So, I don't believe in a justification of depression. I don't wish to offend anyone but I don't think that there is any good reason, no matter what your circumstance, to be depressed. When I tell this to people (especially my family) they are absolutely appalled. You would think I would have told them that people should stop breathing! But no, I say people should be happy! This would seem an easy and desireable task to accomplish but they seem to think it is absolutely impossible and almost abnormal for someone to be happy all the time. Why not, I ask? Why not be happy and grateful no matter what? It seems one of the most worthwhile goals to achieve that I can think of. You might ask: "well if you had it as bad as others, you would be just as depressed as them", but I beg to differ. I am blessed to have circumstances much better than those of many others but sometimes I wish I wasn't so blessed in this way. This sounds weird but I KNOW without a doubt that I would not, WILL not allow my self to be depressed in times of trial and tribulation. I say bring it on. To this one would most certainly say: "Oh well you think you're better than everyone". To this I ask: really?, How else am I supposed to defend myself against the earlier accusation then to say: "I won't be depressed"? By the accuser saying that I would be depressed, I am set up to say: "No, I won't" which lets them say: "I need to get off my high horse" (or something to the same effect).
I understand that that was very confusing; but think about it, go through it twice, thrice even. And I believe that more often than not, you will realize that I just might have a point.... In closing of this self-imposed debate, I bring up the example of Job of old (don't role your eyes, I may not be a prophet but the scriptures are true, all the credibility I need) who physically lost EVERYTHING and emotionally, spiritually lost nothing. That is to say, he was content and grateful. Yes, he may have been a great, near-perfect prophet; but sad excuses like: "I can't compare to him", don't excuse us from at least striving to be like him. "Follow the prophets, they know the way. Follow the prophets, don't go astray". Let's follow Job, the prophet, and be happy... not a difficult task... ; )
Touché, Nick. In a PERFECT world, where individuals aren't subject to the frailties of the human body/mind, perhaps it would be possible for people to avoid falling into depression. However, I still think you have an extremely limited perspective and too easily discount the chemical imbalances/other factors that can lead to depression. Avoiding "depression" is not merely a matter of exerting one's willpower. Even if Tom Cruise thinks so ;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that I have to agree with Tam on this one. While I will agree that many people seek medication to quickly in todays society (and doctors are too quick to prescribe medication), there are people with legitimate chemical issues that cause personality disorders/depression. I think where you might just lose some credibility is your age and circumstances. I love you dearly, but you are a VERY privileged young man who has not experienced much of life yet. I mean no disrespect, but you are very young to yet understand what effect repeated disappointments and watching those you love suffer can to to the mind over time. I do believe you are and will grow to be a very positive person and be an example to others. :)
ReplyDeleteWell yes I understand perfectly that there is a chemical imbalance that can cause people to be depressed but I strongly believe that it can be overcome. If it couldn't be overcome, whoever had that imbalance doesn't have agency, something we know that we are guaranteed. We've been commanded to be of good cheer so Heavenly Father wouldn't make that impossible. And how could it not be possible to overcome. Again I call upon Job who's chemical hormones were surely going crazy, and yet he was fine. I understand that I am limited by my experience and perspective but I wish it wasn't the case. While I disagree with you I do appreciate this comment and debate. And I see where you are coming from,thank you.
ReplyDeleteI must agree with your mom and Julie #1 on this one. I do hope that you can always have this same outlook, but also hope that you can understand that depression isn't always a choice or a switch that can be so easily flipped. Yes, it can be overcome, but it is very real and can be justified.
ReplyDeleteP.S. - Take some time to study Job chapter 3 and tell me that Job wasn't depressed. Just because he was able to overcome the terrible afflictions that he had to go through and eventually praise God, I'd say he went through a great period of depression. Anyone who says he would rather be dead than keep living through the pain is depressed. (vs. 11).
Ah, the naivety of youth....
this debate has left me with only enough energy to say: touche ;)
ReplyDeleteIn a sudden epiphany I realized (not to be sexist/offensive) that everyone who disagrees with me is female and everyone who agrees with me is male. That could be, and probably is because women tend to be more sympathetic, while men usually take a more agressive, "grow up and rub some dirt in it" standpoint. Know this also brings me to realize that since men generally blog less, I will always have fewer people agree with me on this blog. So, I have lost the numbers war...
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