I think learned helplessness is the best model of depression we have. In other words, depression may simply be a natural response to repeated bouts of futility.

I think learned helplessness is the best model of depression we have. In other words, depression may simply be a natural response to repeated bouts of futility. Many animals show similar depressive like symptoms in experiments designed to cause it. So maybe it's becoming harder for the young to avoid something they don't want, or obtain something they want, and this is the fundamental reason behind rising rates of depression.