Based upon my own experiences with depression, and supported by some notable psychologists, depression is a consequence of three different scenarios.
First, if how we see and value ourselves is largely dependent upon other things, such as job or career or a relationship, and we lose this source regardless of why or how, our world can be thrown into turmoil and we can end up experiencing depression (Dr Dorothy Rowe). Actress Emma Thompson has just spoken publicly of the depression she experienced as a consequence of her divorce from Kenneth Branagh, fashion designer Alexander McQueen committed suicide as result of the depression he experienced after the death of his mother and Billy Joel’s daughter spiralled into depression and attempted suicide after a break up.
Interestingly, a recent journal article suggested that the breakdown of a relationship is the second most stressful life event we will experience – the most stressful being the death of a loved one. And that the amount of mental and emotional energy we consume during this period is the equivalent of working two fulltime jobs. Little wonder some of us find it so difficult to function during this type of experience.
Second, and I believe probably the main reason for the significant increase of depression within the developed world – depression is expected to be the second biggest health problem and burden within the developed world by 2020 – is the ever increasing stress and pressure we encounter during our everyday daily lives. Most of us operate 24/7, with little down time, particularly with insidious cancerous growth of new technologies – mobiles, texting, emails, tweeting. Ironically, of which, are meant to make our lives ever increasingly easier to live and more socially connnected. In reality, the connection appears to be more plastic in nature, as opposed to a real, earthy, deeply rooted bond.
The stress associated with our vocation – our job, study or business – relationship stress with our partner, family and friends; and finally, financial stress – many of us are in debt up to our eyeballs – only adds increasing pressure upon us. Like being burden with a heavy weight, this pressure builds and builds with ever increasing or unrelenting stress until something has got to give – namely us – and we find ourselves flat on our back struggling with depression or being prodded and poked by a Doctor who has just diagnosed a major health problem.
Thirdly, as Dr Martin Seligman suggested many years ago in his theory of ‘learned helplessness’, depression can become a learnt response to minor or major personal setbacks, particularly if how we feel about ourself is largely dependent upon external sources.
I realise that many suggest that depression is due to a a biochemical imbalance. And, based upon my own experiences with depression, I have no doubt that some type of physiological changes occur. However, at the end of day, which causes what? Particularly when you consider the results of studies that demonstrate that placebos or sugar pills can be just as effective in the treatment of mild and moderate forms of depression. Not to mention the fact that in the USA pharmaceutical companies made almost $10 billion dollars in antidepressant sales in 2009, less than 25% of depression sufferers actually seek help and depression is an ever increasing problem within society.
In other words, I don’t believe as a society we are properly debating the causes and treatments of depression. It’s all too easy to simply suggest that depression is a condition that we as individuals cannot have any influence upon. A similiar line of argument to suggesting that obesity is simply caused by genetics, while sitting on a couch stuffing your face with a cream bun. Irrespective of what may or may not be the cause depression, improving our ability to handle everyday stress or seeking additional support - even if it’s as simple as talking about the problem – can significantly reduce the built up anxiety and tension we may be experiencing; and hopefully keep the barking ‘black dogs’ at bay.
