Depression is good for you

In the UK it is estimated that one in four men, and one in five women suffer depression at some point during their lifetime, and one in 20 is depressed at any one time.

Dr. Paul Keedwell, a leading psychiatrist and a mood disorders expert at the Institute of Psychiatry, argues that depression is not a human flaw, but is a method that can force a healthy reassessment of personal circumstances. He is convinced that there are benefits for people who suffer depression, saying:

“All people are vulnerable to depression in the face of stress to varying degrees, and always have been. The fact it has survived so long - and not been eradicated by evolution - indicates it has helped the human race become stronger.”

“There are benefits and that's why it has persisted. It's a tough message to hear while you are in depression but I think that there's a life afterwards," he continues.

"I have received e-mails from ex-sufferers saying in retrospect it probably did help them because they changed direction, a new career for example, and as a result they're more content day-to-day than before the depression."

A recent report has suggested that Pills have not been the answer to helping many people recover from depression, but there's growing evidence that gloominess could be a positive experience.

Is depression good for you? Give your comments now on the forum.

Released on Friday, 29th February 2008

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7268496.stm