3 ms·

The thing is, this is just a person writing about their experience. Using a common “label” of depression that we all largely understand. I struggle to see this

by tailspin2019 5y ago

The thing is, this is just a person writing about their experience. Using a common “label” of depression that we all largely understand. I struggle to see this as a negative. I’ve been officially diagnosed, maybe she hasn’t. Who cares? Her experience is still valid, the techniques and ideas are useful and frankly more people should be encouraged to write about their personal experiences like this without being admonished for it. I see no malice or ill intent in this article. Or even trivialisation, given the brief eluding towards suicidal thoughts. Even medical professionals can’t agree on the exact definition of depression. And if you read the DSM you’ll see that many of the diagnostic criteria are at odds with current scientific knowledge and understanding (the official diagnostic criteria understandably lags quite a bit). It’s not a perfect science. But we seem to just be debating whether this person has the right to call their condition “depression” or not. I’m gonna call it and say that she does.

kortex 5y ago
I think the main issue with the article is it has big wow-thanks-im-cured energy. Just do some of that low-activation exercise and cook for yourself, and whammo cheat code! It comes across as patronizing for those who know what things can or should give a mood boost, but lack the activation energy, or don't get much benefit from the outcome.
- tailspin2019 5y ago
  > It comes across as patronizing I think the thing I'm stuck on is how someone talking solely about their own personal lived experience during a low point in their life can possibly be patronising? Is this not an interpretation that we as readers can choose or not choose? As opposed to something the author is doing to us? If she was saying "depressed people should just do X, what's all the fuss about. Losers." then maybe I would feel patronised. But she's not doing that. It's obviously a sensitive topic because a lot of people seem to share your view.

kortex 5y ago

I think the main issue with the article is it has big wow-thanks-im-cured energy. Just do some of that low-activation exercise and cook for yourself, and whammo cheat code! It comes across as patronizing for those who know what things can or should give a mood boost, but lack the activation energy, or don't get much benefit from the outcome.

tailspin2019 5y ago
> It comes across as patronizing I think the thing I'm stuck on is how someone talking solely about their own personal lived experience during a low point in their life can possibly be patronising? Is this not an interpretation that we as readers can choose or not choose? As opposed to something the author is doing to us? If she was saying "depressed people should just do X, what's all the fuss about. Losers." then maybe I would feel patronised. But she's not doing that. It's obviously a sensitive topic because a lot of people seem to share your view.