Depression

[Kiddo]

A very simple question: why on earth does depression seem to be a fad now? Seriously - if you ever browse DA about half the people on there will be wallowing in their angst like it's the newest trend from Hot Topic. I personally find constantly depressed people annoying as all get out. (granted, genuine depression is much different so I'm only addressing the fakers or whatever they are) It's not just the younger kids either, there's people my age and older that cling to it like it's their crutch or something.

Anyone have any theories on why this is so?

I personally blame Evanescense. *is joking*

[huggsy]

Kiddo, I dont think its fair to say anything like this. Some people fake it just for attention and stuff, beleive me, I know those people. But I have actual, confirmed by the doctor, depression and this seems like a really hurtful subject to bring up. I dont really think it should be discussed but I'll hold my peace.

[Kiddo]

Huggsy said:

Kiddo, I dont think its fair to say anything like this. Some people fake it just for attention and stuff, beleive me, I know those people. But I have actual, confirmed by the doctor, depression and this seems like a really hurtful subject to bring up. I dont really think it should be discussed but I'll hold my peace.

I don't want to touch real depression - I agree that that's something that might be better left alone. I went through a stage of depression as well - real one - and the LAST thing I wanted was attention.

So I'm just getting some theories on why on earth someone would fake it. Discussion like.

If it gets out of hand I can easily lock/remove this entire thread.

[huggsy]

A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.

Oh and any guys reading this next part, you dont have depression. (guys think colds are flu. lol.)

Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood

Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism

Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed.

Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"

Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions

Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain

Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
Restlessness, irritability

Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain.

So what Im trying to say is that only people who show these symptoms I would not slap call a goth.

[Nighthawk]

I haven't been diagnosed as depressed, but it's very hereditary in my family. My dad had it when he was a young man, my uncle from mom's side is going through it right now, and I believe that I am suffering from it. People may laugh and joke and say "Oh I'm so depressed" but depression is no joke. It's that feeling of emtiness inside a person everyday. There's nothing there to fill the void. People who don't have it don't understand the feeling of it. You can give a depressed person the thing that makes them the happiest in the world, but they will still have that emtiness. People need to stop saying they're depressed when they have no idea what it's like.

[Kiddo]

So do ya think that depression is incorrectly defined? Because if we call it an illness, than it should be dealt with in one way. If we define it as so many people seem to define it - blue moods or just 'down in the dumps' - then well, we get the masses of depressed people writing about how they are so bored of life.

I honestly don't know. There seems to be no defined definition to the word - so we get genuine depression crossed with someone having a bad week.

For reference, if I'm talking about depression, chances are I'll be talking about the non-illness variety. I'll specify if not.

I can't remember well enough to pinpoint a specific instance when depression became cool - does anyone think that the goth movement contributed to it, as stereotypes seem to say?

*still blames Evanescense at this point*

[huggsy]

Kiddo said:

So do ya think that depression is incorrectly defined? Because if we call it an illness, than it should be dealt with in one way. If we define it as so many people seem to define it - blue moods or just 'down in the dumps' - then well, we get the masses of depressed people writing about how they are so bored of life.

I honestly don't know. There seems to be no defined definition to the word - so we get genuine depression crossed with someone having a bad week.

For reference, if I'm talking about depression, chances are I'll be talking about the non-illness variety. I'll specify if not.

I can't remember well enough to pinpoint a specific instance when depression became cool - does anyone think that the goth movement contributed to it, as stereotypes seem to say?

*still blames Evanescense at this point*

I think the fact that people get to much attention and sometimes masscarade depression in order to be really mean and rude to people.

[Nighthawk]

I think people sometimes fake depression to get attention. They feel the need to be watched and worried about by other people. When you have real depression though, at least in my case, you don't want people knowing about it, because it makes people feel differently about you and sometimes over do it on the compassion.

[Kiddo]

Huggsy said:

I think the fact that people get to much attention and sometimes masscarade depression in order to be really mean and rude to people.

Is it intentional rudeness or just a plea for attention?

Or maybe it's the only way some people have been shown how to deal with their problems? Bear with me speculating for a moment. If we're all told that its okay to be depressed, that we should get help if we are and that people will be understanding, then we look around and see lots of people moping about, wouldn't that be a cue that we should do the same if we are having trouble in life? Maybe the problem is too much tolerance for a lack of independence.

I don't mean to offend or slight. I enjoy speculating and tend to cross into topics other people won't touch. You shoulda seen the day we discussed Christianity in class - the only people debating were me and another Christian cause everyone else was too scared to touch the issue. I don't believe in that kind of attitude.

[Nighthawk]

Kiddo said:

Is it intentional rudeness or just a plea for attention?

Or maybe it's the only way some people have been shown how to deal with their problems? Bear with me speculating for a moment. If we're all told that its okay to be depressed, that we should get help if we are and that people will be understanding, then we look around and see lots of people moping about, wouldn't that be a cue that we should do the same if we are having trouble in life? Maybe the problem is too much tolerance for a lack of independence.

I don't mean to offend or slight. I enjoy speculating and tend to cross into topics other people won't touch. You shoulda seen the day we discussed Christianity in class - the only people debating were me and another Christian cause everyone else was too scared to touch the issue. I don't believe in that kind of attitude.

Interesting thought Kiddo. I think you've captured it. Society is built on people conforming in a certain way to a certain aspect of life. People see depression in that way and they'll copy it to gain attention. It's back to the basic law that people will conform and copy what is "hip" to gain a sense of security in their place in society.

[huggsy]

Kiddo said:

Is it intentional rudeness or just a plea for attention?

Or maybe it's the only way some people have been shown how to deal with their problems? Bear with me speculating for a moment. If we're all told that its okay to be depressed, that we should get help if we are and that people will be understanding, then we look around and see lots of people moping about, wouldn't that be a cue that we should do the same if we are having trouble in life? Maybe the problem is too much tolerance for a lack of independence.

I don't mean to offend or slight. I enjoy speculating and tend to cross into topics other people won't touch. You shoulda seen the day we discussed Christianity in class - the only people debating were me and another Christian cause everyone else was too scared to touch the issue. I don't believe in that kind of attitude.

Sometimes it has nothing to do with problems in thast persons life, but their fear of whats in store for the future. Death? Life after death? Which religion is right? Is there a heaven? There's many, many things in life which can cause depression.

But the fakers really get to me, because they're so fake. I got so depressed one day I flung a chair at my Italian teacher. (2 years ago)

I got suspended for a week. But people like this guy in my class does nothing but mope about. He's such a loser and you can tell that he isn't an actor. I really do feel like slapping him.

[Stal]

I was pretty depressed for about, well...let's see here...I guess 3 years or so. It's so tough to say when I got out of it, and when it truly began, so that's a nice rough estimate...and I still have flashbacks to the depression...it's almost normalcy for me, so if I get morose or in a passing blue mood (it happens often lately, because I've had a rough and emotionally unstable year) I have to watch out, otherwise I'll easily fall into it.

And I know, for myself, it was almost a shelter. It was, in a very very odd way, satisfying. I can't explain the feeling, but it just was. I was able to use it as a shell, and though I was constantly depressed, I...well, I'm repeating myself.

Perhaps it's that feeling that keeps people in a state of pseudo-depression. And yeah, it's been actually pushed forth as society as a new form of cool...artists/writers are supposed to be depressed, etc etc

And you're actually pretty close on target with the music aspect. There's been a huge surge of downer rock. It's excellent music, and I love Evanescence a lot myself, but some people have this idea that to listen to these people you have to be in a down mood and play the part.

Then there's the pseudo-goths. People trying to fit the stereotype.

There's the people who would rather be in a near constant state of moroseness so that when the next bad thing happens they're not surprised. It's what I fight against...I've had crap after crap thrown at me that I just expect them at every turn. I don't think you understand that point too much because you once just said I was being a masochist, but when you have to deal with a bunch of crap just one right after another....yeah, it's expected to just keep coming.

I think by now most people have gleamed or know just what's happened in my life. Or have some idea. Plus I get the impression that a lot of people just think I'm making a lot of it up, so I'd prefer to not subject myself to any further ridicule on that level.

Then there's the people who just want attention. Acting depressed, to some, gets people running like a flock. Perhaps these people just want reassurance, or some attention, and I've been accused of that myself. Not that I have done it just for attention (although sometimes I do yearn for reassurance, but I prefer the genuine kind and not the stuff required from people listening to an angsty, mopey rant), but I understand the draw. Instead of being upset with these people simply for wanting attention, perhaps it would be best to take a look at their reasons for it...wanting attention isn't always the worst thing in the world like it has become known as today.

I mean, there's just so many different reasons for the people out there that act pseudo depressed. So many reasons, so many explanations, some are more genuine than others....

I guess that's my two cents on this matter...

[Jessica Coconut]

The old meaning of the word "depressed" was when you felt down, upset, gloomy, and you were having a bad day.

I believe we're discussing people that feel like this every day, but do not have chronic depression. Personally, I think this "I'm depressed right now" mood is (if you have it all the time) in your head. Sometimes, guys, you have to look for reasons to be happy. SERIOUSLY. Sunshine, being able to go to school or work without worrying about being bombed, a nice meal at home, computers when they work, weekends, being finished all your work, acing that test, good books, holidays...

You know? Life is good - we're all lucky here. Luckier than we think.

[Nighthawk]

I'm not exactly sure that people who pretend to be depressed actually fell like it all the time. There is a difference between real and fake depression, and people who aren't really depressed can't hold the mood all the time. To someone who is depressed, it becomes a natural feeling.

[Rider]

[glow=red,2,300]I only write in my journal when I need someone to talk to who won't bite my head off or send me to a shrink. *cough*mom*cough*

So my entire journal makes me look depressed.

However, I have a friend who keeps begging for attention. Last year, she pretended to be lesbian. This year, she's pretending to be gothic.

It bugs me to no end. There are real goths, and there are fake goths. I can tell the difference.

But anyway, the point of this rant is; it might be real and it might be fake. Kiddo's right, it might come from society's tolerance of dependance, etc. Might come from society's glorification of darkness and angst. Society says that if you're angsty, then you're a complex and meaningful person. And that must mean you'll have a dark and beautiful destiny.

Dude, the world don't work like that. I need to set your alarm for a wake-up call.[/glow]