My experience is very similar to the post/experience from throwaway7312 above.
> You mean well, and what you're saying may be helpful to people who struggle with certain feelings from time to time. But statements like these are extremely frustrating for people with actual depression.
Discussing depression goes down-hill everytime someone pivots to what people "should" or "shouldn't" say.
We're not trying to actively console someone with depression here, we're merely having a discussion on our thoughts/ideas/experiences of depression, so I think your defensive retort is quite misguided.
Regardless, I agree with your statement, but I'm at a loss to your intent.
I've been depressed and yeah, it's not really helpful when others say something that translates to:
> Depression is the result of how you interpret things.
But looking back on it - at least from my perception and reality of the world; it's 100% truth.
However, is stating this helpful? is it the right approach to trying to help someone who is going through depression? absolutely not.
Don't let the social politics muddy the raw discussion when appropriate, please.
> Your belief in the inevitability of depression is only leading to more depression.
This was definitely the biggest hurdle for me.
The echo-chamber of "This isn't your fault! depression is a disease we'll have a cure for one day!".
The vortex of negativity and the constant apathy was fed by these sorts of statements.
Mindfulness was my cure.
An ultimatum of either "I end my life" or "I do what is within my control, to change the way I think."
It's alot more complicated than that in reality, but the heart of what I'm trying to say is there.