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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Noa on October 6, 1999, at 22:21:01
Thursday, October 7 is National Depression Screening Day. It is an attempt to get the word out that depression is treatable. Lots of places to get free, confidential screening, info and referrals. Let people know. (BTW it is always the first Thursday in October, I think)
Posted by Cynical on October 7, 1999, at 5:19:14
In reply to National Depression Screening Day, posted by Noa on October 6, 1999, at 22:21:01
> Thursday, October 7 is National Depression
Screening Day. It is an attempt to get the word
out that depression is treatable. Lots of places
to get free, confidential screening, info and
referrals. Let people know. (BTW it is always
the first Thursday in October, I think)Am I just easily irritated. or is anyone else
bugged by this annual pharmaceutical company
promotion? As someone who`s very well aware
they`re depressed and has unsuccessfully tried
practically every antidepressant there is, it`s
hard to feel too much sympathy for someone who
doesn`t even know they`re depressed until they
take a screening test!
Posted by LD on October 7, 1999, at 8:11:31
In reply to Re: National Depression Screening Day, posted by Cynical on October 7, 1999, at 5:19:14
>
> Am I just easily irritated. or is anyone else
> bugged by this annual pharmaceutical company
> promotion? As someone who`s very well aware
> they`re depressed and has unsuccessfully tried
> practically every antidepressant there is, it`s
> hard to feel too much sympathy for someone who
> doesn`t even know they`re depressed until they
> take a screening test!From my personal experience, I feel like the National Screening Day is a great idea. I didn't know I was depressed for a very long time. Does that make me any less depressed than you? I was one of those with a very hard shell, didn't let anyone in. I just hated everything, very irritable, anxiety through the roof, hopeless as all hell. I didn't even know this was depression. Until my doctor talked me into going to a psychiatrist, I didn't even know I had a problem.
I think a lot of people are in the same boat.. They don't even know what depression is, therefore, this national day is great for them. Its a chance for people who would otherwise fall deeper and deeper into a horrible state, to possibly be made aware that there is help out there. I wish I would've have known earlier what it was, so I didnt go deeper for 2 years until I finally got help. People need to be more aware of this horrible state that affects so many of us.
Posted by Bob on October 7, 1999, at 10:07:57
In reply to Re: National Depression Screening Day, posted by LD on October 7, 1999, at 8:11:31
When it comes to the "good intentions" of pharmaceutical companies, I get suspicious as well. But the most basic fact of the matter is that we live in a culture that stigmatizes people with our disorders. For example, a subway ad for paymybills.com says "Are tiny green monkees eating your toes? We'll pay your psychiatrist's bills." Half of me is insulted, the other half still has to chuckle because laughter is one of the best ways to defuse a sensitive issue (if handled correctly). Now, besides that Paxil ad in TV Guide, they're running 30 second spots parallel to the print ad that takes a shot at putting a human face on Social Anxiety. I see it as analougous to the Bob Dole Erectile Dysfunction thing. The ad said nothing about Viagra, but every one KNOWS that the ad is about selling Viagra all the same. If those companies want to generate the big bucks so that they put a human, neighborly face on these issues -- well, I might hate the ads but I'll still support the effort. The promotions are just the bathwater; anyway raised perceptions or destygmatization (if that's a word) of these issues is the baby we'll want to keep and nurture.
Bob
Posted by Noa on October 7, 1999, at 14:32:38
In reply to Re: National Depression Screening Day, posted by Bob on October 7, 1999, at 10:07:57
Your right and your right.
Overall, even tho it seems artificial, I think NDSD helps get out the word and destigmatizes the idea of going to get info and help. Education is a good first step, maybe someday we won't have to dedicate an artificial day for it. Kind of like the arguments about Black History month, etc.
Posted by Complicated on October 7, 1999, at 21:33:46
In reply to Re: National Depression Screening Day, posted by Cynical on October 7, 1999, at 5:19:14
but I wouldn't dream of outing you. I never knew I was depressed because i had been depressed since I was 12 years old. I didn't 'know' what depression was ... I thought it meant something bad happened and then you became very sad. One of my very silent assumptions was that depressed people were stupid people. I just assumed that I was very complicated. Good points though Cynical! Janice. We're probably all right.
This is the end of the thread.
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