Making people and ideas findable

Could a depression make us happier?

From NY Times: Recessions and depressions, of course, are not good for mental health. But it is less widely known that in the United States and other affluent countries, physical health seems to improve, on average, during a downturn. Sure, it’s stressful to miss a paycheck, but eliminating the stresses of a job may have some beneficial effects. Do you think this downturn will have a positive effect on our culture? Share your thoughts here

Tags: depression, happiness

▶ Reply to This

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 3, 2009 at 1:02am

YES.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 3, 2009 at 1:03am

That was my shortest reply ever on SI.... ever :o)

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 3, 2009 at 1:20am

I am too depressed to write about it.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lou Begnel on February 3, 2009 at 8:58am

That's kind of like saying a funeral brings a family together.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen James on February 6, 2009 at 1:26pm

They do. My wife's family had a great time this week when her grandmother died. There was a little crying, but most of the family are believers in an orthodoxy rewarded afterlife. I think I now know her first cousins better than I know my own!

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lou Begnel on February 3, 2009 at 9:08am

Isn't a depression (in an economic sense not a mental health sense) just another form of a loss. Therefore, it is not uncommon to see symptoms of denial, anger, bargaining, (interestingly enough) depression, and finally acceptance. Job seekers are a current example of this. Someone who is just laid off will either be in shock or angry (feel like a victim) at first. However, I have witnessed remarkable transformations once the job seeker gains a little perspective and realizes they have a new opportunity in front of them. They feel empowered to do fulfilling work even amidst all the uncertainty. If only the country could utilize all the momentum we have from the empowered job seekers. The real depression, in my opinion, is that nothing is being done to turn all of this potential energy into kinetic energy.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Annie Sever-Dimitri on February 3, 2009 at 9:25am

YES, YES, YES! I view all of this as an opportunity for positive change. In my experience, every cloud has a silver lining. It is time for people to prioritize what truly matters most to them, then invest energy into those avenues. As a former social worker, I spent too much time around other social workers who were burned out beyond belief, but stayed in it just for the money. Yes, we all need money, but at the price of our mental and physical health? There is always a better way--we just have to have the courage to find it. Once you trust that the Universe will provide what is best for you, it shows up. May sound like complete hooey, but I know from experience it works. I am married for almost 9 years to living proof of that belief system. I am also building a successful business during the shabbiest economy we have had since the 30's thanks to those same beliefs. A positive attitude and trust in the Universe will overcome even the most wretched situation. And Lou, in my family, funerals really do bring us together. I see your point, but I am just so much of a "glass is half full" type of chick. There have been bright spots in even the funerals for me.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Lou Begnel on February 3, 2009 at 12:28pm

It shouldn't take a funeral to bring people together just like it shouldn't take a financial crisis to get people to spend wisely.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 5, 2009 at 9:36pm

AMEN... too bad that is often the case and they don't learn because they get "BAILED OUT" by their parents... um ...er ... government.... um you know where I am going with this. Why would there be any responsibility without accountability.

If you mess up.. there are repercussions.

as a WISE man once said " YOU CAN"T BORROW YOUR WAY OUT OF DEBT" and that is exactly what our "REPRESENTATIVES" and "CONGRESS" is trying to do...

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Stephen James on February 6, 2009 at 1:31pm

It's my understanding that the US government is NOT trying to borrow its way out of debt. It's a cushioning/comforting effort until demand will cause GDP to grow again and then the growth of GDP will proportionally decrease the debt/revenue ratio.

I'm guessing the debt will still be there--unless some how we have a revenue surplus in a few years which I'm sure some politician will figure out how to use.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Steve Stuck on February 3, 2009 at 9:53am

The Depression this article speaks of was not great times for those who lived through it. There was serious stress and political discourse that is not spoken by many when they talk of that time period.

Funny how our major print media is just now talking of economic downturn while many economists have been warning Americans of their propped up economy from both consumer credit and government overspending/regulation.

▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Ben McCann on February 5, 2009 at 9:48pm

THEY have been speaking this for years... yet NO ONE was listening... It was even front page news... from before 9/11... IN 2005 I gave a Retirement Planning Seminar... I cited articles over the last 5 years and prior statement made by Alan Greenspan... I predicted in 2008 a MAJOR ECONOMIC CRASH or our MARKETS... yet few listened.

Those who did protected themselves... those who didn't... LOST BIG.

“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”
-Proverbs 27:12

Stewardship: stew·ard   n. 1.One who manages another's property, finances, or other affairs. 2: a complete lifestyle, a life of total accountability and responsibility acknowledging God as Creator and Owner of all.

Wisdom: wis·dom   n. 1: The ability to discern or judge what is true, right, or lasting. 2: A wise outlook, plan, or course of action. 3: the trait or ability to utilize knowledge and experience with understanding, common sense and insight 4: the quality of being prudent and sensible

(PR 21:20)  20 The wise have wealth and luxury, but fools spend whatever they get. – NLT

(PR 14:8) 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.—KJV

Prudence: pru·dence   n. 1: Careful management to economy. 3: attentiveness to possible hazard, caution to danger or risk. 5: discretion in practical affairs 6: knowing how to avoid embarrassment or distress
Synonyms: prudence, discretion, foresight, forethought,

These nouns refer to the exercise of good judgment, common sense, and even caution, especially in the conduct of practical matters. Prudence is the most comprehensive: Discretion suggests wise self-restraint, as in resisting a rash impulse Foresight implies the ability to foresee and make provision for what may happen: Forethought suggests advance consideration of future eventualities

(PR 27:12) 12“The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it.” -- NKJV
(PR 14:15) 15 Only simpletons believe everything they are told! The prudent carefully consider their steps.-NLT
(PR 14:8) 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way: but the folly of fools is deceit.—KJV

How many investors FOOLISHLY just went along with TRENDS without CAREFULLY understanding and considering their steps.

Understanding: un·der·stand·ing v. tr.
1: To perceive and comprehend the nature and significance of.
2. To know thoroughly by close contact or long experience with
3. To have understanding, knowledge, or comprehension.
4. Characterized by or having comprehension, good sense, or discernment.

(PR 23:23) 23 Buy truth, and do not sell it, Get wisdom & instruction and understanding. –NASB
(PR 3:4-6,9-10) -4 So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 6 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths …9 Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: 10 So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine. -- KJV

These come straight from the BOOK that our NATION was founded upon... If our FOUNDATION is ignored and neglected, our whole SYSTEM CRUMBLES...

Our Nation, its Leaders, right down to EACH INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN need to exercise,
WISDOM,
PRUDENCE,
UNDERSTANDING, &
STEWARDSHIP.