Do I have the right to feel depressed even if I'm privileged?
312 Answers
Last Updated: 03/15/2022 at 12:22am
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
Anonymous
October 7th, 2016 11:45pm
You can't help how you feel. It is very inconsiderate when people say things like "other people are worse off." Which is true but it is not your fault you feel depressed and you are allowed to feel however you do.
Anonymous
October 9th, 2016 12:54am
Yes. Depression can creep up on anyone. Privilege as well as social standing has the biggest effect on feelings.
Yes, Yes you absolutely are. Depression has nothing to do with whether you are living within great conditions... its a lacking you feel emotionally. And that is something everybody experiences, whether it will reach the level of depression is another story but you absolutely have the right to feel depressed, privileged or not.
Yes. Everyone can experience a range of emotions and just because you consider yourself as "privileged", that doesn't mean that you cant feel depressed.
Everyone has the right to feel depressed that's just how it is and it is normal and alright to feel depressed from time to time.
Yes you do. Everyone has the right to feel depressed. It's just something that most people will experience.
You have the right to feel depressed even if you're privileged. You have the right to be depressed whether you're living your dream life, or if you're going through the worst time of your life. Mental health is so common and can hit anyone. What matters, though, is that you seek help and try to help yourself. I know what it's like but I've progressed so much, with the art of positive thinking. I have a perfectly fine life, and I know I had the right to have felt depressed.
No! depression is a state of mind fogging the sense of joy! focusing on privileges may curb it well!
Yes. There are people with not great lives who are still privileged or have clinical depression (a medical issue which is genetic) which does not care how much money you have.
Anonymous
October 20th, 2016 1:21am
Of course, every human suffers equally and has equal joy, it's a part of existing on this planet, privilege is an illusion. We are all one, separate experiences only exist to give us more perspective about ourselves to become more connected with one another.
Depression doesn't care who you are or what you have in life, it can happen to anyone. So yes, you definitely have the right.
Anonymous
October 20th, 2016 1:26pm
Yes, you do have the right to be depressed. Being privileged doesn't have a right to say " You aren't depressed". Being privileged and being depressed are two different things.
Anonymous
October 21st, 2016 12:00am
Everyone has the right to feel depressed. Depression is a hormone imbalance in someone's mind. This could happen to anybody. No matter how rich someone is or how great someone's life may seem, they can still have this imbalance and feel just as depressed as someone who seems to have nothing. Even if the person does not have a severe hormone imbalance to be diagnosed with depression, someone who is privileged can still feel depressed. Just because someone is privileged does not mean that nothing bad happens to them. They still experience deaths, illness, loss of friendships, and many other causes of depressed moods. Anyone can be depressed or feel depressed. Economic background does not contribute to these things at all.
Of course you do. Depression does not come with objects. It can come to all children, teens, adults, and elders. It is a mental illness that is caused by something traumatic or can just kind of show up. It is completely ok to be/feel depressed if you are privileged.
Of course. Everyone has the right. In the end, depression doesn't come down to how much stuff you have, or what your life is like, depression is purely in the mind. It is scientific. You could be living the dream, you could have everything you have ever wanted, and still be depressed. In the end, it comes down to how much serotonin or dopamine your brain produces, and that can be low or high in any situation.
Anonymous
October 22nd, 2016 1:26pm
Depression is a valid feeling that can be felt by anyone and everyone, no matter the situation. Depression's cause, as an illness, isn't known. It's complex and hard to understand. But no matter your situation, you have a right to feel what you're feeling.
Yes. It doesn't matter what your situation in life is, depression won't care. You could have everything you ever wanted, but still be depressed. Depression isn't something that you can control. It's just there. You situation in life doesn't matter to it. You should never feel bad for being depressed, no matter your situation.
Everyone can feel depressed, regardless of background. There are a variety of reaons/situations that can cause depression.
Anonymous
October 23rd, 2016 11:37pm
Being depressed does not require a "right" to feel. Anyone can be depressed. It is a problem with brain chemistry and does not depend on your privilege or lack thereof.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2016 7:23pm
It really depends on the situation you're facing. If you feel like that advantage you're taking of is somewhat depressing at some times then it's okay to be it.
Of course! Your mood is relative to your own circumstances. Some people find it helps them feel better when they recognise and appreciate that there are others who are happy with less, but for most people (especially those with diagnosed mental health issues) this just produces guilt and shame, and compounds the problem.
Anonymous
October 27th, 2016 8:55am
Yes you are allowed to feel depressed even if you are privileged I have lived a privileged life but I still get depressed any one can be depressed it does not matter if your privileged or not depression can happen to any one.
Absolutely! It is a mental illness therefore you can't really control it, although some people can cope with it better than others. No matter what situation you are in, it is still possible to be depressed, and just because you're privileged doesn't make your depression any less valid or less difficult then someone who is in a more difficult situation.
completely.
personally, im the same way. ive gotten help with it, to see if it was okay, and it is. its a mental disorder, its something we can just turn on and off with a switch, despite privleges what we have or not.
Depression is usually a result of a chemical imbalance in the brain that no amount of privileges can fix. Keep that in mind!
Everyone is susceptible to depression; they are varying levels to which this condition can affect you but most people during their lives will have a period of time when they have depression, even in its mildest form. Depression isn't bothered by what you have materially or socially or physically, which means everyone has the right to feel they something they are suffering, regardless of what they have or don't have.
Yes, you do. Even with food on the table, other things in life, like friends, can make you feel worthless. Friends, unreachable goals, and other aspects might make you feel awful. Even some people yelling at you might cause you to be depressed.
Sure you have the right and privilege of feeling depressed, that's your free choice. Be aware if this depressed feeling is something beneficial for you or not, then you can choose again to use that right or priviledge get again or not.
Your emotions are valid no matter your background or who you are or where you come from. You're always allowed to feel how you feel. There are no rules on emotions. How you feel is always valid.
Of course! Everyone has their ups and downs and it is totally normal to not feel right all the time.
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