Happiness and Depression

Depression is becoming an increasingly prevalent condition in the developed Western World.A number of various studies have linked emerging cases of depression with alcohol, weather and even technology. As incidence of these cases become more frequent, acceptance of them is also increased.

Acceptance of depression is a vital part of our humanity and moral code, however, there are times when one must step back and consider what it is we are depressed about, and more importantly why there is such a vast increase in the number of depression cases reported.

Having studied psychology for a number of years, it has become apparent that certain types of depression, and it’s causes, are very much determined by the condition of the societal status quo, the views of others on the subject, and ones current living conditions. Let me present you with one example:

SAD, or Seasonal Affective Disorder, is fast becoming one of the most common diagnosis of depression in the developed Western World during the winter months. The reasoning is very simple and scientifically viable: The lack of light causes symptoms generally referred to as ‘the winter blues’.
Consider the following however: You approach a villager in Ethiopia. You see them struggle with their day to day life: growing crops, obtaining clean water, looking after their family, etc… You explain to them that there are many people in England and America that suffer from a disease: a mental illness called ‘depression’. They will no doubt understand depression. Furthermore, you explain that it is caused due to shorter days and lack of light.
When the villagers consider this in respect of the troubles they face everyday, it would be interesting to see how many would find sympathy in their hearts for us.

Perhaps studies need to be moved further afield. Consider the topmost areas of the Northern hemisphere, where the land is covered in darkness for six months continuously. There are societies living there, and one must wonder if they are depressed half the year round or not.

Or maybe it might be, that here, in the developing world, life has become so easy for us, that we create a situation that allows us to throw our toys out of the pram… to complain and desire the attention of others. If we were to live in the conditions that many do in the Tundra, or the plains of Africa, would we be thusly affected by shorter days? Perhaps we would have more important things to worry about… perhaps not.

This article does not wish to conclude that disorders such as SAD do not exist. It merely wishes to ponder upon why it exists.