General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Slow Death By Depression [View all]slackmaster
(60,567 posts)Some people with depression refuse to seek treatment at all, no matter what anyone says or what happens. They rarely get better on their own. Many end up taking their own lives.
Of those who do seek treatment, it often takes months or years of trial and error with drugs and therapy to find a regimen that works. A lot of people don't make it through that.
The good news is that most diagnosed cases of major depression can be treated. But try telling that to a person who is suffering from it, and you will start to see the self-perpetuating nature of the illness. I haven't ever felt it myself but I've been way too close to it for comfort. The effects of any major mental illness, including addictions, are devastating to the victim and to loved ones.