How can you tell if you have a chemical imbalance, or if you're simply depressed because of?

If depression persists for a long period of time more than a few weeks, it should be investigated by your physician and referred to a psychologist. Between the doctor and psychologist, one of the two usually will prescribe something. Usually if their directions are followed which may include therapy for awhile, they ween you off medication slowly, and sometimes not depending on the the physical of your body until the chemical imbalance can be corrected. Medication/s such as some antidepressants has to be closely monitored by them, and cannot be stopped cold turkey so to speak, because it will make you sick, that's why it's very important to follow their advice, and direction. Hope that helps, and thanks for asking.

SSRI's are not a cure for depression. These medications relieve the symptoms of depression, but the most successful treatment for depression is a combination of medications (only when indicated by a physician) and counseling. A good counselor will recommend increasing exercise, relaxation and anger management techniques so that when you do some day come of the SSRI's you have developed coping skills to deal with stresses of daily living in a more successful manner.

No if you have a chemical imbalance in your brain you are more than likely Bipolar like me and no honey it doesn't just go away because when you stop the medication you will just get depressed again. Don't stop it please you will more than likely end up in a psych ward because the depression comes back with a vengence. Depression is one of the hardest things to battle i know this i have been there. No you won't go back to normal if you stop the medication. Keep taking if i know you probably feel like crap on the meds so do i an i have to take seven different ones a day. Don't stop just stay on the meds. alright.

i think the advice that sweetestlady74 gave about exercise,how you eat etc is very good advice.i spend a few years on medication and found they only made matters worse.they do only mask the problem.its just like painting over dirt.best thing is to deal with your problems assertively.i went to councilling and it was my turning point.i found reasons why i was depressed that i had never realised or acknowledged,hence my depression.i was very very low and take my word for it you can get yourself out of it if you put your mind to it.but my advice would be to deal with it throught councilling rather than medication.i have actually gone very much against anti depressants and anti psyhotics.i have spent some time in psyhiatric units and seen the effect they have.its your choice but my advice is if you do take any drugs for your depression only do so in the short term like they were intended until you get yourself together with councilling although i would advise against them altogether.if you start eating right and get exercise it will help.if you body feels good your mind will follow.and remember when you are depressed you might feel you dont have the motivation to exercise but remember action precedes motivation.best of luck

depression IS a chemical imbalance.

u dont have to take pills to "correct" the imbalance. there are many ways to alter chemicals in your brain: exercise, watching what you eat, how you related to people, react, how you breathe etc.

dont listen to pharmaceutical companies and ads. remember, they just want to make money out of you.

pills only mask the problem. attack your problem head on and you'll come out stronger.

I agree to what sweetestlady74 said above.

To add to this, I recommend you visit this center and see what you can help yourself about your condition.

http://www.chopra.com/