I bet the discussion around depression would look a lot different if it weren't so profitable to make antidepressants.
Sure, but when we're talking about Depression it's about consistent behaviours and feelings over at least two weeks. I mean, sure, I can deal with a day of suicidal-thoughts but having them over a month is not healthy and it certainly is not just "feeling depressed sometimes". The antidepressants made me numb. I can agree with that. But that numbness was way more preferable than the mental anguish I had to go through.
As someone that has been medicated for depression in the past I can tell you that having suicidal thoughts for weeks on end is not normal. The thing that honesty saved me was therapy.
I say all this because I think you’re potentially doing a great harm in downplaying depression. If someone reading this does feel persistently bad for an extended amount of time seeking therapy is a good idea.
I think two weeks is a pretty minor "funk"
That’s a good question. My guess is that research clustered people around that point.
> Who decides that's the cutoff?
Depends on how depression is defined. The DSM definition used in the US is published by the American Psychiatric Association which is written by clinicians, scientific researchers, etc…
> I think two weeks is a pretty minor "funk"
If you’ve literally had thoughts of suicide for two weeks please seek help. Honestly that’s not normal.
I think 90% is pretty funk, don't you think?
Anecdotal evidence like this isn't helpful, and creates stigma for those who really suffer from clinical depression from seeking treatment. The treatment doesn't always have to be medication and I believe that therapy is much more beneficial, especially in the long term.
Please don't equate clinical depression with normal feelings of sadness.