As a programmer trying to imagine how I would construct & create depression for a simulation. I think it would make sense to have a negative state that turns "on or off" against the will, associated with unwanted thinking patterns, current life circumstances and some type of past trauma playing a big role in the illness. Anyone think of something different?

I believe past trauma is the root cause and I doubt people have depression if they haven't had some type of experience they would classify as trauma. I think one solution is defeating the trauma with after decoupling the negative thinking patterns. Another problem is I think the illness cannot be defeated in some rare circumstances. I think people get prescribed medication too often. Doctors use the diagnosis too often from my observation. Some have tried to label me with it, when I suffer from another illness "gender dysphoria" and I think that isn't right for them to do. I also think the diagnosis is too vague and should have classifications.

I believe more resources need to be put into educating people and how to approach mental health as important to physical health. When I grew up in the US, it was always about physical health and with a little sex education. Mental health might be even more important because it can prevent a person from having good physical health.