The Real Questions of Depression

There were several psychiatrists and psychologists gathered together for a discussion on the subject of depression. They had come together to identify all of the inaccurate, incorrect and misleading information regarding depression and the desire to educate and inform society regarding the real nature of depression. Also invited to attend was a world-renowned wise man to act as a mediator.

The discussion began when a doctor addressed the bind that depression creates for the patient. "When depression is stigmatized as illness and weakness, a double-bind is created; if we admit to depression, we will be stigmatized by others; if we feel it but do not admit it, we stigmatize ourselves, internalizing the social judgment...The only remaining choice may be truly sick behavior-to experience no emotion at all."

At this point the wise man interjected the question, "Is depression the root problem-or a symptom of another problem?"

Another clinician responded, "That's a good question when you think about it because what sane person could live in this world and not be a little crazy or depressed?"

The wise man declared, "It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society."

"That's the truest sign of insanity-insane people are always sure that they're just fine. It's only the sane people who are willing to admit they're crazy," said yet another clinician.

"Another consideration is that depression is made up of the two human emotions, anger and sadness over a loss. The anger one feels with themselves is aimed at the utter helplessness one experiences and a self-deprecating judgment about that helplessness. The sadness is rooted in the loss of the self and the inherent hopelessness that accompanies that loss," offered another doctor.

A member of the group addressed the wise man, "How do you, who is untrained in these matters see it? Please answer the question you posed regarding whether depression is the root problem or just a symptom."

The wise man responded, "That will become clear when we begin to ask the real questions. Questions like the ones that obtrude upon your consciousness whether you like it or not, the ones that make your mind start vibrating like a jackhammer, the questions that you come to terms with only to discover that they are still there. The real questions refuse to be placated. They barge into your life at the times when it seems most important that they stay away. They are the questions asked most frequently and answered most inadequately, the ones that reveal their true natures slowly, reluctantly, most often against your will. So, it seems to appear that depression may well be a symptom to some degree, and as you experts can also attest-a chemical imbalance on other occasions."

A doctor followed up by saying, "So, problems or real questions are, shall we say, the intellectual function of problems, so as to lead men to think; in which case depression is a small price to pay if it induces us to think about the cause of the disorder, confusion and insecurity which are the outstanding traits of our social life." The wise man said, "That is precisely it. Depression often settles itself on the hearts of some of the world's greatest thinkers and wise men because they are willing to battle it out with the real questions to discover the truth of a thing at any price. That price is often, depression."

Successful entrepreneur, V.P. Mosser is the creator of the Learn the Lessons Series, the Life's Journey publication and numerous thought provoking articles. To learn more and receive free chapters or issues, visit http://www.learnthelessons.com

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