I’ve always loved the idea of looking for the function of our emotions, a common skill taught in Dialectal Behavioral Therapy (DBT). If we can better understand our emotions and their motivators the more insight and management we can exercise within ourselves. I came across an article which declares that some researchers now believe depression serves a higher purpose in its sufferers, and for me this felt both hopeful and empowering. Researchers concluded that depression may have the positive purpose of directing an individual’s energy towards self-reflection and problem solving when the need arises. While the idea that depression serves as a productive function remains a hypothesis I believe it’s something to consider for both the therapist and the client.
Read the full article here: Psychologists Think They Found the Purpose of Depression