6 ms·
Interesting idea, that depression is useful for ruminating. But, the reasoning seems premised on the idea that depressions are triggered by stressful events li
by bkovitz 17y ago
Interesting idea, that depression is useful for ruminating. But, the reasoning seems premised on the idea that depressions are triggered by stressful events like discovering that your spouse has been unfaithful. Doesn't most depression occur due to seasonal changes such as the length of the day? (Hence depressions that occur at the same time each year, the effectiveness of treatments involving exposure to light at certain times of the day, etc.) The noteworthy, puzzling thing about depression is that it comes "out of the blue", for no apparent reason, not in response to circumstances that would explain a negative emotion. Also, when it lifts, there is similarly no apparent explanation. A problem did not get resolved; a rumination did not complete.
- roundsquare 17y agoI wonder if you could resolve it using something like this. Depression still exists due to the evolutionary reasons described in the article. However, since depression is caused by certain reactions in the brain, other things can cause depression. Just a guess though.
- bkovitz 17y agoAnother problem with the theory: a major symptom of depression is inability to concentrate. When you're depressed, it's like your IQ takes a 30-point hit. You become much worse at thinking things through.
- Figs 17y agoDepends on what you're trying to think about, and what kind of depression you have, doesn't it?
- roundsquare 17y agoThat seems to fit the article. If someone is depressed about their cheating spouse, and the person is spending all of their thought process cycles on that, you wouldn't expect them to be good at math problems, or even other social problems. The article describes depression as very focused thought, so the ability to do anything else would presumeably suffer.