Can You explain why more and more people are getting depressed?

Question

I wonder why people in these days are so sad and unhappy ? What can I do to feel confident with myself ..? Is there any key ? How can I be happy with life ?

Answer 1

Nowadays people are so hung up on being depressed, having depression, etc because the media plays it up too much. What did people do 30 years ago? Before the day and age of the magic pill? They sucked it up and moved on. Nowadays everyone is hung up, IMO, wayyyy too much on being depressed. You made the first step, recognizing that you are down. Now the second step is taking the measure to change it. Only you can pull yourself out of this rut.
You need to look at yourself and learn that this is who you are and that you're going to love yourself for it. If there are things that you don't like, change it. If you really want to be happier then do your homework and take baby steps towards viewing yourself in a different light. Sit down and list all of the things that make you who you are. Be honest.
Someone else loving you or someone else telling you that you're great won't change the ways you view yourself. I'm also a firm believer that you cannot truly love someone else until you are secure and love who you are.
Take the good with the bad and know that everyone of us has ups and downs. Just make sure when something goes on that aren't so great that you learn from it and move forward. Don't dwell on the bad, keep the positive aspects in the forefront of your mind and start everyday with a smile.
Remember that life is a journey and if there weren't bad things that happened to us then how would we ever learn to appreciate the good?

Answer 2

One thing worth noting- are more people getting depressed or is more depression just being reported (are more people going for help and admitting they have depression)? Is it just becoming more ok to as for help so more people are getting helped. Also- are we expanding the definition of depression so that it encompases more? If someone you love dies and you're sad- that's normal. You don't need anti-depressants to feel better.

That's a tough question- tough questions don't have easy answers. I have a few suggestions. First, do not isolate yourself!!! That's where depression thrives. Join a community and allow people to know you. Even if you don't feel like it- it's good for you. Second, find something your good at or passionate about and be proud of that. Try those things and it could help.

If you can't seem to shake your feeling of depression- you might see a counselor- and see if he'd recommend you to see a psychiatrist to get some medicine.

Answer 3

I used to get depressed when I was younger. I even went for
help and paid to get well. But in the long run I just have to look inside myself and believe. We always think that money is the answer or what if I would have said or done this. Move on daily and think positive in all you do and say. Think and believe and then proceed. Don't ever look back because you can't change the past. Stay with positive people, think positive thought and
always pray daily to a higher power.

Answer 4

I honestly do not believe people are more depressed now than they ever were. Back then, the term was "nervous condition" and treated either by keeping it silent or putting those who were into an asylum. And the asylums were awful. Now, many people are able to look at it as a disease and realize it is treatable. We have come a long way regarding psychology. You only hear more about depression today because it has finally become an "accepted" term.

This misconception that people "just sucked it up and moved on" is frightening to me. It sounds eerily condescending and quite ignorant. Did people just "suck up" cancer? When Jonas Salk discovered a vaccine for polio, there were angry factions who thought he had somehow "messed with nature". This is a ridiculous notion. Did people just "suck up" cancer? Depression is a chemical disease caused or complicated by the events we experience. Certain brain receptors are affected, and the chemicals that our brains utilize to feel good (seratonin, epenephrine) diminish hugely. This is a proven, scientific FACT. There are those that discredit all medication and that too is a shame. Would you deny medication to a sick child? Would you deny it to those with diabetes? No? Well, just as diabetics often need insulin injections to live, some depressed people need seratonin reuptake inhibitors or anti-anxiety medication.

'Back then' people had to contend with The Great Depression (no pun intended), World War II, the Kennedy assassination- all of these bred depression, but so did child abuse, a lack of equality for women, and ignorance about the disease that became tantamount to stigma - hushed whispers, closed doors, fear, intolerance and hatred. This still occurs, unfortunately, but less so (although to read some of the responses might not convince you of this at all.).

Confidence and happiness is perception; if you have a low-esteem you will look negatively at yourself and vice versa. In my opinion, the best way to counter depression is to not allow people in your life who belittle or insult you, family, friends, whomever. These people are limited and while everyday contact may be necessary, try never to tell them everything that is going on in your life. Keep that for those who make you feel good about who you are. I continually sought approval and acceptance by those who treated me badly. It got to a point that I became severely depressed. Simply not allowing these people to stay in my inner circle (took me 29 years) helped. Also, volunteer your time. It will make you feel good about yourself and diversify your interests. It is the greatest cure in the world. Make a difference in the lives of others. Volunteer with children, the homeless, teens - there are so many at-risk groups. Visit your local community center to find out what work is needed or look on the Internet for volunteer opportunities.

The only way to feel better about yourself is to make your inner nucleus (those who love you for you) be defined as "family". If you feel you have no one, DO NOT be afraid to ask for help. Believe me, years of therapy and a wonderful counselor are the biggest reason I am alive. Some people still refuse to educate themselves about mental illness. They are usually the most backward people I know.

All the best to you. I hope you feel better soon.

Answer 5

Confidence comes from the inside. I am no expert and I don't claim to be happy 100% of the time because negative emotion is part of you being human.
Sometimes sadness and unhappyness is seen as an easy way out and "the thing to do". Giving up in society nowadays is prolific and needs to be addressed. A lot of the time, getting your head down and working hard/percevering with the situation is the best thing to do.

Answer 6

The economy
Social issues
The U.S.Deficiate
Unemployment: The Midwest is closing factories every month
Health issues....many health insurance issues.
The War

Keep your self active in anything, bobbies, groups....and try not to worry about things you cant change. Good Luck

Answer 7

Many people are so called depressed because that is the trend these days. Its seen, almost, like you are someone in this world if you are on medication or have a shrink. Another contributing factor is that people tend to see the downside to everything and to blame everyone else for their problems. I dont believe that true depression is any more prevalent these days than before. One of the keys is to just tell yourself it could be worse. Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, look around you and see how well its going for you. Believe me, I've seen people who have every right to be depressed who just look at the positives and live their life for the future. Also, dont be so quick to blame everyone else or to see yourself as a victim. Accept what has happened or what is happening and instead of wallowing in self pity, do what you can to get yourself out of it.

Answer 8

Many possible reasons: Many sociologists believe America is declining to an Anomic state, meaning that social order is being broken down...Many believe that this is due to decrease in social cohesion due consumerism: for example, more cars means less liklihood of riding public transport/carpooling, more commercialism leads to greater need for more items, more squarefootage. All of which leads to more work hours, both parental units are having to work, resulting in less community involvement (i.e., church, school, family and other social institutions). Also, great societal changes are in the way, due to globalization, explosions in technology and social revelutions (feminist movements) further increasing the social differences (also leading to Anomie).

Answer 9

Look at the state of the nation unemployment, The lopsided war on terror, The Presidential administration for starters. To be happy in life you must find your own niche, Do whats best for you get out have some fun and don't worry about things.

Answer 10

Because of STRESS in LIFE. Inorder for you to be happy. Get rid of your worries and just try to forget and do some breathing and lots of walking and running it helps.