Is depression an acquired part of our circle of emotions as humans or is it a choice by our generic nature?

Question

Hello!!

I have been around people that have been depressed almost their entire life. It seems that no matter what these people do they still get depressed.

In other cases, I have seen people that get "times or moments" of depression but they cope with it and they get out of that state. Though it happens frequently, they still manage to keep going with their lives.

So this makes me ask, do you think that every human has to encounter some degree of depression at some point in their lives because it is our nature or do you think that we take depression as a choice due to the enviroment, people or other causes?

Take care.

Answer 1

Greetings, Soa! You seem to come up with pretty interesting questions.
To me depression is a natural coping mechanism, available to all of us. Its use can save us sometimes, its abuse might cause our demise.
I do not subscribe to the prevalent trend that makes chemical substances or processus, responsible for all psichological, philosofical, spiritual, social, etc -issues.
Though there may be a complexity of factors involved, both of a material and also intangible nature, basically to me depression revolves around self-esteem and/or lack thereof. It also connects with guilt, the precious inheritance from the judeo-christian mentality. It appears that, for individuals who are not "strong, aggresive,assertive" it is easier to turn the dagger inwards than to point out those around us who are causing the original dismay, that ends up becoming depression.
There is also the historical perspective, which has changed ever so much. In the 18th century and even much later, depressive behaviour was deeply inmeshed in the romantic, idealistic school of thought. Unshared love would make people write the most beautiful, out of this world poems. They would not be interned or chemically treated, they would be sent to a resort by the sea. People would even die, victims of romantic love. I should not answer your question with a question, but the temptation is to great: What would have happened if the likes of Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Bronte had been "saved from depression" by clinical means... Instead of being heard out, cared for, and nurtured?
Of course, at the other end of this kaleidoscope, there are the consequenses of abuse: Depression unleashed may lead to a degree of selfdestruction and even self-inflicted death. We don't want those things at all, they are not the answer.
So, you need to evaluate the individual, and her/his circumstances. We may be talking about depression induced by an unhealthy environment, by ill-intended sadistic person(s), by a hipersensitive isolated soul, or by somatic anomalies?
I've seen there's a proclivity towards this deeply human emotion in many of us. To me, there's fate to a degree. But I feel there's always a choice involved, weather its conscious, subconscious or atavic.
There is a choice.

Answer 2

I think Depression is just that it's Depression sometimes lasting ones entire life maybe. It's hard to get out of. While some people seem to understand what is happening to them and seem to cope with it better then other people. Depression is not a choice or something that someone just comes upon one day in their life. It is something to do with the brain and who knows all about that right? I think that some people do encounter small bouts of Depression but it may not last long. Now it might be just that they are down, but isn't this Depression. I think Depression has to do when the brain lacks L-dopa and Dopamine. This is something that scientist need to work a lot in because many young Kids take their liefs due to Depression.Now does this mean that young Teenagers lack l-dopa and Dopamine in their brains? Maybe at some point the levels are not right somewhere in the Brain during developmental stages. So what happens when a person loses all of these chemicals in the Brain= Parkinson's Disease. So Depression must be a Horrible Chemical imbalance that Doctors don't know a whole lot about. I think this is the case. Is it caused from the environment? Maybe it could be due to pesticides and Chemicals in the food that we eat. Some people may be more sensitive then others.I don't think Depression is a choice of course But, I do feel like it is a defect in the Genes somewhere, somehow. Hope this helps you out some.

Answer 3

Good question. I"v been depressed most of my life. I'm 34 now and I remember it really setting in at 12 after my grandmother died. I have just dealt with it for the most part. I did try some medication about 9 months ago and it seemed to help for a little while, but soon I just felt the same way. I get real down here and there where I don't want to do any thing. Sometimes it lasts 6 months and other times it's just a day or two. I really have no idea if it is something that is just my genetic makeup or if it is due to life situations. Life has not ever really been a good one but I would say that it is genetics since it started at such a young age.

Answer 4

There is a difference between situational depression, chronic depression, as well as other types such as major depression.
For many people who have life-long depression, this is usually inherited and there is a chemical imbalance in the brain.

There is a difference between having "moments" of depression or "blue or bad days", and fighting a life-long condition.

Depression is not a choice, especially if there is a chemical imbalance involved.

You do have a choice, however, if it is simply a bad day. You can do something to make yourself feel better.

Answer 5

Depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in your brain. At least, true depression is. That's different from having "times or moments" of depression. And yes, I firmly believe it is hereditary.

Answer 6

depression usually occurs when people give up on themselves. we are all capable of contracting it.
the bad part is it's easy to get there. but its hard to get out.
when people i know get depressed i use logic to get them out. remember the sub-conscious only understands logic. it cannot be reasoned with. and the sub conscious is what controls your emotions.
if you show them proof positive un-deniable evidence that their depression can be easily solved they will snap out of it.
unless it is chronic depressionthen they need professional help.

Answer 7

it can be accquired from being married to an as* hole