Only intelligent people suffer from depression?

Question

Do you think this is true? Would appreciate your views and ideas

Cassie - I am not saying this is my opinion, petal. Just interested in peoples views of the subject....

Thanks, Adam - obviously a therapist!

Folks - I wasn't trying t be controversial - it is something I hear people say all the time. I personally think it is untrue too.

Answer 1

'Intelligent' people do often suffer depression because they think more deeply about things, people don't 'get' them and more is expected of them, which they may not be able to live up to.. people think if your intelligent as a youngster then your bound for great things, however high 'intelligence' doesn't always mean that you've got the coping skills and communication skills to match.

Its not only 'intelligent' people who suffer with depression though I've met hundreds of 'ordinary' people with depression.

In my opinion: There are many different types of intelligence, not just being acedemic and 'bright' as people assume.. common sense and coping skills should be just as highly prized as ability to complete a maths problem or write a good essay.. you need them just as much to survive and acheive, if not more.

Answer 2

No, intelligence has nothing to do with depression. In any case of depression it is fed by lack of mental stimulation. The source of depression is some kind of incident that has stopped the lust for experience. This start in one subject and spread to other subjects, until the person reaches a state where the person doesn't feel like experiencing anymore. This state degenerates the hippocampus and one of the effects is less production of serotonin. This is where a psychologial problem also become a chemical problem(which is why it is considered to give medication to reverse the state).
Getting out of a depression is a choice of going back into life and get the mind stimulated. It doesn't happen in one day, but heavy improvements are seen after three months on daily stimulation.

Answer 3

Hi Nickywire:

Absolutely NOT!

Mental illness including depression does not discriminate from anyone for any reason, race, religion, age, or intelligence. It knows no such thing.

Mental illness and that is including depression can affect anyone, any time, any where. Intelligence is not a barrier that can keep depression away from you.

So my answer is no, it is NOT only intelligent people who suffer from depression.

Be safe and be well
J

Answer 4

hmm i think to some extent that is true. i mean, if someone is really thick, they are ignorant. and ignorance IS bliss. that saying is right on. but someone whose say deep and views the world's details with a keen eye has a higher risk at being depressed because they are so aware of their life and their sufferings. a lot of depressed people (sorry i know i keep generalizing, but all this is my personal experience) i know are really artsy and are highly developed in a certain field of study, which clarifies their intelligence. so yes i think this is true. but depression does occasionally affect everyone. i'd say mostly it's people who think too much though. :]

Answer 5

Not at all. I'm fairly intellectual and suffer from depression but i think it's due to my sensitivity and being a perfectionist and i guess there is a link but there are so many forms of depression and there's no reason why someone of a poorer intellect can't be a perfectionist and sensitive either. I think it's maybe due to education that some people are more aware of their depression than others.

Answer 6

No, absolutely anyone can suffer from depression. It's just the intellegent people who go looking for help. Suicide is sometimes an end to depression, unfortunately, but what those people don't realize is the life that they haven't lived. They need to do something that they enjoy. Otherwise they end up waiting for something that SHOULD make them feel happier when what they need to feel happier is controlled by THEM. If you have a friend who is suffering from depression or you are suffering from depression, see a pychiatrist who can help them, or you, conquer the depression.

Answer 7

maybe it is just a way for therapists to make people feel better about themselves

i am not above average inteligence but i think that people who are perhaps a bit slower and a bit dim maybe just happier because they dont worry about silly little things

mabe their brain just dosent have the capability to handle too much so it dosent get clogged up with too much nonsence

or maybe intelligent people are only intelligent because it is a way of feeding their brain to try to take over the rubbish that is in their, and if we didnt have rubbish in our head we wouldnt be trying to hide it and camoflage it with facts and intellect

i hope you can understand what i mean

best wishes

xxx
vici

Answer 8

Actually, I find it to be, at least, more true than not. It's certainly not a rule by any means, but it could lead credence to the fact the more intelligent are more likely to be aware of external problems that can cause depression.

Answer 9

I think that anyone can suffer from depression but the fact of the matter is that stacticits show more intellegent people suffer from mental illnesses like depression not sure why but the human mind is a mystery.

Answer 10

Yes. I suffer from depression. On attending therapy I found our group was made up of people with above average intelligence. Many simple people are always happy and smiling, probably because they don't get bogged down with trying to Analise this depressing world. Oh, to be simple.