Chemical imbalance a relief?

Reading in the Learning Path that a chemical imbalance (low serotonin) is a symptom of depression, not a cause, reminded me of just how attractive that idea of a chemical imbalance was.

At the beginning, when I thought I was at my lowest point of depression (I had no idea just how bad it would become after that!) and I was told that it was caused by a chemical imbalance I felt a huge amount of relief - it wasn't my fault, it sounded "medical" (rather than all in my head, ha ha) and also, very importantly, it made those close to me more accepting of what was going on - "she can't help it, it's a chemical imbalance etc".

It also made it very easy to accept the medication at that time - to address the chemical imbalance. At that time, it was take the medicaton or kill myself. I remember that as a very clear decision - I'll give the medication a go and if that doesn't work ... If I'd asked myself whether I wanted to take a medication that would change the way I thought (that much power over "me"?) I think I would have said no. I was told at the time that the medication would provide a kind of "safety net" while I did the talking therapies to change the way I thought. In retrospect, the medication stopped any real clarity of thought - and the depression got a whole lot worse. Over time, it seemed to create its own cycle of despair.

I guess everyone's experience is different but now, being medication-free for the first time in 7 years, and with the insights offered in The Learning Path, thinking clearly - and positively - is a reality.

Just some thoughts ...
Juno