The Benefits of Depression - Wow!

This concept is amazing. Here we have a mood problem which affects thousands of people and now a psychiatrist proposes that the problem can in fact be beneficial!

Dr. Paul Keedwell has written a book, How Sadness Survived (Radcliffe Publishing), in which he states that "depression can lead to increased resilience, empathy and creativity of thought."

Many brilliant and successful people have suffered from depression.

What is the connection?

I believe that one possible factor in depression is a person's inherent sensitivity to emotional stimuli. The sensitivity triggers certain negative thinking. Once we understand those triggers - and, if necessary, the person obtains the proper medication as a support - we can teach the person how to utilize that inborn sensitivity in a productive way.

Depression is not a failing. Rather, it is a reservoir of unused fuel that awaits processing.