The World Is Becoming a Harder Place
The world is becoming a more difficult place to live in—not because hardships are increasing, but because loneliness is. Even among those who are not objectively alone, the feeling of loneliness is growing; and even among those who don’t feel lonely, distorted thinking patterns are becoming more common. Although we live far more comfortable lives than before, the number of people who feel weary of life, fall into depression, or even contemplate suicide continues to rise. Depression is more prevalent in countries with higher levels of prosperity. The correlation between prosperity and depression, and the increase over time, may be due to a rise in trial-and-error experiences. More and more people are becoming “individuals,” and with that autonomy comes the ability—or the tendency—to choose depression.
What Is Depression?
Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a common mental illness. It involves prolonged periods of low mood and a loss of pleasure or interest in activities. It is a widespread psychological condition that can appear in any social group. A person with depression may feel as though they are moving through fog, even in a crowd. They appear to carry an invisible weight on their back. Sometimes, depression progresses silently over a long period through subtle changes that remain below the threshold of awareness.
Facts About Depression
- Animals can experience depression too: especially dogs, cats, and primates.
- It can physically change the brain: MRI scans show that long-term depression can shrink the hippocampus.
- It’s the most common psychological disorder: According to the World Health Organization, over 280 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
- Sleep patterns change: People with depression either sleep excessively or struggle with insomnia, and their REM cycles are often altered.
What Can Be Done?
It happens to everyone.
We all need to breathe and eat, but we don’t get depressed because of those needs. We fall into depression only when we believe it’s happening only to us.
If someone you know is depressed, gently remind them that they are not alone. Many people face similar struggles. Share your own experiences of hardship to help them feel understood.
Things Are Getting Better
Human history is improving. The life of an individual, too, generally improves compared to their fragile beginnings in infancy. Some exceptions exist, but overall, time and maturity are humanity’s gains.
If we stopped believing that things could get better, we wouldn’t survive. At the very least, we are descendants of those who did believe. A depressed person finds it hard to keep living if they cannot believe in improvement.
We Are Not Alone
Humans are descendants of an intensely social branch of life. Even when we act alone, we still think, “What will others think?”
When there are no others, many of us lose motivation to act at all.
Support from others is crucial—yet the absence of it is an even greater risk.
We must help people feel supported and connected.
Maintaining contact with friends and family—or using technology for virtual meetups—can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness.
Additional Measures
- Many clinical psychologists emphasize that routine exercise, sports, and spending time in nature can alleviate depression. Humans are active beings, and our bodies respond positively to movement. Even a short daily walk helps.
- Research shows that 150 minutes of light exercise per week can reduce depressive symptoms by up to 30%.
- A depressed person can also engage in activities they once enjoyed—listening to music, painting, or other creative pursuits—to increase dopamine release and improve mood.
- Regular sleep and eating habits are vital. Consuming omega-3-rich foods and maintaining a melatonin-supported sleep cycle can promote brain health.
“God gave humans three things to balance the hardships of life: hope, sleep, and laughter.”
— Immanuel Kant
- Seeking professional help is always advisable. Thanks to AI-powered mood-tracking tools and teletherapy, professional support is now more accessible than ever.
- If there is an immediate risk of self-harm, one should contact emergency services or a crisis hotline right away. In some countries, AI-based crisis intervention systems can provide instant support.
TRY THESE
Technological Innovations: Wearable devices such as smartwatches can monitor sleep and stress levels, helping detect early signs of depression.
Nutritional Science: Research on probiotics and the gut–brain axis suggests that a healthy gut may reduce the risk of depression.
Meditation and Mindfulness: Guided 10-minute meditation sessions via mobile apps have been shown to decrease anxiety and depressive thoughts.
