it just undoes a whole week of sanity!

Where the teetotallers at?

[World Traveler]

Alcohol can definitely be a very destructive force in one's life.

The potential benefits it could give you are far outweighed by the potential drawbacks.

[Julius]

[pangaea]

balzor wrote:

[AsiaESLbound]

I think there is always a reason. It's likely financial, career, legal, or relationship issues as the most common reasons as well as being too sedentary. I know when I lack money and love, it saddens me and I get into a funk. Working a job where it's impossible to have good relations and full support backing you is a major common issue for many. A lack of career opportunities is also a major culprit and discontented concern about an uncertain future is not good. Chronic sleep deprivation in a night owl who has to get up too early for work is a real catch 22. I'm not saying lots of money and a good job is an end all answer to happiness, I'm saying a lack of wealth and opportunity can have severe consequences when it bothers you that much with insecurity and discontent you can't shrug off. It requires adequate means, healthy lifestyle, time management, the right job, adequate housing, and a good mix of activities to be content and happy enough to not be depressed. This is a sign you need to keep busy, get lots of exercise, eat lean and healthy, sleep, and work for savings to enable you to make a move into a better fit. Hunkering down teaching ESL in Korea is only a stepping stone for many needing $20,000 to make that next important step with.

And the #1 reason people get depressed...... Boredom and a lack of getting out of the house for exercise. I'm with you that walking is good. Hiking uphill to get your heart rate going with hot sweaty feeling is even better. Living in a community with good living facilities like bike lanes, parks, recreational venues, and adequate city zoning and waste management to accommodate the crush of people is also very important. Exercise and taking quiet time out with some personal space really does make a difference to give you the strength to pull through a miserable depressing time in life when the chips are down. You may not still be happy yet until you find a lifestyle fit good for you, but you have more, "can do," energy to get you through the ho hum grind.

[nautilus]