Depression is a focus in the following fields of study: psychopharmacology, psychiatry, neuroscience, psychology, sociology, anthropology and economics. The common term "depression," have varied means across all these fields. Many people are very reactive when they read that their field A, is being diminished or dismissed because of a published article from filed B. This issue is true within disciplines and across disciplines. We're all jumpy when the New York Times appears to take sides.

Finally, depression cause tremendous suffering and it presences engages moral reasoning. Also, depression is a condition with costs and benefits. Some people conflate the indications that a) depression has benefits, with b) moral requirement to treat the suffering. We treat because it's morally responsible. We study because it's intellectually fascinating. We shouldn't deny B because of A.

This debate has worked it's way down to moral tail-chasing.

I take you comment to mean we can either be caught up in the experience of depression, or we can watch the experience of depression. The second point of view is hard particularly during depression, but it provides for the best regulation, including the decision to go see medical attention.

The "fire safety" analogy I believe is hogwash. "Oh the whole house burnt down but at least we have these muffins!" That to me is not a good strategy if by focusing on the muffins you mean ignoring the truth of everything else.

Does it mean seeing depression as a learning experience? Perhaps, and why attack such a view? What detriment does it have? What is wrong with learning from our experiences? A stupid criticism in my honest opinion, and very frustrating to read.

What exactly do these people propose as an answer? Do they not think most psychotherapy uses similar techniques?

The whole "rumination hypothesis" debunk is also very premature.

Okay, so they look into some brains and see "increased activity" in the frontal cortex and then look into other brains and see "decreased activity" in the frontal cortex. What does this at all tell us about seeing the upside to depression? Absolutely nothing, especially since we have no idea about the CONTENT of these thoughts.

People can dig themselves into a hole with their minds and they can also build a ladder out. Without discussing WHAT and HOW people actually think about their depression then we have nothing to really say about these mental strategies, since WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY ARE.

I'm not saying depression is the cure to depression; it is just a tool, and we need to learn how to use it properly.

You are welcomed to comment here however you'd like.

One thought for you. Your vivid memories trigger basic emotions - fear, anger, sadness, disgust, surprise and joy. One classic aspect of PTSD is that these emotions become too intense. My thought is that with the help of a therapist, you learn to identify and manage your experiences of these basic emotions. These skills are valuable on their own and can help in the healing process.

Great martial artists practice the basic forms taught all beginners. Working on the capacity to regulate emotions is much the same thing.

Please send along any links or information on your research.

The stifling reaction is so normal. But it's hard to give up and experience the pain of loss. When we practice a defense and is helps, we use it over and over. The risk is the defense breaks because it holds too much back. The breakdown of a defense, itself, is an overwhelming, traumatic experience. In effect, we role several traumas into one very large one.

You story perfectly illustrates these qualities. Thanks for sharing and pointing out the way you value grieving. Sometimes, we're so busy being happy, we forget to be sad.

I will never do that to myself again. And if I can ever help someone make room in their lives to grieve properly, I will do it.

Great article.