Depression: The civilised illness?

It often seems like depression makes no sense, in a society where we seemingly have all the conditions right to make us happy.

Historically, Western culture has constantly strived for more convenience, more comfort, and it has done pretty well in getting us to a point now where humanity should surely be happier than ever. After all, we have never had things so easy; we no longer have to hunt for our own food, craft our own loincloths, or fetch our own water. These vital things are at hand, as and when we need them. Cars transport us far distances in relatively short spaces of time. We can spend most of our days sitting down if we want to.

Yet despite all of this, the sad truth is that depression figures have never been higher in our society, and they still seem to be rising. It should rightly make us suspicious. There just may be something wrong; a disconnect within our culture. In a society where we have tried to remove all outside threats to ourselves, is it possible that the mind rebels in order to create a new one? It is a question worth considering.

In the video below, another one of the insightful TED talks we love, Stephen Ilardi sets some context to this question, with suggestions as to how we can combat the 'disease of civilisation'.

EGS