Depression is a universal experience; it touches people across all walks of life, regardless of geography, income, or culture. However, how we deal with depression often varies dramatically depending on where we live. In the first world, where many enjoy a relative level of comfort and security, depression can often lead to a complete shutdown, a withdrawal from life. This phenomenon, some argue, is a luxury—one that those in developing countries simply cannot afford.
Depression Across Different Realities
Feeling depressed is part of the human experience. It is normal for people to feel down, anxious, or hopeless at times. But in developed countries, where safety nets like welfare, unemployment benefits, and healthcare exist, there is an increasing trend of people being overwhelmed by their depressive states to the point of inactivity. People can withdraw from their responsibilities, shut down emotionally, and, in some cases, stop trying altogether. This can be attributed to a myriad of factors, including societal pressures, isolation, and, ironically, the comfort and security of the environment they live in.
In contrast, in many developing countries, daily survival requires constant activity and productivity. For the majority of people living in these areas, the struggle to secure basic needs—food, water, and shelter—is a daily battle. They don’t have the option to “opt-out” of life, even temporarily. For them, the idea of debilitating depression as it manifests in the first world seems almost inconceivable. Their struggles, while severe, are often met with resilience because there simply isn’t any other choice. Life goes on, regardless of how one feels.
The Paradox of Happiness Among the Poorest
It is often observed that some of the happiest people are found in the poorest regions. How can this be? The answer may lie in their outlook on life and the lack of an alternative to being proactive. With limited resources and opportunities, people in these environments learn to make the best out of their circumstances daily. There’s an inherent sense of community, shared hardship, and mutual support. Every day is a chance to survive and, sometimes, thrive, not in material wealth but in connection, purpose, and the simple joys of being alive.
In stark contrast, in the first world, depression is increasingly becoming an industry. The mental health sector, with its array of medications, therapies, and self-help products, is booming. While these tools can be essential for some, there is an argument that they also encourage a passive approach to dealing with depression. People are taught to manage symptoms rather than address the underlying causes or take proactive steps to change their circumstances. This industry thrives on the very state of inactivity that depression induces, creating a cycle that is hard to break.
Choosing Life Over Darkness
At the end of the day, no one owes us anything. No one is coming to rescue us from our own minds. We all bear the weight of our thoughts and emotions, struggling to make sense of the human condition, to find our purpose, and to understand why we are here. But within this struggle lies a choice: we can either succumb to the darkness or force ourselves to take simple, basic steps daily to keep moving forward.
Staying in motion—physically, mentally, emotionally—often proves to be one of the most effective ways to combat depression. This is not to say that the feelings aren’t real or that professional help isn’t sometimes necessary. However, the mindset of continual effort and perseverance, the refusal to be idle in the face of hardship, can be a powerful tool.
People in third-world and developing countries understand this because they live it daily. They have no other way to survive besides keeping active and engaged in life. It is a mindset that can be incredibly empowering, even for those in more comfortable circumstances.
A Call to Action
The next time you feel overwhelmed by depression, or someone shares their struggles with you, consider this: How are you choosing life and love? What actions are you taking daily to make that happen? Depression might feel insurmountable, but it is not an excuse to stop trying. Accountability is key. No one is coming to save you—you have to save yourself.
Depression is a part of life, but it does not have to define your life. Whether you are in the first world or the third, there is always a way forward. And sometimes, that way forward starts with the simplest of actions: getting up, getting moving, and refusing to let the darkness take over.