Depression

Notes

Claim

Depression is when we feel Helplessness is perceiving no control over circumstances and outcomes and insecure about ourselves and the future, we lack Self-worth is accurate assessment of your capabilities, we feel worthless and that it doesn't matter if we just disappear. Perhaps we feel Indifference can be protective or harmful depending on its source towards the world, or that the world is indifferent towards us. It is the exact opposite of Optimism is choosing to believe outcomes can improve through action, and depressed people are often pessimistic

Explanation

Depression often results in a Harmful actions reinforce themselves through self-perpetuating feedback loops because when we are depressed we tend to stop doing the things that can make us happy, like meeting with others Happiness is shared Human is a social being, sharing how we feel, and dedicating ourselves to a mission. We lack Clear direction matters more than speed of progress and purpose in life. We close off our Vulnerability is emotional openness enabling authentic connection because we have been hurt too many times, despite the fact that being vulnerable, asking for help and sharing with others is what will help us escape this crisis.

Why it matters

Examples

One route into it: Facing unlimited options paralyzes decision and breeds helplessness — when nothing clearly points the way, the resulting paralysis can feel like the same helplessness depression is built from.

Supporters

Morality is a construct without real meaning — take away any "why," and meaninglessness alone can be enough to trigger this despair.

Opposers

What makes depression worse is when we start comparing ourselves to others, we see others as the embodiment of perfection, which makes ourselves seem even worse in return.

Open questions

Visual