Depression is Destroying Our Perception of Reality

[AngelofEden]

Not that long a go today, I asked why so many people have depression. I was expecting a lot of responses as it is a pressing topic and one many seem to deal with, but I was amazed to see what was actually being said.

One main reason mentioned was self diagnosing which came up a lot, but what interested me is when new girl said she didn't know she had it until someone told her. It made me question whether society is saying to young people you're sad because of depression. Most of the time from what I can see, the people that have depression are in their teens to early 30s. This strangely enough are the ages that also have the most online presence.

Another reason I've noticed is that "We are finally noticing how bad (or various other synonyms) our world is". I believe we've always known how bad the world is, but we've instead just lost hope. This lose of hope and faith in humanity, I believe is leading a lot of people towards depression. I think this especially affects the younger people because the internet is bombarded with it.

Surprisingly, I didn't get answers like my family is pressuring me and..., society is forcing me to... And I..., or even I lost someone important in my life so...

There was one pair that gave me reason to believe we can change the way this is going. In the Replies they shared experiences and helpful tips making each other not feel so alone, not in a way of pity, but in empathy.

I believe we can be happy if we choose to have peace and joy and faith.

[vonasaurus]

title is definitely misleading, as well as several points in the take itself.

sadness is an emotion; depression is an illness.

yes, self-diagnosis is an issue that makes a mockery out of mental illness. but depression has been around as long as people have existed. the only difference is that medical science has advanced to the point where doctors can accurately diagnose and treat these issues, and people afflicted with these conditions can now go on to lead normal, productive lives.

as recently as the early 20th century; people with mental illnesses were ostracized from society and locked up in asylums, abused by doctors who knew nothing about mental health and were completely clueless as to how to treat these patients.

you can blame the internet, video games, whatever... just like people way back when blamed demonic possession. but depression has been around since the dawn of time; we're just better informed.

[AngelofEden]

I admit that the title is misleading as I titled before I wrote the piece (rookie mistake), and I probably should have clarified some details. I wasn't trying to say depression wasn't an illness or that it shouldn't be taken seriously. I wrote this based off a question that was still getting opinions when I wrote it. This is just things I noticed. I wasn't blaming the internet or other things for depression, I was simply saying it may contribute to it. Although I'm not sorry for writing it, I realize I should have waited because I did this all in one go with no editing.

[vonasaurus]

i see~ thanks for clarifying :)

[Anonymous]

''This strangely enough are the ages that also have the most online presence.''
Depression stops you from wanting to go out and talk to others even if you do want to actually interact in some way. I literally spend my free time on various forums and watching videos. The time when i was seriously depressed i didn't even think i had it.. i just thought that was what life felt like until i spoke to my sister and just explained how i didn't enjoy anything remotely anymore and hadn't done so for a while... is it normal? She said no.

[Opinion Owner]

then she said i have clinical depression... she does do human biology so she knows about these sort of things. I'm not going to go into detail but i was really mentally going crazy of just shear bordem and constant feeling of nothing or agitation/anger.

[Map4Territory]

Part of the problem is that we have no idea what causes depression or even if depression is a singular disease. It's just a group of symptoms. But is depression caused by life events the same as depression induced by administration of the immunomodulator interferon-a? Are both those the same as what happens to victims of traumatic brain injury? People have opinions, but no one knows. This article describes the problem well, slatestarcodex.com/.../

As far as the issue of self-diagnosis goes, this article analyzes the issue pretty extensively:
hotelconcierge.tumblr.com/.../we-need-to-sing-about-mental-health

Finally, don't confuse the symptoms of depression with the cause. Depression makes you lose hope in the world, it isn't caused by losing hope. A rational solution does not cure irrational thinking.

[HereComesDrTran111]

I think with the widespread use and anonymity of the internet we've been able to create a gigantic brain and cross-analyze a lot of the shit going on in the world without the social palliation of "pretend everything's ok" that you get in face-to-face meetings.

And it paints a pretty ugly picture.

I think our depression is a natural response to what we're seeing.

[Anonymous]

well, when you are in a protected shelter from your dad, your mom is broke, your whole family on your father's side are after you mother and siblings, when you reported him to the cops, when you have been there for 4 months, when your dad is going to serve at least 14 years in prison because of you.
That's how my life is going. Yeah, I'm depressed ;(

[Impregnator511]

Not sure why you're using the "royal we". Some of us do indeed suffer from depression from time to time, and that commonly affects the way you perceive reality. But it should only be in the short term, and if reality is unbearable then we should try to change it.

[Impregnator511]

Did I start using the "royal we" in my answer? I think I did. The more I look at my answer the less sense it makes. What I'm trying to say is, It's okay to be sad when bad things happen. But nobody should be sad all the time.

[abundantlyrich]

The lifestyle- what are they doing to keep busy for their mind and bodies?

And i know a lot of people use this forum to vent vile shit on others.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately there is virtually no help for people without money.

Being depressed in a world where people are more and more isolated from each other is a insurmountable problem that only leaves suicide as a form of relief.

[Peachman]

Great my-take slightly misleading title but otherwise great

[Anonymous]

I'd say depression at least for men is worst in their 40s-60s. That's at least the age range where they're killing committing suicide in record numbers.

[player0696]

Very truly Said :

"we can be happy if we choose to have peace and joy and faith."

Nice Take

[Midget_Hug]

The short answer is that it is trendy.

[Anonymous]

Reality usually aids in depression.