[Nataku X]

Perhaps this would lead to the question: are FReepers more inclined toward depression, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, addictions, etc. than the society at large?

I'd say that all those who lead active Internet lives are more likely to be depressed than society at large, but conservatives are less depressed than liberals. This time last year I was depressed, so down that I wrote a FR prayer request thread.

Nothing could help me. Cynicism and bitterness ate at me. I tried my best to hide it from those who loved me, knowing that NO ONE likes a depressed friend who's saying "there's nothing to life".

But, I'll share my observations--high school kids, single people, and college students have a much higher rate of depression than today. My theory--which my mother inspired--is that humans aren't meant to live within themsleves, they're not meant to live for themselves. If you're single or in high school or in college, your world revolves around--guess who? YOU!

My depression was cured when I got an apartment, a job, and 2 cats. I was no longer living for myself solely. I have responsibilities to my apartment and my two lovely cats.

My mother echoes that the thing that made her the happiest was having children. She no longer lived within herself--she lived through her two children. If you're living in a "me" world, you're going against God's design.

I know that the very thing that hurts a depressed person the most is "it's your fault" and "you're depressed because you're not close enough to God". Neither is true! American culture encourages the exact you-are-center-of-the-universe lifestyle that makes you empty and bitter and depressed. Is it so surprising that depression is so high in America and in European cultures where "me" is the #1 rule?

[Nataku X]

But, I'll share my observations--high school kids, single people, and college students have a much higher rate of depression than today. My theory--which my mother inspired--is that humans aren't meant to live within themsleves, they're not meant to live for themselves.

should be corrected to:

But, I'll share my observations--high school kids, single people, and college students have a much higher rate of depression than other groups today. My theory--which was inspired by my mother--is that humans aren't meant to live within themsleves, nor for themselves.

[Amelia]

American culture encourages the exact you-are-center-of-the-universe lifestyle that makes you empty and bitter and depressed. Is it so surprising that depression is so high in America and in European cultures where "me" is the #1 rule?

Good observations.