No. I think maybe the most obvious example is people who are suffering from chronic illness. They may be depressed because of that of course but some will also say things like: 'If only I didn't have this pain, I'd still want to live.' So- some are clearly not depressed if they still have a lust for life but can't realistically fulfill it any longer.
I did receive a diagnosis of mild to moderate depression years ago but I'm not sure either way really- whether I have it. I certainly can function ok in everyday life. It's more that I don't want to!
For those who've never gone for any type of diagnosis though, who might be curious as to what 'they' may assess you to be, they get you to fill in something like this:
The PHQ-9 (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) objectifies and assesses degree of depression severity via questionnaire.
www.mdcalc.com
It's a very important question to ask though because I also think ideation and the act of suicide is so commonly linked to depression. Which has two major problems:
Firstly that a person's thinking has become negatively skewed. So- they are no longer making accurate assessments on their life and future prospects and therefore- their choice to end their life is possibly unsound (based on an inaccurate assessment of their situation.) I'm not saying I agree with that. I'm just putting across how I believe 'they' (normies, pro-lifers, doctors) see it.
Basically, that having depression means you don't have full mental capacity to be able to make reasonable decisions. (And yet, ironically, they still think we're competent enough to work! Lol! Even if our job involves protecting the lives of others- police, surgeons, bus drivers etc.)
Secondly, that all mental illnesses, including depression are curable. Just phone the helpline, pop a few pills, talk to a therapist- your problems will be over.
So, for me it's a two fold problem. Firstly, they can use a diagnosis of depression or, mental illness as a way to write us off as being mentally incompetant. So-basically- no rights. We're (apparently) so out of control, that we can't make reasonable decisions for ourselves. In the most extreme cases, they can start legally making them for us- sectioning, psychiatric holds etc.
Also, if depression is diagnosed there's maybe not so much sympathy as for someone with an incurable physical illness because- we can get better (apparently.) We just need to find the right treatment and make a bit more effort. They likely won't accept that we may not want to.
I think also, it's important to consider that there are various types of depression. Is it actually a case that someone who's life is going objectively well, who at least used to be happy is suddenly severely struggling? Maybe that is actually depression. Still not certain it can be cured but, it seems a reasonable possibility that could be the right diagnosis.
Or, is a person's low mood in response to their circumstances? Can they realistically change their circumstances? If they can't, I'm not certain masses can be done either! Whether they truly have 'depression' or not. 1 in 3 people at my friend's workplace were on antidepressants and they still sounded very unhappy!
That's what gets me really.
Even if it is depression- how can they believe they can always cure it when so many people still suffer long term? I suppose at least they are starting to accept long-term or severe cases at some VAD clinics now. I think it's maybe the biggest hurdle people who aren't suffering with chronic illness who still want out will struggle with in terms of assisted suicide and in general, how people will treat them if they ever find out their wishes.
Sorry for the essay!
