Healthy Depression
Yes, that is the phrase I used, "healthy depression." This may seem like a contradiction in terms, but there is a reason why humans evolved with depression in our system. Just like a little bit of anxiety can be healthy, and can be used to create motivation, a healthy bit of depression is usually our bodies way of telling us that something needs to change. So I want to hear from you... Have there been times when your depression was an early warning sign for you that something needed to change?
@CassieColemanHepplerLICSW I'm glad you brought this up. I also believe that a little bit of depression can be a warning sign from your body that something needs to change. I am a college student who put a lot of time into studying and homework and I notice that at times I start focusing on my studies so much that I start to isolate myself. As days go by, I notice I spend less and less time with people and I start to feel more and more depressed. I usually take this as a sign that I need to take a break from work and do something with friends or even invite my friends to do homework by my side. This tends to make the depressed feeling go away and I'm sure spending time with friends contributes to my health in a positive way.
@CassieColemanHepplerLICSW I think that rather than healthy depression, depression opened my eyes to things that actually mattered. I used to be so obsessed with grades and studying and depression made me realize that there are more important things like my health and happiness.
I think you're describing something I really need to think about. When I'm in an unhappy situation creating depressed feelings, I tend to go into a "blame myself/try harder" cycle, and treat the feelings like deserved guilt for my failings. I should probably think more broadly about what the feelings can mean.
@sunnyKitten9491
yes, it could actually mean something needs to change or is not right about the situation. Like a red flag telling you to pay attention.