“Depressive realism” is a term first coined in 1979 by researchers who discovered that people who had depression had a more realistic concept of their abilities than those who did not. Tonic, a blog of Vice, explains that “depressive realism” “seems to suggest that in our normal state we tend to operate under happy delusions that life away when we’re depressed.” Depression is known for symptoms like pessimism, negativity, hopelessness, and helplessness. However, research into depressive realism proves that those who are living with depression may not be pessimistic, but realistic, to a convenient degree.
Depression is one of the most globally prevalent mental health disorders. Hundreds of millions of people in the world are struggling with depression- diagnosed and undiagnosed. In the United States, almost seven percent of the population are affected by depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
When someone chooses to live a life of recovery by entering a treatment program or starting their own program of recovery, they are signing up to learn how to live “life on life’s terms”. Life happens, in many ways that are wonderful and many ways that are less than wonderful. Coping with all of life’s events, good and bad, takes work- for anyone. For someone who is living with depression, coping with life events can be a challenge. According to the theory of depressive realism, however, those with depression may be coping more effectively than others by maintaining a realistic outlook on reality instead of a delusional one. Self-delusion is part of what some theorists call “terror management” which helps people cope with some of the inexplicable circumstances of life, like death. “Depressed people may just be lacking that crucial optimism that helps us power through a life full of heartache…” Tonic writes. If depression is a manifestation of trauma, this is especially true. Judy Crane defines trauma as “any life event or series of life events or ongoing life events that create a negative impact on your life that changes or distorts your vision of yourself and your place in the world.” Often that event is a heartbreaking one.
The Guest House Ocala welcomes you with open arms to our private, concierge style treatment programs for trauma and related issues. There is no time like the present to seek treatment and change your life. Everyone has a story. Change yours today.
Call us today for information: 1-855-483-7800