ppl don't choose to be depressed. some of us don't have enough dopamine/serotonin; whatever the reasons we didn't choose to be this way.

Haven't you heard of "The Secret"? The Secret is where people spend money on the book to make someone else's dream come true lol

I never believed all that "think it into existence" bull crap. It's not that simple. It's the first step, and it doesn't guarantee anything.

Far too often, despair regarding the current state and direction of humanity is misdiagnosed as depression.

Guess I can't blame my mother any longer for passing on depression to me. Guess mine is purely from my environment.

I hope this is a fair question.... There is a wide spectrum where I perceive both extremes as the ones faking it and the ones suffering the condition. How can we tell who is who?

I've really grown intellectually about mental illness after being a part of a group meeting. I am fortunate to have been exposed to and discuss many diagnoses, coping mechanisms, and possible causes. It is in these discussions that i really have found weight to both situational and inherent problems.

In my personal journey, i tend to dismiss the situational because the uncontrollable issues with which i deal are so chaotic. Others have debilitating situational-based illness. It's unreasonable to assume in either way that someone can cheer the mood swing away.

My point (insight/opinion/offering to the discussion), although genetics remains inconclusive, the brain remains such a mystery at this time in history. In order to get true results, participants have to have proper diagnosis, treatment, and understanding of their individual challenges. Then mapping out candidates for the study with their family members to determine genetic links. This poses a multitude of problems.

My point? Although this seems like, okay mental illness is not necessarily genetic.... But it may have some significnace to inspire additional research with more precise or profound results.