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Depression's Advantages

Started by Rose799, June 18, 2011, 06:03:07 PM

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Pen

June 19, 2011, 08:28:59 AM #15 Last Edit: June 19, 2011, 09:19:03 AM by luise.volta
Quote from: gretchenw on June 19, 2011, 02:36:40 AM
Quote from: Rose799 on June 18, 2011, 06:03:07 PM
Interesting article; never thought there was an up side to having depression~

http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=depressions-evolutionary

There is absolutely no evidence that people who are frequently depressed are better at solving problems.  In fact, exactly the opposite is true.  Second, depressed people have a complete lack of motivation.  They are not "ruminating" in any way that leads to meaningful answers to problems.

I have a PhD in astrophysics, and I will tell you emphatically that depressed people do not make it in my field.

I'm glad you're able to do so well in your life, Gretchenw. You've been blessed with an intelligent, healthy mind and the wherewithall to use it. Not everyone is that lucky. Perhaps those who aren't are grateful for a bit of a silver lining to help them persevere.
Respect ... is appreciation of the separateness of the other person, of the ways in which he or she is unique.
-- Annie Gottlieb

gretchenw

Sorry all.  Junk science inflames me. 

Please delete it all. 

luise.volta

Delete all of your posts? They gave another view. Or delete your strong objections? OK, I can do that.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. Dalai Lama

luise.volta

Subjectively speaking: My own experience (re: depression) is that when I am depressed and know it, which I sometimes don't, my thoughts and any decisions I make at that time, are unreliable. They are distorted. The trick is to know that I'm under a black cloud and am not making any sense.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. Dalai Lama

gretchenw

Thank you for the deletions.

And thus, as a scientist, I find it depressing that most people in the world do not want to hear about science, would prefer that we scientists stay quiet if the facts do not fit the myth, and will proudly claim that they can't understand maths.

Your country used to be the best in the world in scientific knowledge.  You out-sputniked the Soviet Union and then ran the ball all the way to the moon.  You created the internet.  You discovered the best pharmaceuticals.  You were the world leaders in the silicon materials and circuits inside all our computers.  (Ergo the name Silicon Valley).  What happened?   

Rose799

Quote from: gretchenw on June 19, 2011, 09:02:33 AM
Sorry all.  Junk science inflames me. 

Please delete it all.

Gretchen, I didn't take offense to your posts.  I became familiar with depression while contending with a chronic health condition.   I'm seriously open to any ideas that might help... 

gretchenw

This website, this group of women, is one of the best antidotes to depression I have ever seen. 

If only I could get my DIL to sign up!!!

luise.volta

Unscientific explanation: There is always the other side of the coin.

Where do you hail from, G.? Germany?
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. Dalai Lama

Pen

Oh, sorry I was misunderstood! I was exploring a reason why people might have jumped onto the "upside of depression" bandwagon. I wasn't offended by your post either, Gretchenw. Keep your wise information coming, please!
Respect ... is appreciation of the separateness of the other person, of the ways in which he or she is unique.
-- Annie Gottlieb

cadagi101

Quote from: gretchenw on June 19, 2011, 09:57:24 AM
This website, this group of women, is one of the best antidotes to depression I have ever seen. 


thankyou for the compliment,  you are right this site is a great antidote to depression.   We are here for each other  and we all have brilliant minds.  Brilliance  and compassion go hand in hand in this life.   You can't have one without the other.

Pen

Quote from: gretchenw on June 19, 2011, 09:39:39 AM

Your country used to be the best in the world in scientific knowledge.  You out-sputniked the Soviet Union and then ran the ball all the way to the moon.  You created the internet.  You discovered the best pharmaceuticals.  You were the world leaders in the silicon materials and circuits inside all our computers.  (Ergo the name Silicon Valley).  What happened?   

IMO, we've lost our critical thinking skills. We used to encourage them; now we discourage creativity and good research. We aren't turning out many scientists/mathematicians these days, and the arts are also suffering. I believe the talent is there and that we can get back the drive to be great, but probably only if such programs are supported like they were in "the good old days."
Respect ... is appreciation of the separateness of the other person, of the ways in which he or she is unique.
-- Annie Gottlieb

Pooh

I agree with Pen.  I also think money plays a big role.  It seems here in the US, it is getting harder and harder to get funding for the scientists.  Money is being spent so stupidly here (talking government and the big picture) that research, science and the arts are getting left out.  It's sad. 
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. -
Joseph Campbell