I've gotten my back up several times when reading. "Oh I'm so depressed my boyfriend and I broke up." or something similar. The overused term makes me very angry because I do suffer from a form of depression caused by chronic illness or pain. Were you to be around me you wouldn't guess and I would have to tell you that I'm in pain for you to know. My own husband and son forget that I'm not healthy so I must cover it well. I do not have major depression problems but I do go in to counseling for what I call a "tune up". Usually I can get back on track by following a good diet, exercising and seeing my psychologist. ( Your family is NEVER objective, we can be)
I'm writing this because the death of my friend has sent me into grieving and I always have to pay attention as to whether or not I'm sad or depressed. There's a HUGE difference.
This is why I can empathize with someone who suffers from Clinical Depression. I'm very fortunate, my symptoms are mild, but when someone talks about this, please pay attention. It's all about how long they've been sad, losing objectivity and losing the will to live.
I have only included the depression that goes with chronic pain. Just paying attention on this forum tells you it's so much more.

Fibromyalgia and Depression

Many studies link fibromyalgia and depression. In fact, about three out of every 10 people with fibromyalgia also have major depression at the time of their diagnosis.

Some researchers feel that depression leads to changes in brain chemistry. Others look at abnormalities of the sympathetic nervous system -- the part of the nervous system that determines how you handle stress and emergencies. These abnormalities, they contend, lead to the release of substances that cause more sensitivity to pain. The result is fibromyalgia with its chronic pain and feelings of depression.

Learning more about the connection between fibromyalgia and depression can help you seek appropriate medical treatment from your doctor. That includes asking your doctor about antidepressants.

By following an appropriate fibromyalgia treatment plan and getting the support of family and friends, you can take control of your fibromyalgia pain. You can also get control over your symptoms of depression and improve your quality of life.
What is depression?

Sadness is a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem. Depression surpasses sadness and becomes a problem that affects your whole life. People who are depressed commonly experience:

* loss of pleasure in enjoyable activities
* weight loss or gain
* low energy
* feelings of guilt
* a sense of worthlessness
* thoughts about death

These thoughts, physical changes, and feelings interfere with daily life.

Depression that lasts for weeks at a time may be characterized as major or clinical depression. There are other types of depression. Common types include chronic depression -- known as dysthymia, bipolar depression, and seasonal depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Is there a connection between fibromyalgia and depression?

There is a correlation between fibromyalgia and depression. The stress from fibromyalgia's constant pain and fatigue can cause anxiety and social isolation. The chronic deep muscle and trigger point pain can result in less activity. That causes you to become more withdrawn and can also lead to depression. It is also possible that anxiety and depression are part of fibromyalgia, just like the pain.

Depression and fibromyalgia can greatly interfere with the way you manage your activities at home or at work. Yet symptoms of depression and fibromyalgia can be treated successfully. What's needed is a combination of medications -- including antidepressants -- alternative therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and lifestyle habits. So it is important to openly discuss any symptoms of depression you have with your doctors.
Do people with fibromyalgia know they are depressed?

Some people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain may be aware they are depressed. Others may not be sure they are depressed. Nevertheless, they know something is wrong.

The signs of depression with chronic pain may include:

* decreased energy
* difficulty concentrating or making decisions
* feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or irritability
* loss of interest in nearly all activities
* persistent sad or anxious mood
* uncontrollable tearfulness

In severe cases, depression with chronic pain can lead to thoughts of death or suicide.

i think the overuse comes from all the awareness we have now on the subject...

on the one hand, this new awareness is a positive thing for all those obvious reasons...

on the other hand... people who dont have anything of the sort will start to convince themselves that they do... i honestly believe that if we didnt know as much about depression fewer people would suffer from it, because fewer people would 'think themselves' into developing it... certainly fewer people would go around saying they have it when they clearly dont...

if that makes sense...

I can never tell what 'Depression' actually is. I've heard the term being used to describe a whole range of different things that it has actually become confusing.

I think I hold 'Depression' on a pedestal, that being this unknown state that I will never experience (ofcourse I cannot know that) because I am worried that I will believe myself to be depressed when I am not.

What would you describe someone who suffers from the symptoms of depression but not all of them?

I am so glad someone has the same opinion as me. Feeling blue and being depressed are seperate things.

What really gets me are people who go to the doctors, get anti depressants and in their mind that means they are clinically depressed. I am sorry but I am very skeptical about it - anyone can get anti-depressants. Doctors are there to prescribe drugs and they will prescribe them to anyone who comes in and says the right things
I believe all 'depression' cases should be diagnosed by a psychiatrist not a doctor.

I don't really see a problem with it.
We have to accept that in the vernacular words change in their meaning and they fall into popular use.

I think depression in it's everyday use may even outdate it's medical definition.. (?)

It would serve better to be upset at the insitutions that classify these disorders and name them, maybe the next DSM should reclassify clinical depression in order to remove it form everyday depression.

Indeed.

It is important to remember, that depression, and associated feelings, are possibly caused by chemical imbalances in the mind. They're no more or less controllable, and therefore should attract no more or less stigma, than if you had say broken your arm.

A broken arm is easier to fix than something affecting your quality of life mentally. There are in these modern times, medications which can address these chemical imbalances - Prozac or Citalopram to name two - and these can help as a "prop" until the core issue can be sorted.

However, it is a bit off for someone to say they are depressed when they are just feeling a bit down because their sodding football team lost on penalties. It's a bit the same for people saying they have flu when it's a cold (The early symptoms are similar, but flu is not cold, arrrrrgh)