Is it plausible that Yahoo answers can increase a person's depression?

Question

Lots of questions crop up from people who are suffering depression - nasty illness to have granted, but...

...I've noticed that many of these questions get answered by people who are also suffering with depression, and it would seem that any question asked by someone with depression is answered with even more stories of many other's depression!

So would you think (if you were depressed) that, your depression would be made better or worse by more people telling you about how depressed they were also?




At risk of a "let's have all the depressed people in one room and see if they improve?" philosophy?


Seriously curious about this one - cheers guys!

Answer 1

Honestly I am a depressed person and I think it helps me to help other people cuz for that short amount of time I am not thinking about myself. Also alot of times the person my not be depressed at that time but can speak from experience

Answer 2

I think it'd be the same as those communities where people with the same problems gather and talk and find solutions together with a moderator. You know it already that there are groups in real life where people with drinking, anger, depression problems would meet up and talk. It's just that in real life, people tend to hide. We might not see depressed people quite noticeably which is the reason why we wonder why there are so many on the internet. They're people from our everyday life, including me, but you just don't know who they are and how they look so they become more open. Suggestions from the same type of people, in this case, depressed, would give benefits:
1. They've been there or even in a worse situation and therefore can provide a hands on solution and sympathy based on experience rather than theories.
2. Just by knowing that there are others who have the same or worse situation would change your perspective in facing your problems. At least you won't think you're alone, why me, any kinds of negative thoughts that cross your mind when trying to deal with your depression.
On the internet, it has some pluses side as well:
1. It's for free and you can communicate anytime. You don't see the people, there's no need to be ashamed, thus you'll be more honest when describing the situation and how you feel.
2. By not knowing who's facing the problems or who's depressed, you'll offer a more objective opinion. You don't know the questioner or anyone related to the person. So no putting favour on any side.
Of course there are weakneses like sometimes the questioner doesn't describe details. I also would agree that being surrounded by happy people can bring changes in your mood but the reason why people ask questions is because they can't find that in their life, or to add their resources. As long as we're trying to go to a better state and do something(by using yahoo answer), I'd say : Let's risk it!

Answer 3

I'm pretty new to Yahoo Answers so haven't run across what you're speaking of, but...
Yes, it's possible to make things worse but that would only be if the person is already so deep that anything could set it off. It's also possible to share info from personal experience, to know you aren't alone in it all and to learn from what others have gone through. Back when I was first dealing with it after the birth of a child no one spoke of it and very few Drs. would even discuss it. When my Mom was going through it it was only whispered that they'd had a breakdown and had to go 'away' for awhile.
When left in the dark depression grows and it's a scary place to be without help but help is out there, meds, talking, sharing experiences with others, knowing you are not alone. If more people would speak out about it there'd be fewer things like Mom's drowning their children, or the one that cut her 8 month olds arms off, most suicides could be helped before it got that bad and it would be easier for the people around the person to recognize something was wrong. Depression is a brain chemistery problem, nothing to be ashamed of, any more than with a diabetic, which is just a chemical problem.
So yes, like anything, there can be problems with online answers, especially if there is no suggestions of how to seek help but then again there are times just sharing it can be a real relief and might led to further taking the step to getting the help needed.

Answer 4

'At risk of a "let's have all the depressed people in one room and see if they improve?" philosophy?'

I don't know why, but that made me laugh. And then a moment passed, and I laughed again. It was funny twice, haha.

I agree I think the last person to give advice to a depressed person should be another depressed person. After all, a depressed person obviously doesn't know how to make themselves happy, otherwise they would be. But also depressed people don't need to be getting advice from idiots (who always seem to have strong opinions), either. And honestly, I don't think psychologists/psychiatrists do any good for depressed people either (except for the few who have chemical imbalances and really do need the drugs, but that is a small minority). Most people I know or have known who are/were seeing a therapist for depression have been seeing that therapist for "x number of years". If the therapy was working, then why are they still in therapy?

I think the only people qualified to advise a depressed person are people who have been depressed in the past, and genuinely aren't anymore (and aren't just lying to themselves).

Answer 5

Great question! I suffer from chronic mental health problems, and have no interest whatsoever about detailing them. Your observation is accurate. Most people seem to ignore the question being asked, and give their life story. Having said that, there are a few wise and compassionate people who visit this section. To answer your question, I would say that yes, listening to other people's problems all the time is very depressing, especially if you've been ill for a long time. I find that I want to talk about anything but my mental health problems on the Internet. I would also agree that people do seem to group together..Maybe that brings some people comfort, but to me, it just focuses your mind in the wrong direction. If you want to feel less depressed, then I think you should develop interests, and look outwards. On a final point, it concerns me when I see people desperate for help..You'll never find it on the Internet..As many people will know, you can't rely on anyone online.

Answer 6

One's level of depression can be increased or decreased by virtually anything, so isolating it to Yahoo Answers is akin to asking if a headache would be worsened by loud pop music as opposed to loud jazz music.

There's a school of thought that suggests that people that are depressed actually find solace and hope in seeing others in worse predicaments. In fact, a study done years ago found that depressed people were more likely to watch a depressing movie than a comedy, because seeing others suffering worse made them feel a little better about their own situation.

In the end, it all comes down to each person's situation and their ability to recover from it or deal with it, and there isn't going to be any one catch-all answer that will fit.

Answer 7

Oh Deifinitely! People come here for support and you have smart *** people that are rude, cruel, and immature! Like today someone asked a question if they should join the band at her high school,. and people were so mean about it! If you don't have anything nice to say, just don't say anthing at all! People are so mean and rude these days! No wonder there are so many depressed people and stereo types. All these shooting that have happened lately.... depresses outcast kids that were stereo typed!

Sorry Kinda got off track there... but yes depressed people on yahoo answers can be made more depressed!!

Answer 8

yes, it is a nasty illness... People who suffer from depression and are getting treated though are on the way to recovery. They can empathize with what it is like and add valuable feedback.
I have seen others poor out their story on here too, and forget about the person who asks, want useful information.
I agree with you. It takes some thought to answer a question without getting personally involved. It is apparent who the morons are on yahoo, to the ones who can offer real helpful feedback.

Answer 9

Interesting question!

When you are going through a bad time, for many people, I think it helps to hear similar stories from others just to let you know that it isn't just you. In particular, if their story ends well. But if it doesn't, then.... that could be bad.

On the other hand, when you are depressed, it might be better for you to surround yourself with people who are NOT depressed with the hopes that their, uh, ... non-depressedness... would rub off on you.

I guess what I'm trying to say is... I don't know! It could work either way. I guess it depends on what the questioner is seeking...

Make sense? :-p

Answer 10

I think some depressed people come to YA because they really need to talk to people and want to know what they can do to get through their difficult situation. There are people here who can answer their question, have been through similar things or know of things they can try to help them. Some people have no one to talk to and coming here there are lots of people who will listen to their problems. I don't think being here increases depression as far as I know. Also talking to other people who are depressed makes people feel kinda better to know that their not the only going through it.