If I'm reading your post correctly, you make an assumption that people who are happy are apathetic and/or don't think deeply. In fact, depression results in apathy. Depression causes you to stop caring about the world, the things you love the most, and your own well being. Repeated and prolonged bouts of depression can lead to cognitive decline. There is much scientific research to support this.
In contrast, the absence of depression I experience now that I take anti-depressant medication means I am excited about making art again, I feel joy when I spend time with my two-year-old nephew (instead of feeling nothing or feeling anxious and sad), and I have the energy to go back to school, to train for a 10K, to not only think about changing the world, but to go out and do it. These are my experiences, but I'm certain other people who have been successfully treated for clinical depression can say the same.
The idea that happy = vacant is as ridiculous as the idea that all jocks are dumb. (For example, research shows that exercise increases cognitive ability and I'm sure if I cared about profesional sports I could probably come up with examples of men and women who are athletes and also highly intelligent, accomplished, and active in changing our world for the better.) If you have never had major depressive disorder or similar mental illness, I ask that you please examine your prejudices and assumptions on this issue and, perhaps, put that deep thinking brain of yours to use -- reading up on the subject.
Slashdot Mirror
If I'm reading your post correctly, you make an assumption that people who are happy are apathetic and/or don't think deeply. In fact, depression results in apathy. Depression causes you to stop caring about the world, the things you love the most, and your own well being. Repeated and prolonged bouts of depression can lead to cognitive decline. There is much scientific research to support this.
In contrast, the absence of depression I experience now that I take anti-depressant medication means I am excited about making art again, I feel joy when I spend time with my two-year-old nephew (instead of feeling nothing or feeling anxious and sad), and I have the energy to go back to school, to train for a 10K, to not only think about changing the world, but to go out and do it. These are my experiences, but I'm certain other people who have been successfully treated for clinical depression can say the same.
The idea that happy = vacant is as ridiculous as the idea that all jocks are dumb. (For example, research shows that exercise increases cognitive ability and I'm sure if I cared about profesional sports I could probably come up with examples of men and women who are athletes and also highly intelligent, accomplished, and active in changing our world for the better.) If you have never had major depressive disorder or similar mental illness, I ask that you please examine your prejudices and assumptions on this issue and, perhaps, put that deep thinking brain of yours to use -- reading up on the subject.