Abuse / Past Trauma?

[Ali Renee]

I have looked up this disorder on psychology forums and web pages and most say that the cause of MDD has to do with childhood trauma/conflict. My childhood was very happy and I have never been abused but still excessively daydream. I was just wondering if a lot of people on this site do daydream from really negative experiences as a coping method or is it just random/ just how you are?  I am curious because i feel like disorders are ALWAYS said to be caused by past trauma or abuse (but what if an individual had a happy or "normal" upbringing?) - I was thinking about seeing a therapist to talk about my MDD, but I am nervous. Does anybody see a therapist? How did they handle the MDD issues?

[Cordellia Amethyste Rose]

Those forums are probably referring to an old study done by Eli Somer that only 6 participants, all of whom had experienced trauma.  Naturally, he concluded that MD was caused by trauma.  In the next study, done by Dr. Cynthia Schupak and Jayne Bigelsen, they had 90 participants and concluded that there were no more instances of trauma than in the normal population.  Therefore, MD is not always caused by trauma.  

Seeing professionals about MD is very hit-and-miss.  Most still probably haven't heard about it yet, but you might get lucky.  A good professional will be open-minded and willing to look at something new.  This is a real condition studied by real doctors who believe in it.  My therapist had already heard of it, but I'm not seeing her for that, so we don't really focus on it.

Good luck, and message me if you need anything.  

[Amanda Lewone]

Hi. It seems there are both types of people, those with and without a traumatic past. I suspect that mine started because I was very shy and fearful in school and other social situations. I remember getting home and re-enacting situations where I wished I had participated or said something. It just expanded from there. From small situations to creating an entire immaginary life for myself.