#SisterFarewell# In recent years, depression has become a frequently hot-searched topic, tormenting people from all walks of life. People often think that the entertainment industry is glamorous, but in reality, even dazzling stars, who are adored by millions, cannot escape depression. So, we may often lament, “She seems so optimistic, why would she have depression?”
Indeed, optimism is a positive attitude towards life, usually associated with joy and happiness. However, being optimistic does not prevent illness. Despite having many positive traits, optimistic individuals may also face the risk of depression. Here are some reasons why optimistic individuals might be prone to depression:
1. High Expectations and Sense of Loss
Optimistic individuals often set high goals for themselves and strive for success and fulfillment. When they fail to achieve their goals, they may feel lost and dejected, triggering feelings of depression.
2. Emotional Repression
Optimists tend to face problems positively and avoid showing negative emotions. However, long-term emotional repression can lead to internal accumulation and stress, eventually leading to depression.
3. Idealization of Failure
Due to high expectations and idealistic tendencies, optimists may be overly critical of themselves, find it hard to accept failure and setbacks, and develop negative emotions as a result.
4. Social Pressure and Expectations
Optimists often present a positive and joyful side in social interactions, not wanting others to see their troubles and pain. These social expectations and self-imposed pressures may lead them to conceal depressive emotions, increasing their emotional burden.
Furthermore, the susceptibility of optimistic individuals to depression may also be related to biological factors.
1. Genetic Factors
Studies indicate that depression has a certain genetic predisposition, and optimistic individuals may also have genetic vulnerabilities.
2. Neurotransmitter Imbalance
The occurrence of depression is related to imbalances in neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. When optimistic individuals undergo biochemical changes, they are more susceptible to depression.
3. Coping Skills under Stress
Optimists tend to adopt positive coping strategies when faced with setbacks and stress. However, if they face excessive stress over a long period, their coping abilities may be depleted, increasing the risk of depression.
For optimistic individuals, there is also a need for outlets to relieve stress and express emotions to prevent depression. Here are a few ways to start:
1. Establish Healthy Self-Awareness and Self-Identity
Recognize that perfection is rare, understand your strengths and weaknesses, accept your imperfections, and acknowledge negative emotions as part of being human without placing excessive psychological burdens. Developing healthy cognition can help reduce the risk of depression.
2. Foster Good Social Relationships
Building trusting and supportive relationships with family and friends, sharing emotions and experiences, can help alleviate social pressures, provide emotional support and understanding, and assist individuals in better handling negative emotions and stress.
3. Cultivate Stress Management Skills
Learning relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and physical relaxation can help optimistic individuals relieve stress and anxiety, allowing them to better cope with life’s challenges and reduce the risk of depression.
For optimistic individuals showing symptoms of depression, seeking professional help promptly, such as from psychologists or psychiatrists, is crucial. After a diagnosis of depression, actively accepting standardized treatment can better equip individuals to face the challenges of depression.
Optimistic individuals may also face the torment of depression, with multiple reasons contributing to their susceptibility to depression. In life, it is important to acknowledge the presence of depression among optimistic individuals and provide appropriate support and assistance to help them establish a healthier mental state, gradually regain confidence and courage, and rediscover the joy and meaning of life!
