rebafan asked this question on 4/22/2000:

I've spent the last four hours reading some of the answers here. At least one "expert" is blatantly, fundamentally ignorant about depression: PLEASE take care when reading replies in this forum! Just because a person claims to be an "expert" does not mean that a person is! If you see any "expert" suggest Scientology or CCHR, please be very, very cautious when considering that person's reply.

ECT is an excellent and effective treatment for depression that resists all other treatments. It is safe and effective.

Anti-depressants are also totally safe and effective. They do not make one "worse," nor do they make you "angry" or "violent." If you read an "expert" who says otherwise, please realize that that "expert" does not know what she or he is talking about.

PLEASE seek expert medical advice from trained medical professionals--- take what you read in this forum with great skepticism. If you read an answer from an "expert" that suggests you not seek psycological or psychiatric advice and treatment, dismiss such "advice" because that "expert" does not know what she or he is talking about.

Your mental health and well-being is far, far too important to risk on taking advice from self-professed "experts" in this forum. Your telephone book will list psychiatric and psychological experts for you, and provide you with actual help and advice.

PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS HERE!

pain1 gave this response on 4/22/2000:

Hi

Your point is well made and has many very important words in it.

I am, however, shocked to read you feel that the only professionals in this field are expert psychiatrics, under whichever title.

As you will know, and as any professional will tell you the one true expert, in any condition, is the sufferer. Every single medical person is qualified by education and then by contact, feed back and comments from the sufferer. I agree it is always esential for anyone in fear or depression to seek the right help but do feel that a lot of people on this site can offer guidence, and comfort, during the waiting period.

I am also concerned when I see people giving out stupid advice, and the point you make about scientology is well made. I also agree that medication is a help, and far from a danger. Under correct control, and dose, medication is a life saver, litteraly. I am on, and have been for a long time, anti-depressants, they are brillient and do work. They have never made me angry or stupid. They never drug me up either...they do the right job, the job they were made for, they calm me down, allow me to think easier and they do prevent a build up of negative thoughts.

So to sum up all I wanted to say was well done, you post is right in most areas but, I feel, it is unfair to suggest that we sufferers have no knowledge of the subject. After 13+yrs I know, and so do my team of medics, from many different fields of medicine, including those you talk of, I have as much, and often more, knowledge of depression than most medics. I do, however, still agree that anyone asking questions on this site should, always, take care and still seek proper help.....from the right medical areas.

All the best

Dave (UK)

rebafan rated this answer a 4.