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26th October 2007
The year was 1988 when my interest in the mind/body connection became a full time passion into researching the study of psycho-neuroimmunology. So many books, articles, and studies since that time
have been published and different terms have been employed. The connection is so powerful that it’s existence defies debate. I believe doctors should be taught what to ask the patient if “pain” cannot be pinpointed or seems vague. Doctors should refer the patient to a therapist, and after the therapist’s evaluation, the two doctors should discuss the case.
I also believe that most people are not as medically savvy, perhaps for reasons of denial, when they first seek out the doctor.
I intentionally witheld information. This was a time before post partum depression was openly discussed and all over the media. I told my internist that I took a tumble and fell on the ice. The pain meds provided just enough relief to get by. I was too humiliated to tell the truth. After all, this is what I had been dreaming of since my childhood.
Within the next 3 months I was diagnosed with breast cancer (the first) and adult ADD. Nothing is more painful than the realization that your life’s dreams
of marriage, children, were not what you expected. In fact, as I recall, these were my parents’ dre
ams for me. The cancer was in a way a relief because I could no longer hide what my body language was revealing. What a relief! Laurie’s problems were medical. Adversity has been my shadow for 20 years, looking me right in the eye, ccoming close to sucking the life out of me.
My personal experiences have taken me on a twenty year journey, seeking approval and avoiding anger-not living authentically, not quite sure where I fit in.
Always felt like I was being judged, that I had to be perfect and happy and in control at all times. Most people didn’t then, and still don’t, recognize depression and ADD as legitimate disorders. I could have been a poster child for the DSM III.
Humor has been a lifesaver for me. If I don’t see the humor, the silliness, in the human condition, I lose my perspective. At least I no longer have neurotic
obsessions- now I just suffer from general unhappiness. Who could ask for more?
There are many doctors out there that would rather give you pills and dull your creativity rather than encourage it. Maybe they thought the oath stated, “first no charm.”
30th October 2007
Interesting points about the creativity that can lie within depression, and the need for doctors to liase with therapists. Thanks. It seems you have been on quite a journey!
16th March 2008
i just want 2 know wht r the causes happen by depression,