This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2017, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Does the rise of depression anxiety hold any weight? Is depression real? Or is it an excuse to take a victim stance when going through a challenging situation?
People say that depression is genetic, or can happen from a major negative event, and that once you are diagnosed you have it forever.
The rise of depression anxiety within the last couple decades may be due to how society has changed. Millennials getting a trophy for showing up instills a false sense of success. Social media allows so much negativity in comparing our real lives with the highlights of others.
When the world presents challenges, we fall back on depression anxiety to help filter out the hard decisions.
Although we may feel depressed, it doesn't take away our ability to think for ourselves. Going through challenging situations will help teach how to handle conflict and negativity. Studies on the brain have shown that when you think a positive/negative thought, neurons create pathways throughout the brain.
The more you think that type of thought, the pathways grow to freeways, similar to forming a habit. Fortunately, habits can be changed, as can depression.
Depression is real, but cured with proper direction.
Milton Williams
Cedar City