This could be why you're depressed or anxious | Johann Hari

I wonder why it took me so long to realize these thoughts. When I explain them to others, I know that some are more complicated, but not all of them, when I explain them to others, do not seem so difficult. We already understand these ideas to some extent. Why do we have so many difficulties understanding it? I think there are many reasons, but one of the reasons is that we have to change our idea of ​​what depression and anxiety really are. There are real biological factors that influence its development, but if we limit the big picture to just a part of our biology, as I have done for a long time and as our society has done based on what I have observed for most of my life, life What we implicitly, involuntarily and indirectly tell people is: "Your pain means nothing.

It's just a glitch. It's just a glitch in a computer program. It's just a problem with the connections inside your head." . But I was only able to start changing my life when I realized that depression is not a disorder. Rather it is a sign. Your depression is a signal that wants to alert you to something. (Applause) We feel

depressed

for logical reasons, and it can be difficult to understand that in the midst of our struggles with it, and I really understand that because of my personal experience. But with the right help we can understand these problems and solve them together.

But to do

this

, the first step is to stop dismissing these signs and saying that they are a sign of weakness or madness or that they are caused purely by biology, except in some cases. We must start listening to these signs, because they alert us to things that we really need to hear and know. When we truly listen to, appreciate, and respect these signs, we will begin to see and discover radical and comprehensive solutions that give us strength and freedom. Cows waiting for us everywhere. Thank you all. (applause)