Unlike many physical illnesses, a mental illness such as depression may not be apparent to the person who suffers because he or she may think and feel that what is being experienced is normal. It often takes an increase in symptoms over time and a sense of such despair and paralysis before people seek help. People with depression isolate themselves and often suffer alone. The good news is that for many there are treatments that can mitigate the symptoms.
Discussion Questions:
Prepare for this by reading the information from the National Alliance on Mental Illness and by viewing the TEDx Talk given by Andrew Solomon.
- What are some of the symptoms of depression? What are some of the causes? Name three groups that can be depressed and why. What are some treatments?
- Andrew Solomon has the gift of written and verbal expression. Please comment on these phrases — “The opposite of depression is not happiness but vitality.” “Depressives believe they are seeing the truth, but the truth lies.” “Our needs are our greatest assets.” What do these assertions mean to him, and what could they teach you?