Depression

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tiltbillings
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Re: Depression

Post by tiltbillings »

The problem is that "depression" is not a singular thing. The causes and manifestations are wildly various as are the possible treatmnent solutions -- that is, assuming that one's depression is ameanable to treatment.

The problem that I have with some of the the above is the wishful thinking and hope for perfection that goes with the unstated magical thinking that it can all be resolved one's "enlightenment" -- ah, my depression will go away if I practice Buddhism and become enlightened.

For some, depression is a fact of life with which they have to cope, have to struggle, until they die. Can Dhamma practice help with that? Probably, but it is may not make it go away, and in some instances it certainly will not. So, the question is, what is one looking for in terms of Dhamma practice vis a vis depression (or any other mental illness)?
>> Do you see a man wise [enlightened/ariya] in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<< -- Proverbs 26:12

This being is bound to samsara, kamma is his means for going beyond. -- SN I, 38.

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?” HPatDH p.723
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manas
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Depression

Post by manas »

tiltbillings wrote:The problem is that "depression" is not a singular thing. The causes and manifestations are wildly various as are the possible treatmnent solutions -- that is, assuming that one's depression is ameanable to treatment.

The problem that I have with some of the the above is the wishful thinking and hope for perfection that goes with the unstated magical thinking that it can all be resolved one's "enlightenment" -- ah, my depression will go away if I practice Buddhism and become enlightened.

For some, depression is a fact of life with which they have to cope, have to struggle, until they die. Can Dhamma practice help with that? Probably, but it is may not make it go away, and in some instances it certainly will not. So, the question is, what is one looking for in terms of Dhamma practice vis a vis depression (or any other mental illness)?
Tilt, that's a darn good point. I was just reflecting that although I don't agree with putting labels on people and I don't accept them either, I have been variously 'diagnosed' as having 'post traumatic stress disorder' and 'social anxiety'. Anyway, the reality is that (as you pointed out) there really isn't a 'quick fix', and I have indeed found that the best attitude to take is acceptance, to stop fighting my current reality (secretly wishing that my life had not turned out this way) and to use the painful emotions that swirl through me on a daily basis as objects of 'right recollection - awareness / clear comprehension' (my awkward rendering of 'sati-sampajanna'). I'm not going to go into any detail about it, but I don't think anyone would actually be surprised that i feel alot of painful emotions on a daily basis, if they knew my past and even current situation. So maybe this is just how it is...but whether we got a fortunate life or an unfortunate one (contacting the Dhamma however was my one great good fortune), either way we have to let go of the identification with that story: 'I am so-and-so, this happened to me, I have this job, these friends (or lack thereof), these likes and dislikes...etc etc...' Whether it's a happy story or a sad one, it's still just a story...and needs to be seen for what it is. In case I sound flippant, I don't mean to. Even 'witnessing' the painful emotions / feeling hurts. But at least, with a pinch of sati-sampajanna, a bit of panna can come to one's aid, reminding us: 'These painful emotions / feelings are impermanent and not-self'.

:meditate:
To the Buddha-refuge i go; to the Dhamma-refuge i go; to the Sangha-refuge i go.
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BlackBird
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Re: Depression

Post by BlackBird »

For my anxiety, there was a quick and effective fix. Citalopram 30mg ed. Panic attacks are a thing of the past.
"For a disciple who has conviction in the Teacher's message & lives to penetrate it, what accords with the Dhamma is this:
'The Blessed One is the Teacher, I am a disciple. He is the one who knows, not I." - MN. 70 Kitagiri Sutta

Path Press - Ñāṇavīra Thera Dhamma Page - Ajahn Nyanamoli's Dhamma talks
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manas
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Location: Melbourne, Australia

Re: Depression

Post by manas »

A strong, organically grown Chamomile tea does much to soothe my nervousness, I've found. (Not the teabag type, but the (dried) whole flowers, properly steeped for about 5 - 10 minutes ... it's the calcium content that does the calming, they say.)

8-)
To the Buddha-refuge i go; to the Dhamma-refuge i go; to the Sangha-refuge i go.
Terasi
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Joined: Thu Jul 08, 2010 5:47 am

Re: Depression

Post by Terasi »

greggorious wrote:I've been diagnosed as suffering from major depression for over 12 years, I've been various medications during this time but still feel as though I'm getting nowhere with gaining emotional well being.
Is there a Buddhist interpretation of what depression is? Am I paying the price for negative karma in a past life? Also are there any views on anti depressants in Buddhism?

Greg
Wonder how OP is now, is he fine? I hope you feel better.
MoesTavern
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Joined: Fri Sep 30, 2011 11:11 am

Re: Depression

Post by MoesTavern »

And here is a tip from far off Scandinavia: spending a couple of hours a week in a sauna, mixed with ice-cold showers (or rolling naked in snow if you have access to it), is in my experience helpful in battling The Black Dog.

metta metta

:anjali:
thomasmite996
Posts: 4
Joined: Fri Mar 23, 2012 9:51 am

Re: Depression

Post by thomasmite996 »

Nice information about this topic. All the forum member posted valuable knowledge.
depression destroy the person's intention and its capability.
You need to involve him self in working and spend time with some one who easily understanding your problems,
Take a tour on beautiful place. it help to reduce depression.
Don't take work as over burden...
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