"Normal" depression is an emotional reaction to a sad, disappointing event. It can accompany grief, loss, financial hardship, etc. "Abnormal" depression is the pervasive feeling of disengagement even during "normal" times of life. If you are sad or blue as a reaction to something identifiable that happened recently, that's not really anything to consult a doctor about. If you have a chronic feeling of sadness, or just not interested in life, or feel irritable, and there's no real identifiable reason that you should feel that way, then consult your doctor. Finding a medicine that works can be a lengthy process. If you do not respond well to the first two types of anti-depressants they prescribe, consult a psychiatrist. They are much more current on the newest research.

despite what others may say, yes it is normal and any one who says otherwise is in denial, everyone experiences some phase of depression it's just that some can pull themselves out of it or "shake it off" better than others. My husband is one who does not believe in depression and unfortunately for him he has a wife (me) who does suffer with depression. I have had it for years and it is not easy. Some times I can shake it but other times it hangs on and that can make you feel even worse. My doctor tried several med's and everyone made me so tired or catatonic that I couldn't function. FINALLY we found one that worked, Cymbalta, but due to my having severe crohns and other issues it began messing with my liver counts and I had to stop. I went back to my herbal remedies from years ago and have found that St. Johns Wort works great ! If you are on any other med's make sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist first but I know from my own years of suffering this is a great relief.
Hope this helps and would love to stay in touch
Melanie

No, depression is not normal. Feeling a little blue or down occasionally is OK but depression is considered ongoing feelings of unhappiness and that is not normal. If it is true depression that has been ongoing most people need to speak to a qualified therapist. If it is jst feeling a little blue, volunteer somewhere, exercise, do something/anything useful to make yourself feel useful.

Depression is normal. Everyone, at some point in their lives has experienced depression, whether they want to admit it or not. It can be as subtle as being sad because you're a kid and it's raining and you can't go out and play ball or it can be as severe as feeling like you can't go on with your life after someone very close to you has died.

If someone is telling you that depression is not normal, they either don't know any better or they are trying to say something to be hurtful to you. Don't let anyone tell you that you are not normal if you feel depressed.

There was a very detailed program in PBS last week detailing the various forms of depression. You might want to see when it will be aired again, if you're interested in learning more.

If you have any feelings that are not typical for you or anything that concerns you about how you're feeling, your best course of action is to make an appointment to speak with a medical professional. Go to PBS and search for the word depression. It will bring up information about the show as well as resources.
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