Momoftwo,
Check out below links for definition of clinical depression and the criteria necessary for diagnosing a depression:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/clinical-depression/AN01057
http://www.medschool.pitt.edu/somsa/Depression.html
Can you please provide a link to show promiscuity is a symptom which leads to a diagnosis of clinical depression (clinical depressions essentially means having symptoms like depressed feelings that last more than 2 weeks) ?
It is incorrect to say that depressed people are able to function properly. Highly functioning depressed individuals that you mentioned, if they do exist, are more the exception than the norm. Please read links above for how clinical depressions might affect your daily functioning. In my case, it's an over-hanging sadness and the other feelings I described earlier that weighed me down like a stone. It was uncomfortable, yet I couldn't shake it away. And if you carry a stone all the time, how to be light and happy and function normally?
It is common now in stressful Singapore for many GPs to treat depression. I have friends in medical line who tell me that, and other friends who obtain medical help from GPs for stress-related ailments like tension headache (categorised under mental conditions) Why dont you check around first if what i said is true. If the case presented to the GP is complicated, the doc will refer to a psychiatrist.Â
The GP's clinic i went to, however, is not a ordinary GP clinic. It is also one of the registered satellite clinics under MOH to treat psychological conditions. I knew about it because I brought my said in-law there in the past. MOH wants to make psychological assessments and treatment more widely available to the public, and also to reduce overcrowding in government hospitals for treatments of common psychological ailments such as depression and other stress-related ailments. See link below:
http://www.imh.com.sg/clinical/page.aspx?id=688
The medication given to me, Zoloft, is also a valid medication for depression. I was asked to manage my depression by:
- completing the 2-week course of med, do not stop even if symptoms elevated
- see a counsellor (I said I already have one) for supportive treatment.
His treatment method is also consistent with the prescribed modus operandi for treatment of depression. Med plus counselling. Check two links top of page, once again.
I did go back to see my counsellor and she advised me to work on solving the root causes of my depression. She also advised me methods to cope with my depression, one of which is to try to avoid potentially depressing situations like having an argument with my spouse (one major cause of my depression) during my medical treatment of 2 weeks. This is sensible and logical. It's like if you have a sore throat and started anti-biotics, try to abstain from spicy food till your sore throat is over.
In any case, as I said, technically speaking I don't even fit into the 5 out of 9 category as a clear-cut case of clinical depression. If there had been an over-diagnosis, your concerns that I am of an irrational mind to make decisions to leave my husband and that I might become suicidal etc are automatically invalid. Nevertheless, thanks for your concern. But I assured you I am of a very sound mind now.
As i have requested, can you please provide a link to show promiscuity is a symptom which leads to a legit medical practitioner's diagnosis of clinical depression? Thank you.