Hacker News Reader

Comment by paulerdos | Hacker News Reader

I wonder how depressed people in the 3rd world manage to survive.

Well I lived in Fiji for a good portion of my life. Those that only lived and ever lived in Fiji considered depression as a condition formed from lack of exercise or not knowing God. I'm making a very generalised statement but this is based off my interactions with members of my extended family. When I did go and see a doctor about depression, I was given Prozac. When I compare things to New Zealand, where I currently live, I find people here are more considerate of depression. My university here has been of great help, helping me get in touch with the right doctors. The professors here acknowledge my depression as a legitimate illness unlike Fiji where many of my professors simply dismissed me as lazy.

I'm currently on Effexor and having a very hard time but I'm glad here in NZ I can find people to talk to, even if they are paid to talk to me.

I went to college (here in Kenya) with two sisters whose family had a history of suicide. Both committed suicide after they had graduated.

The sad thing is that people rarely talk about mental health issues[1].

There is also a shortage of psychiatrists and when they are found most people cannot afford them.

[1] http://edition.cnn.com/2012/01/31/health/frank-njenga-mental...

"People don't get depressed in Nigeria"

http://www.granta.com/New-Writing/People-Dont-Get-Depressed-...

[via http://www.metafilter.com/119650/You-must-always-keep-an-ope... ]

They have larger life threatening problems to deal with like earning their livelihood. There are always people around you and even if they can't help you they keep you distracted.

I've always wondered if that is the case. And if so, doesn't that mean there is a direct correlation between ease of living and depression? The less you have to worry about and deal with, the more likely you are to be depressed?

I suspect the most severely depressed in 3rd world countries, to be blunt, end up on the street and die (assuming they don't take their own lives first). That's one reason you may not see depression as obviously prevalent in the general population of a 3rd world country.

Yes, I would agree with that.

Humans were created to work, the harder they work the better they feel. Animals are the same way - if you give your pet an easy life, they will die early. Make them work (for example put their food where they can reach it, but have to work hard to get to it) and they live longer.

Developed countries have their own sets of problems. Developed countries tend to be more individualistic. In countries like India, you live a more social life, you can't just lock yourself up in a room and cry for hours. It is at least true for sub-urban area. You may like it or not there will be people around you. Life is also less automated. At many places you have to go and pay your electricity and phone bills. You will be more engaged most of the time.

I really don't want to imply I'm jealous of these people's life conditions, but I've noticed that the more not-intellectually taxing tasks I have to do, the less I notice I'm depressed. If I would be fighting for my life everyday, I might not ever notice I'm not OK. I think a simpler life might do me well too.

Probably not as well or successfully as the mentally healthy...

Reply on news.ycombinator.com