Depression evolved as a defense not a defect?
Depression affects enormous numbers of people from across the world. One in four of us will suffer from it at some point in our lives; one in ten will in the next year, and about one in twenty of us is living with the condition right now.
A new book, recently published, suggests depression may have persisted and evolved as an effective response to life challenges and could still represent a potentially successful strategy in today’s modern world. Although depression is unpleasant and sometimes unbearable, it can have some long term benefits both for individuals and possibly for us as a species.
In his new book “How Sadness Survived” Dr Paul Keedwell, a specialist in depression at the section of Neuroscience and Emotion, Institute of Psychiatry, London, proposes that depression can lead to increased resilience, empathy and creativity of thought.
Examples of brilliant and successful people who have suffered from the condition - from Michelangelo to Winston Churchill - are highlighted.
Case examples support Dr Keedwell’s suggestion that depression is a defence rather than a defect. He offers a new approach to the benefits of negative emotions, and how we might view depression in a more constructive way.
Elaine Warburton
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POSTED IN: Evolution, General Genetics and Health, Genes, Genetic Ingenuity, Genetics of Disease, Lifestyle, depression
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4 opinions for Depression evolved as a defense not a defect?
New Organics Information » Depression evolved as a defence not a defect?
Jan 23, 2008 at 10:18 am
[…] Elaine placed an interesting blog post on Depression evolved as a defence not a defect? […]
Sandy Dehl
Jan 23, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Another book called “The depression Advantage” talks about how depression can play a role in spiritual growth. It has examples of saints that had depression as a central part of their spiritual growth. http://www.depressionadvantage.com
Elaine
Jan 27, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Thank you Sandy, that is most appreciated.
Lisa Marie
Feb 26, 2008 at 3:12 pm
Clinical depression (also called major-depressive disorder or unipolar depression) is a common psychiatric disorder, characterized by a persistent lowering of mood, loss of interest in usual activities and diminished ability to experience pleasure.
Although the term “depression” is commonly used to describe a temporary depressed mood when one “feels blue”, clinical depression is a serious illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts that cannot simply be willed or wished away. It is often a disabling disease that affects a person’s work, family and school life, sleeping and eating habits, general health and ability to enjoy life.[1] The course of clinical depression varies widely: depression can be a once in a life-time event or have multiple recurrences, it can appear either gradually or suddenly, and either last for a few months or be a life-long disorder. Having depression is a major risk factor for suicide; in addition, people with depression suffer from higher mortality from other causes.[
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