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Do I have the right to feel depressed even if I'm privileged?

312 Answers
Last Updated: 03/15/2022 at 12:22am
Do I have the right to feel depressed even if I'm privileged?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Danielle Gonzales, PsyD

Psychologist

Hello! My name is Dani, I am a Psychologist and registered Psych Assistant. I have a passion for helping a different types of clients from all diverse backgrounds!

Top Rated Answers
grintaehyung
May 14th, 2017 7:29am
You have the right to feel depressed even if you're privileged. It's a matter of our mind-set. Maybe you've gone to a stressful matter even though you're privileged.
Anonymous
April 23rd, 2017 11:23pm
There are happy privileged people and happy unprivileged people. There can also be depressed people from every side. Being privileged (whatever that might mean to you) does not mean you are immune from every bad thing in the world, just like if you are unprivileged does not mean you cannot feel happy.
EIise
April 23rd, 2017 1:25pm
Yes, every single person have the right to feel happy, sad, angry or depressed. You privileged situation doesn't change anything to that. Many things lead to depression, but money definitly doesn't cure it. Don't feel guilty or whatever because you think you can't be depressed. You can and if you are, it's ok ♥ Take care :)
neverendingWatermelon92
April 23rd, 2017 11:22am
Depression affects people from all walks of life. I suggest talking to a trusted friend or family member, or your doctor. Or you can connect with a listener who can listen to you.
quietshell
April 16th, 2017 9:54pm
You have every right to be. Just to be. So if you're depressed, you have the right to have feelings just with the simple reason that you have these feelings. They are true and they exist, don't let anyone tell you what you can and cannot feel. I have the same problem, when I say that I'm sad, they will always bring up the fact that I should be grateful for my life while other kids in Syria are bombarded everyday and whose family and lives are killed. And I know, I can't even imagine what it must be like to be in that situation because I'm not in that situation, and if I would compare my feelings to that example every time I feel them, I could never be a human being. People in different situations have different feelings, different types of sadnesses and depressions. You have problems and they may seem insignificant next to that example but then again, I ask myself: "Then why does it hurts so much?" Because, you're feeling them, see? You're feelings are right there and while depression is horrible and I've been through it, what is more horrible is telling someone that they shouldn't feel a certain way and that they should swallow their feelings and act like grateful and happy people in their privileged lives. But why? So that those feelings can rot inside me and eat me? Don't do that to yourself. Overcoming depression is very hard and living it too, but ignoring it or feeling bad for feeling bad is worse. Feel what you feel and don't be ashamed of it.
ListeningForHope
April 14th, 2017 1:26am
Depression isn't something that cares about race, gender, pronoun preference, sexual orientation, social class, or anything else that can classify someone in some way. Depression is a constant sadness that, unfortunately, happens to a lot of people no matter who they are. I'm so incredibly sorry that you have depression, and it's an awful feeling to have and I'm so sorry that you have to deal with it. Just remember than no one person or group of people control who gets to have depression of not. You have every right to feel depressed just as you have every right to get help and feel better and eventually overcome your situation. Thank you for reaching out to us about your question, and I hope I have clarified some of the confusion. We at 7 cups want to make sure that you are getting helped, as well. Please feel free to talk to any one of us listeners. Our members/guests mean the whole world to us and we all want you to feel safe and happy and loved. We care and we're here for you. Take care. xoxo
lovelyGrace34
April 12th, 2017 9:29pm
Mental illnesses are valid, and they don't pick people based on their privilege, race, gender, religion, or otherwise. All of the aforementioned things are irrelevant to mental illnesses. Some people are afraid to tell anyone about their depression because other people have it worse. It’s true that whatever you may be going through, someone out there is going through something worse, but don’t confuse feeling bad with not being grateful. Recovery is possible, not matter the amount of privileges you have or don't have.
happinessstrives01
January 11th, 2017 7:26pm
Yes! You have every right to feel depressed even if your privileged. Yes, there are people who are less privileged than you and they go through alot and struggle so much but just because Yu haven't had to live in the circumstances that they have doesn't mean you can't suffer the same. We all go through different struggles, you shouldn't feel like you can't be sad because you have more than someone else. Depression hits everyone at some point in there life and you shouldnt hide the fact that your sad but you should express it and find someone who you can talk to.
aCaringMistake
March 15th, 2022 12:22am
Depression has nothing to do with being privileged or not. Depression is a mood disorder which affects the way to feel, think and behave. I understand why you asked this question, and I would like to share a personal story with you. I had a friend in high school, parents were millionaires, he got everything he wanted, a few weeks after high school, he took his own life. He had severe depression and the only person that knew or the only person he could talk to was me. The reason he couldn't talk to others including his family about his depression is because according to them "he has no reason to be depressed". Which I believe is a very stupid way to go about things. So yes, you have the right to be depressed, it doesn't matter how privileged or how well off you are, depression is depression and you should talk to someone about your depression. Never feel like you are underserving of help - everybody needs help now and then.
Rebelyell90
November 3rd, 2016 9:48am
Yes, depression isn't a social construct designed for the poor, or underprivileged, depression can be felt by everyone, regardless of social stature.
SunnyCat34
November 3rd, 2016 4:51pm
Yes, being privileged does not mean you automatically have good mental health. Chat with us, we help!
Butterfly121
November 3rd, 2016 6:32pm
Yes. Being depressed and experiencing depression is not something limited to those experiencing social prejudice or injustice. Everyone experiences some form of depression or negativity in their lives regardless of their social standing or privilege.
Anonymous
November 3rd, 2016 8:37pm
Yes. Depression doesn't discriminate when it comes to who has to go through it. You can't opt out of it.
Lightinthewindow
November 4th, 2016 10:02pm
Most definitely. Everyone experiences depression even if you are more privileged than others. It can affect anyone.
happySnow73
November 9th, 2016 9:17pm
Everyone has a right to their own feelings. Depressed or otherwise. No matter the situation you will always have a feeling. Privileged does not matter.
Anonymous
November 11th, 2016 6:11am
Yes, being privileged doesn't take away your rights from feeling depressed and mental illness. You are allowed to feel bad and down no matter who you are
Aramina
November 12th, 2016 9:19am
Everyone can feel depressed. Even the richest or most privileged and educated person on the planet. Depression doesn't discriminate. There is a huge stigma against people with depression but there is no shame in having depression and just because you're privileged doesn't mean you are less likely to suffer from a mental health issue than anyone else. Don't let anyone tell you that you aren't allowed to feel depressed just because you might have it better than someone else. There is always going to be someone who has it better and that doesn't diminish anyone elses suffering. Your feelings are still valid and real no matter what walk in life you come from.
Anonymous
November 13th, 2016 4:11am
You always "have the right" to be depressed. You don't have to have a reason. The richest people can be the unhappiest. People who've got everything they could possibly want can be unhappy.
SarahListens13
November 16th, 2016 1:10am
Absolutely. Depression is not a measurement of happiness, or rather unhappiness, but an imbalance of seratonin in the brain. We all have a right to feel and experience anything our body decides to put us through
ImpossibleCube
November 17th, 2016 2:39am
No one "chooses" to be depressed. It's perfectly alright to feel whatever you feel and go through whatever you go through, no matter where you're from. Stay strong :)
josephinefrances18
November 30th, 2016 8:16am
No matter how great your life is, depression isn't about the circumstances you're in, but the way you feel about them. You can have the most amazing life, with lovely family and awesome friends, but still feel terrible all the time. You always have the right to feel whatever you want, because it's your life and your mind. I hope this helps. Never feel ashamed or guilty of your depression.
Anonymous
December 9th, 2016 5:31pm
Yes. Just because you live with both your parents, or have a great home, enough food, many friends or other privileges don´t mean you have to be happy all the time. Anybody can suffer from depression, and everybody deserves to get help.
BronyDice
December 30th, 2016 5:59pm
absolutely! Feelings and logic do not often speak the same language. Everyone, (regardless of their age, race, income, gender, or religion) has a range of experiences and feelings in their life. Being privleged may offer you more resources and support to help with these depressed feelings, but it does not mean your feelings are any less valid.
Ashlyn2019
December 31st, 2016 5:39am
of course you do. depression is not a choice. it doesn't matter if you have everything. everyone is different
delightfulDew40
April 1st, 2017 5:38pm
Yes, because depression is a serious condition that has no boundaries. No matter your situation anyone can become depressed and should be taken seriously in all cases.
UnderstandingFriend
March 18th, 2017 6:24am
Of course you do. Everyone on earth has that right, even the richest man in the world. Depression is not always based on how your life is going, or how privileged you are. Your life doesn't have to be falling apart for you to have a valid reason to be upset.
Anonymous
March 19th, 2017 12:48am
Depression has nothing to do woth privilege. On the contrary, privileged poeple are more depressed than others. Because there's a concept made by society that if you've everything you need, you can't get depressed. Privileged people are not 'allowed' to be depressed because they don't have to worry about anything. But in reality, they do. Just like everyone else, they've problems. They just have to put a happy face and smile through it because nobody will understand. You've every right to be depressed. I'm not saying depression is a good thing. I pray no one has to go through it. It's one of the most horrible things that can happen to a person. Just stay strong and you'll get over it.
FlynnePlease
March 29th, 2017 4:10pm
Just like how cancer does not choose whether it afflicts the rich or poor; Just like how young and old can be stricken with Malaria; Just like the Black Plague who honestly didn't give a hoot about anything... You did not choose to feel depressed didn't you? Of course not! That is why rather than asking if you have the right to be depressed, know that you have the right to be supported, helped, and treated.
Anonymous
April 1st, 2017 8:28am
I do believe so. I've come to understand from experience that economic and social privilege does not guarantee a healthy state of mind. And a lot of times, depression may just be genetic.
peacefulkat
April 5th, 2017 4:52am
It depends on what happened to you exactly. Of course no one wants to be depressed and if something happens to you to where people expect you to be depressed then you don't always have to become that way. If something bad happens to you that impacts your life but you do not feel depressed but still feel that you have the privilege then no, you don't have to be. Although you do have the right.