There are studies which suggest that people with depression have a more accurate perception of reality than others: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depressive_real

There are studies which suggest that people with depression have a more accurate perception of reality than others: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depressive_realism http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depressive_realism So no, depression doesn't lie any more than a healthy brain, it just tells you the truths and lies you don't want to hear. Of course, I agree with the article that if you are unwell you should seek help. But I had this thought once: the doctor who prescribes you medication optimizes for a different thing than you may want to. Say there are two possibilities (numbers completely made up) (1) Not taking the medication, which results in a suicide 5% of the time and getting over it on your own and a perfectly happy life in 95%. (2) Going with the medication and being not suicidal but slightly unhappy for the rest of your life with 100% chance. Then your doctor's incentives are such that he'll certainly choose (2), but that's not what you might choose if you were aware of the options.