Is sadness from depression real or just chemical?

[Bergerac]

I actually believe, like people have already stated here, that is comes from both experience and a chemical in balance.

I, however, believe it starts with the negative experience and the sad feeling it creates, then sends unpleasant and unwanted chemicals through the body, in greater quantity. Causing a literal physical reaction, as well as a psychological one.

Almost like the negative thought activates this realise somehow. Somehow wrongly re-sets the brain. That's just what I've physically felt through my own body. Which could explain these studies that show higher numbers of certain chemicals in depressed people etc. Like an acid or something. Just need to check the timeline, perhaps. Would be interesting.

In a similar way to how stress can cause issues with other organs in the body.

Just a thought. Not saying some aren't born genetically pre-disposed.

 

[Ash600]

But I think if we were really diving into the "WHHYYYY" of how those chemicals were doing what they do someone could actually explain that to you but neurochemistry is complex and no one here is terribly well versed. (calling @Aurelia and @Ash600 who might be able to take a few minutes and actually give you some real live, down to earth, knowledge on that)

I could go attempt to go into depth with this, but it could bore the arse of everyone. Yes, chemicals or your neurotransmitters are involved in the process, but it's not exactly a case of one neurotransmitter being high and another one not. What needs to be borne in mind is that there is a whole plethora of chemicals working inside and outside of nerve cells leading to a huge variety of chemical reactions that makes up the dynamic system which is affects for your moods, perceptions, how you view your life even. But one thing which I think needs pointing out is that as it stands, is that yes, people with depression do tend to have a chemical imbalance within their
brains. However, it is not fully known if this imbalance is a result of depression, or the cause of it.

The way I like to break it down is that there are both physiological and psychological aspects to this which has already been mentioned in previous posts. Managing it effectively can be extremely difficult compared to other medical conditions. Things like diabetes, blood pressure, asthma copd etc, there's established protocols for their management so enabling the docs to in general follow an algorithmic approach based on current best practice/treatment evidence. Not so with depression or other MH conditions as it's more about dealing with the human psyche compared to those other disease states. Because so much is still unknown as @Walker has mentioned, docs are more likely to wing it. Therefore I'd say for successful management, a more holistic approach tailored specifically to the individual with regards to their needs, expectations and response is required.

 

[Mr Pryce]

Is sadness caused by clinical depression real or a chemical illusion? Do we know if chemicals can right the ship or do we have to work through the sadness? Sometimes it feels like a house filled with smoke and mirrors.

Sadness is a feeling. Its not chemicals but it is the result of what your thinking on your mind. Its all about mental programming. Program self belief and self happiness and sadness will become a non issue.

 

[Butterfly]

Depression can be chemical but it can also be psychological, or a mix of the two. That's why the best treatment for depression is a mix of medication and therapy.

 

[Paisley]

Sadness is a feeling. Its not chemicals but it is the result of what your thinking on your mind. Its all about mental programming. Program self belief and self happiness and sadness will become a non issue.

Sadness is very much able to be a purely chemical reaction. Sadness in response to events also can be traced to chemical reactions in the brain. This is according to the human race's current understanding of biology.

Please read up on what I've said before you continue to victim blame those with non-situational depression.

 

[may71]

But I still can’t figure out if the sadness I feel is real

Your sadness is definitely real. It's real because you are experiencing it

Do you think we can treat without understanding?

I think it's possible to treat depression without understanding completely the reason why it exists. In some cases, the reason why someone is depressed has its roots in trauma or emotional experiences, so understanding those causes can be an important part of treatment. Even so, a medical treatment like an anti-depressant can still help someone feel better no matter what the source of their depression.

Depression, OCD, chronic pain. I don’t know where to begin

I think acupuncture might be something that you'd like to try.

The links in my signature have some information about treatment methods

 

[Walker]

Sadness is a feeling. Its not chemicals but it is the result of what your thinking on your mind. Its all about mental programming. Program self belief and self happiness and sadness will become a non issue.

If you don't stop telling people on this forum that they need to overcome depression via "thinking good things" I'm going to actually ban you. People who come here have tried all of that and are here for support. Provide that or leave.

 

[Ash600]

Sadness is a feeling. Its not chemicals but it is the result of what your thinking on your mind. Its all about mental programming. Program self belief and self happiness and sadness will become a non issue.

Following on from what @Walker has said, instead of taking such a proscriptive approach to replying to people's posts, maybe it would be generally more constructive in talking with them instead of talking at them. This is after all a peer support site, so a bit of empathy and humanity wouldn't go amiss.