Depression: Why is it so hard for us to say that we're not okay?

A study showing depression isn't caused by low levels of the "happy hormone" serotonin has become one of the most widely shared medical articles.It has provoked a wave of misleading claims about antidepressant drugs, many of which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.This research doesn't show the drugs aren't effective.But the response to it has also sparked some genuine questions about how people treat, and think about, mental illness. Many psychiatrists say they have long known low levels of serotonin are not the main cause of depression and this paper doesn't say anything new.Yet the unusually large public response to it suggests this was news to many.But some made an inaccurate leap from saying antidepressants don't work by fixing a chemical imbalance, to saying they don't work at all.And doctors fear, in the confusion, people might stop taking their medication abruptly and risk serious withdrawal effects.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says these drugs shouldn't be stopped abruptly except in medical emergencies and reducing the dose slowly can minimise withdrawal symptoms. While there are risks to leaving depression untreated, some people will experience serious side-effects from antidepressants - which the serotonin study's authors say need to be more clearly communicated.These can include suicidal thoughts and attempts, sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing and insomnia, according to NICE.Since last autumn, UK doctors have been told they should offer therapy, exercise, mindfulness or meditation to people with less severe cases of depression first, before trying medication.And that's one things all of the experts who spoke to BBC News agree on - patients need to have more information, better explained so they can make these difficult calculations for themselves.For details of organizations offering advice and support, go to BBC Action Line.

It's hard because people say "get over it!" They don't understand .

Hey everyone,

I wanted to bring back this really important conversation. 💙 Whether it's fear of burdening others or not wanting to confront our own emotions, so many of us struggle with this.

Why is it so hard for us to admit when we’re not okay? For those who have been through it, when did you first realize you needed help for your depression? What did that moment look like for you, and who did you turn to for support?

@bigbear @cazzie22 @chrissy100 @lilac_arp @RachelA @noodlelou @lavender @bobjen @katrinalove @shep54 @CestusMagnus @Cianolan @flossie52 @pinkjellyfish @Raccoon @Mickymally @Squidge @anneoin @crazycat @Almera1978 @susielo @beanie-boo @Faithy @Donnaml @gillyvi @Innocentian @merlinsmidwife @rumer136 @happycat61 @Bigtime102 @nicole.94e @Womble @Elaineanne @IanWillyW @mishkasmummy @Limericklassie @LjRodgett @fred6577 @deb777 @Daisyp @Paradise67 @popit71 @Star68  @Bipolarbill @athina @Lorrie44 @Darcangel1 @Sunflower  @Fluffy 

Let’s keep this space open for sharing. Your stories might help someone who’s feeling that same fear of speaking up. 💬

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼

I have a feeling that everyone in my circle is getting a bit tired of hearing me talk about my mental health, though they’d never say it to my face. So I mostly just keep things to myself lately.

Just a little sorry for not being around lately, but it is due to the weather being too cold to sit and type on the computer. Back to the topic.

I wonder why things have changed, usually when asked questions it is normally about the weather, but now it is always how are you. On the phone How are you today, if they sound happy you respond with OK, I suppose not to upset their day. No one is really interested in how you are, rather than put yourself into answer's you don't want to give, alright I am fine, it is easier than owing up to feeling down, to feeling sorry for ones self, or you wish someone could leave you alone, so you can dwell with self pity for a while.

The world is in a depressive state at the moment and this makes it worse for us who have lived it for years. This is why we stay at home lock doors just to stay alive. Those outside are just beginning to realise what it is like to be depressed as they are finding work, saving, making ends meet, has got a lot harder at the moment. No wonder sickness benefits have risen and depression is taking over. We've been there and wore the t-shirt, we feel sorry for them, but how do they feel about us, the original out of sink depressive state, mentally and emotionally deprived people. They ask are you OK, how do you feel, they ask because they now feel, as depressed as we did many, so many, moons ago, nothing really changes, only the world that we live in.

PG

A lot of times saying I'm not okay makes me feel bad about everything my parents have done to help me feel better

Is there anyone out there who actually really cares about how I feel and without asking for money to do it

Hello everyone 🌟

@Rutheashton @Raquelita777 @KezzySmith @shep54 @pinkjellyfish @tureen52 @nannacris @Keith1265 @Bilbobags @johnpaul63 @topspursfan @weller1066 @Sara Jane Gorman @nixnjj @Leo613 @grace123 @southlos @chefzena @SAMIDX @dilawrence4 @angel1 @dibbles @Tillymilly @Debs6660 @gerri2011 @Lil'Lana @cmdeadpool @thedaddy @soniasilvestre @mumof3 @RioMacleod @juliajj50 @sharon68 @hollylucykenny @antoinette76 @Shopaholic @lesleyann @Draggy70 @Lindsey_1980 @Nitram24 @satanicminster @mummykeri28 @bexpom @wasbella102 @mollie37 @JessDword @JHubby @Robinson @stgeorge73 @brooke12 @biggsey @hawkins @florazey @neil306 @Earthed @jonalicat @sputnik @Suzsie @r4chie43 @liansharp @shurdygirl @fallingdown @sachamammy @Sadmummy36 @Challenger @Horsey1986 @Jonbon31 @Nickname @Pierrem70 @Zoe1980 @Nina77 @matstu555 @Hayleynokes @whitecross1955 @shamrock62 @Tonimarie @hun3b33 @TwistedAngel @Lizzie81 @JoanneC @Lcp91978 @Deelite @Vicky40 @paulhrrsn3 @Leannelesley @JeffB63 @bernie22 @robharford @Ness13 @Jojolong51 @Tommanique @Roy28medicjones @Willow52 @Tansy1 @JH32JH32 @Loulou30 @Mj1108 @nazza91 @margaretbmarquez @Willy45

We’re checking back in on this discussion: Why is it so hard for us to say that we’re not okay? 💛💬

Opening up isn’t always easy, even when we need support the most.

💬 What makes it difficult for you to say you’re not okay? What helps you express it, even a little? 🌿✨

Your thoughts could really help others feel understood and less alone 🤝💛

Take care,

Somya from the Carenity team 🌼