Contents
We must breathe, eat, drink, sleep. If these needs are not met or only partially met, the body becomes sick. The psyche also has needs that must be satisfied, otherwise «the soul gets sick.» Depression researcher Johann Hari lists the causes of depression, and each of them is associated with the failure to meet the basic needs of the psyche.
We have a need both to know this world and to act independently in it. Monotonous work without the ability to make decisions and see how the world changes even a little as a result of our efforts gives rise to longing. Stress builds up not because of responsibility, but because of the need to endure boredom.
Output: empowerment, creativity.
2. Loneliness
From ancient times, man needed the help of fellow tribesmen. We need to be not in the crowd, but among people who share our values.
Output: find «ours», with whom we will be connected with care and mutual assistance.
3. Departure from your values
Doing what is important to us, we experience pleasure: like a mother enjoys caring for a baby, and a musician enjoys playing. When we do something for the sake of gain (money, approval, sex), we do not experience joy, and the result achieved does not justify the effort. Modern society aims us at false values (career, wealth), weaning us from trusting the needs of the soul.
Output: discover your values and do what really pleases you.
4. Childhood trauma
Traumatic events in childhood cause depression in adulthood. The loss of parental support forces the child to defend himself and hide. People seem unfriendly to him, and the world is dangerous.
Output: recognition of trauma and its consequences.
5. Status instability
Everyone has a need to feel valued in a group. Hierarchy in society is inevitable, but it sometimes takes destructive forms. Those in power humiliate their subordinates. Popular culture exalts celebrities and the rich while devaluing the rest. The high level of inequality makes everyone anxious. Status instability is even more depressing than low status.
Output: stop «selling yourself» and envy, practice compassion and helping others.
6. Separation from nature
For millions of years, nature has been our habitat, our body is designed to move. City walls not only protect us, but also limit us. The space from wall to wall is filled with heavy thoughts, it seems that the world is full of bitterness. In nature, we feel that the world is huge, and our troubles are small and manageable.
Output: to be in nature and move.
7. Loss of connection with the future
In depressed people, the perception of time narrows: for them, there are only the next hours and days filled with anxiety. This is not only a consequence, but also the cause of depression. Anyone who does not have a stable job, protection and the ability to manage life feels like a weak-willed chip on the waves. Planning is meaningless, and ideas about the future atrophy as unnecessary. The feeling of longevity disappears, suicidal thoughts appear.
Output: social protection. Creation and participation in public organizations aimed at solving this problem.
8. Snowball effect
The brain is constantly changing under the influence of signals from the outside world and our experience. Joy activates zones of pleasure, anxiety activates zones of despair. The stronger and longer the signals, the more the corresponding zones are “trained”. Depression and physiological changes in the brain are caused by the outside world and then support each other.
Output: find and address the social and psychological causes of depression, not just the biological ones.