Is depression healthy for us? In an article entitled “Does Depression Serve an Evolutionary Purpose?” in science magazine Nautilus,  Mathew Hutson suggests that depression, rather than being a pathological dysfunction, is actually an evolutionary mechanism for achieving new benefits.

For the many of us who have ever experienced a depressive disorder in ourselves or loved ones, it can truly seem like a “disorder,” something very flawed that brings us unnecessary suffering. However, recent studies suggest that depression, along with its typical symptoms of loss of pleasure, rumination, and increased REM sleep is actually an adaptive way to focus on things that need to be changed in our lives. Loss of pleasure in typical activities, or anhedonia, may be the body’s way of turning attention inward to deal with issues that might otherwise be overlooked. Rumination, the dwelling on certain thoughts, may also be a mechanism to bring attention to the solving of a problem. Increased REM sleep also serves a function in helping to consolidate new memories.

Viewed in this manner, depression isn’t just a set of symptoms that need to be cured. It is the mind/body’s call to action for dealing with a problem that might otherwise be ignored. Although these studies are very recent, this same view was put forth by M. Scott Peck in his groundbreaking book “The Road Less Traveled” in 1978. Peck, in his chapter titled “The Healthiness of Depression” states that depression always accompanies the process of giving up something that no longer serves us. Giving up something that we loved and that has become a part of us makes us feel depressed. This feeling can accompany the loss of a relationship but can also more subtly be associated with the giving up of aspects of our lives or identity that don’t make sense any longer. These feelings of depression are then a call to action to examine the parts of our lives that need to be addressed. Much of the time, depression vanishes on its own, especially as we come to terms with the giving up process. If the call is strong enough or lasts long enough, we seek out the help of a therapist, whose job is then to help identify and complete the growth process that needs to be done.

According to Peck, depression only becomes unhealthy when the giving up process becomes stuck. That is when depression becomes pathological and needs greater examination as to what is hindering the giving up process. Peck believes that childhood trauma can contribute to difficulties in being able to let go. The normal letting go process can also be hindered by parents taking away things and comforts before the child is psychologically ready to give them up. These obstacles to letting go may continue to manifest in the life of the adult, causing more extreme and more prolonged depression symptoms and necessitating deeper therapy.

The recent studies appear to support Peck’s earlier theories and can help us look at depression in a new and even positive way. These uncomfortable feelings are not just unpleasant symptoms to be endured; they are a call to action to help bring about new and healthy behaviors.

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The book, published in 2006, reflects years of research on the various elements that constitute human fulfillment. It explores ancient wisdom, eastern thought, western theology, modern neuroscience, evolution, cultural influence and other elements. Haidt, a respected professor of psychology, cites numerous research studies and takes a very inclusive view of the many potential facets of happiness. However he isn’t afraid to take controversial positions. For example, although he is an atheist, he is able to see and respect the role that religion plays in happiness. He is also presents challenging queries such as who is likely to be happier – a multi-million dollar lottery winner or a paraplegic accident victim? The answer is, of course, not what you are probably thinking, and the reason why is extremely eye-opening!

Haidt was a contributor to the positive psychology movement, founded by Martin Seligman in the late 90’s. Positive psychology was created because there was entirely too much focus placed on pathology, in other words, what was wrong with people rather than on the study of people’s strengths and virtues. Haidt stays true to the theme of positive psychology by looking for the positive qualities than can lead to happiness rather than believing that happiness is about “curing” negatives such as anxiety or depression. He develops a wonderful analog of the human mind; that of an elephant and its rider. The elephant represents much of the unconscious aspects of our personality, and the rider represents our conscious elements. Needless to say, the rider has limited influence over the elephant and needs to learn gentle methods to persuade and guide, as well as accept his limits.

What hypothesis does the book ultimately discover? The elegant and simple finding is that happiness is largely the result of finding purpose within ones life. Drawing on ancient wisdom and modern science, Haidt concludes that happiness cannot be achieved directly, rather it comes about by creating the right conditions in one’s life. And at the risk of oversimplifying  these conditions, they are a combination of internal and external factors. People need love, work and a feeling of elevation through a connection to something larger than themselves. Or stated differently, we need to develop the right relationships between ourselves and others, between ourselves and our work, and between ourselves and something larger, however we choose to define that.

I read many books, but seldom do I find one that is both so learned and illuminating and yet so difficult to put down.  I will revisit this one again and again and its lessons will certainly find their way into my therapeutic practice.

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EMBRACE THE SHADOW

Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.
So don’t be frightened, dear friend, if sadness or anxiety casts a shadow over your life. Something is happening within you. Remember that life has not forgotten you. It holds you in its hand and will not let you go. And after all, why would you want to live without pain and unease? You don’t yet know what mysterious work these feelings are accomplishing inside you.

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