> what he called a chemically
> induced depression, whatever that means
Hi Robert~
Just a quick comment here -- I once heard this explained something like so: we
have a certain amount of "coping chemicals" in the brain that usually can keep
up with the ebb and flow of life. But sometimes something overwhelming or
sustained comes up and the body just can't keep up with the production of
these chemicals that are needed in greater amounts, or for longer times, than
usual. I think, in the tape I heard about this, the speaker said in the "old
days" when it was severe enough to be called a "nervous breakdown", about the
only thing the patient could do was rest until the body's chemical production
could catch up. These days scientists have isolated some of these chemicals
and they are available in prescription form to help get the brain chemistry
back where it needs to be. So, in that regard, it is no different in principle
than giving insulin to a diabetic whose liver can't produce enough. (I'm
writing this from memory and haven't listened to said tape in a while, so if
I'm off base, someone feel free to correct me.)
I understand your wife's reluctance to take those kinds of prescriptions,
though. Some have done very well on them (and I understand in many cases it is
only needed temporarily), but it is scary to think about taking something that
will affect your brain. A very good book about someone who dealt with this is
A Joy I'd Never Known by Jan Dravecky, who became clinically depressed during
her husband's (pitcher Dave Dravecky) bout with cancer and arm amputation.
Barbara H.