Introduction
Many people have either battled depression themselves or know someone who has. The unfortunate truth is that so much of the hectic, competitive, and isolating culture we live in contributes to depression becoming an all-too-common part of modern life. The author Johann Hari argues that we’ve misunderstood the main causes of depression for far too long, partially due to powerful pharmaceutical corporations emphasizing that depression is primarily caused by a so-called “chemical imbalance” in the brain. This isn’t actually the true reason for the everyday depression that so many people experience. The true culprit isn’t biology, but rather unresolved trauma, isolation, misplaced values around status and money, or simply a bad working environment.
Lesson 1: A chemical imbalance doesn’t cause depression.
Contrary to common belief based on claims from pharmaceutical corporations, depression is not the result of a chemical imbalance.
Any effects one might feel from taking prescription antidepressants is likely due to the placebo effect.
There are at least nine causes for depression if we look at it from the point of view of it being caused by common life circumstances.
Lesson 2: There are nine common reasons for depression, mostly from hard life situations.
The first cause of depression is a disconnect from meaningful work – something that can be helped by feeling empowered as an employee. Those with the least control and authority in the workplace are the most likely to have depression. We need to feel like what we do has meaning.
The second cause of depression is a disconnect from other people, which can be solved by fostering mutually beneficial relationships. Loneliness and no sense of belonging are big indicators of depression.
The third cause of depression is a disconnect from meaningful values, so it’s essential to keep the things that are most important to you in your sight. Intrinsic Vs Extrinsic. Our consumer-driven society has left us detached from worthwhile values, which in turn contributes to depression.
The fourth cause of depression is a disconnection from childhood trauma. This 1998 study found the more traumatic a person’s childhood is, the more likely they are to have depression and anxiety.
The fifth is a disconnect from status and respect. In areas with larger gaps in wealth, such as the US, there are higher rates in depression.
The sixth is disconnection from nature. People who live in greener neighborhoods feel less stress and despair than those who don’t.
The seventh reason for depression comes from a disconnect from a hopeful and secure future. Native Americans on government-controlled reservations had staggeringly high suicide rates. In reservations where they had control of their own laws, elections, police, and schools this was not a problem. They had control over their destiny and were less likely to commit suicide.
The eight reason for depression is genes. Studies suggest both depression and anxiety are between 30-40% inherited. More specifically, a variant of a gene called 5-HTT has been linked to depression, but importantly, it only elevates the risk of depression in certain environments.
The ninth reason for depression is Changes in the brain. Neuroplasticity is how the brain changes from experience. Because of this, when people spend more time with thoughts of despair rather than joy, it can strengthen the negative feeling areas.
Lesson 3: How to reconnect
Reconnection 1: To Other People
The search for individual solutions to depression is part of the problem. “We have become imprisoned inside our own egos, walled off where true connection cannot reach us.” We therefore need to seek out reconnection to others.
Reconnection 2: Social Prescribing
This is a means of enabling doctors and healthcare professionals to refer people to a range of local activities and services (typically group activities that offer reconnection to others), instead of or in conjunction with medicine. Research is increasingly showing that this is a more effective way of treating some depression and anxiety than chemical antidepressants.
Reconnection 3: To Meaningful Work
Recommended democratic work structures, such as cooperatives, as a tool to reconnect people with their work, status and futures.
Reconnection 4: To Meaningful Values
Set up groups to explore intrinsic values and set intrinsic goals.
Reconnection 5: Sympathetic Joy and Overcoming Addiction to the Self
“Sympathetic joy” is a method for cultivating a feeling of happiness for others. The process first involves thinking of something good happening to yourself and feeling the joy of it. Then you imagine something good happening to a loved one – again, feeling joy. Then you do the same for someone you don’t like and for someone you really don’t like. Repeat this meditation practice for 15 minutes every day.
More broadly, a wide range of studies have pointed to the benefits of meditation for depression and anxiety.
A newly revived field of study, psychedelics, such as psilocybin, appear to offer valuable experiences for users in controlled set and setting, with studies reporting effectiveness for depression, anxiety and addiction.
Reconnection 6: Acknowledging and Overcoming Childhood Trauma
By openly recognising and acknowledging childhood trauma, studies show that we stand a better chance of reducing rates of depression.
Reconnection 7: Restoring the Future
Try to implement Universal Basic Income (UBI) so people don’t have money worries.