Is there anyone here that is NOT depressed?

[rexbeccarox]

Something I've noticed in reading through this thread. There seems to be an idea, whether it's intentional or unintentional, that depression is largely a choice.

Sometimes it is. Sometimes the level of depression you are feeling is a choice.

I think that if you are not trying to overcome it then you are choosing to keep it. Some people may need medicine but a lot of people just need to have self discipline and train their mind not to be depressed.

Regardless of the severity of the condition I feel that self discipline can at least help the situation and sometimes overcome it. Someone that sits and wallows in it is choosing to remain there. If you are at the bottom of the pit get up and do something productive.

The bolded is the problem, the stigma, depressed people face. Apathy is a major trait of depression. Apathy stops people from "do[ing] something productive". Depression isn't always wallowing; sometimes it's just not doing anything because, well, what's the point? (in a depressed person's mind)

[tor]

I'm not depressed because I know that everyone is stupider than me.

I'd be really depressed having to be the only intelligent guy dealing with a world full of stupid people.

I personally was more depressed as an atheist but that was due largely to the way my lifestyle changed after I began fearing God. I assume so anyway.

Fearing? What he is going to do to you?

[Phatt Matt s]

Something I've noticed in reading through this thread. There seems to be an idea, whether it's intentional or unintentional, that depression is largely a choice. One of my friends has battled clinical depression for a few years, and she would love to choose to be happy, every day. It's not something she can 'will' herself out of, unfortunately.

So, while there are times when we all may become 'depressed,' there are many others who are that way on a continual basis, and without meds, and professional assistance, they find living life with any sense of joy, a real challenge.

I understand where we are all coming from. lol Just wanted to point that out, because it's not always a matter of 'will power' when it comes to depression. For some, it is a true battle.

Yeah I get so depressed I can't walk straight. In times like that I mainly can sleep it off or distract myself by coming to this forum :p but it won't go away. Hanging out with friends is not the right thing to do at these times because it's like an open wound and anything that so much as blows on it irritates it.

Thinking positively is very important but I can't will the heartache and emptiness to go away. There are coping skills to lessen the depression. Thinking negatively is a big no no. Abusing drugs and alcohol is another big no no. But will power isn't going to make the depression go away. Not ever in my case.

Often times when I feel I willed the depression to go away it was simply because the mood swung and I attributed it to my positive thoughts, meditation, or getting up and going for a long run. (Not denying those coping methods are helpful)

But then when the depression returns, those positive thoughts and behaviors have little effect.

[KUSA]

the stigma, depressed people face. Apathy is a major trait of depression. Apathy stops people from "do[ing] something productive". Depression isn't always wallowing; sometimes it's just not doing anything because, well, what's the point? (in a depressed person's mind)

Part of the problem is that people don't have to do anything these days. You don't have to go out in the fields and tend the crops or animals if you want to eat.

People have it too easy these days so they get depressed and start moping around. If they had to struggle just to live they wouldn't have the time nor energy to get or stay depressed.

I know people are gonna flame me for saying that but fuck it because it's true.

[Tonus]

It is not my intention to offend anyone suffering from depression so please don't get offended. My heart pours out to you if you suffer from it.

I just seems very odd to me that so many Atheists are depressed. When I officially quit believing I felt better.
I know that I am in control of me and not some god.

I am a happy Atheist. Let me know if you are too.

I've always been a happy person, even during trying times in my life. I was a happy theist, and I am a happy atheist. I think that the "happy" part defines the person I am more than the "theist" did or the "atheist" does.

[No_God]

I'm not depressed

[rexbeccarox]

the stigma, depressed people face. Apathy is a major trait of depression. Apathy stops people from "do[ing] something productive". Depression isn't always wallowing; sometimes it's just not doing anything because, well, what's the point? (in a depressed person's mind)

Part of the problem is that people don't have to do anything these days. You don't have to go out in the fields and tend the crops or animals if you want to eat.

People have it too easy these days so they get depressed and start moping around. If they had to struggle just to live they wouldn't have the time nor energy to get or stay depressed.

I know people are gonna flame me for saying that but fuck it because it's true.

Not flaming, but I'm curious as to where you get this expertise of yours. When I was in college, I took a full course load, worked one full-time job, and two part-time jobs. I worked, studied, and practiced (music major) to the point where I didn't have time to wallow or even be apathetic. Due to depression though, I spent seven years in college so that I could take and retake courses to bring up my GPA.

In short, your assessment is full of shit. Sorry. You shouldn't talk about things you don't know unless you're asking questions.

[KUSA]

Part of the problem is that people don't have to do anything these days. You don't have to go out in the fields and tend the crops or animals if you want to eat.

People have it too easy these days so they get depressed and start moping around. If they had to struggle just to live they wouldn't have the time nor energy to get or stay depressed.

I know people are gonna flame me for saying that but fuck it because it's true.

Not flaming, but I'm curious as to where you get this expertise of yours. When I was in college, I took a full course load, worked one full-time job, and two part-time jobs. I worked, studied, and practiced (music major) to the point where I didn't have time to wallow or even be apathetic. Due to depression though, I spent seven years in college so that I could take and retake courses to bring up my GPA.

In short, your assessment is full of shit. Sorry. You shouldn't talk about things you don't know unless you're asking questions.

If you were in an earlier time let's say circa Little House on the Prairie and you were like Ma Ingalls I dare say you wouldn't have been depressed. Just sayin.

[rexbeccarox]

I can't believe you're still going with this. Do you have any evidence to back your hypothesis? And did you even watch or read Little House On the Prairie??? Talk about depressing.

[The Valkyrie]

I'd be really depressed having to be the only intelligent guy dealing with a world full of stupid people.

I personally was more depressed as an atheist but that was due largely to the way my lifestyle changed after I began fearing God. I assume so anyway.

Fearing? What he is going to do to you?

Continue failing to exist!