Depression

I have a friend, let us call her Passionate, that made a interesting statement to me. She stated that she believes that everyone suffers from depression to some degree. One definition of depression is as follows: a mental state characterized by a pessimistic sense of inadequacy and a despondent lack of activity.

I feel at times in the past I have been pessimistic, I have questioned my abilities, and I have felt temporarily dejected. I think if we are all honest with ourselves, we all can say we have felt this way. But I think what separates how I felt in the past (along with what most of you felt in the past) and depression, is that the negative feelings were short lived. I felt those bad vibes for very short periods of times and then I got back on my horse and road on.

If Passionate equates degree to duration of time, I would say she has a valid argument. But if she equates degree to intensity, I would have to disagree. Either way, it is a thought provoking argument.