Written By: Deana Chang
Introduction
“The notion that beliefs and expectations can and do create their own social reality is the essence of the self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Do you believe that what you think can shape your own reality? Let's imagine! Today, you meet a person. Upon your initial perception of them, you find them unfriendly. Consequently, your behavior may become cold and aloof towards that person. As a result, they are likely to respond in a similar manner, reinforcing the initial perception. Conversely, if you view the person as friendly, you will naturally exhibit warmth and friendliness towards them. This, in turn, tends to elicit a reciprocal response of kindness and friendliness.
However, does this mean that belief has the potential to influence mental health? If you are unaware of depression, would it alter the way you experience it? While sadness will always be present in our day-to-day lives, will we remain trapped in a cycle of sadness if we are unaware that it is a possibility?
The Reality of Depression
Depression is defined as the long-lasting feeling of sadness and a noticeable decrease in interest or pleasure in activities that were once fulfilling. In recent years, the prevalence of depression has experienced a significant increase. As a result, it is now classified as a highly chronic condition that affects up to 25% of women and 12% of men.
The Influence of Belief on Mental Health
“The self-fulfilling prophecy is, in the beginning, a false definition of the situation evoking a new behavior which makes the originally false conception come true.” (Merton, 1948, p.195)
According to Robert King Merton, who is recognized as the founding father of modern sociology, the concept of the self-fulfilling prophecy, a false understanding of a situation can lead to behaviors that align with that belief, ultimately making the initial false prediction a reality. This phenomenon occurs when individuals or groups adopt a certain belief or expectation of themselves, and then act accordingly, ultimately validating and reinforcing it.
For instance, when a student is repeatedly labeled as a slow reader, they may internalize this label and that student start to believe they are academically challenged. Consequently, the student becomes demotivated and avoids reading. As a result, their reading ability may suffer, confirming the initial false belief that they are unable to read quickly. The false definition of being "slow" evokes a new behavior (lack of effort) that ultimately makes the original false conception (being a slow reader) come true.
This concept applies to mental illness, particularly depression. Constant reminders from friends, teachers, colleagues, and family about the prevalence of societal depression can inadvertently influence our thoughts, causing us to question if we are also experiencing depression. Seeking support from trusted individuals becomes instinctive. However, society's emphasis on curing mental illness rather than assessing its presence perpetuates the cycle of self-labeling as "depressed" and potentially developing it. But the question is, are you truly depressed, or are you simply going through a rough patch? It is essential to recognize the power of words and thoughts because our minds take into account every word we speak and receive, and they certainly do not take repeated emphasis lightly.
This concept also relates to the Thomas Theorem, which states that "If men define situations as real, they are real in their consequences." Our beliefs about what is to happen can influence reality in the expected direction. Therefore, if we are constantly told to be aware of our mental health, it may lead to a higher likelihood of people falsely diagnosing themselves as 'depressed'. If we consistently believe we have depression, our minds can become a form of prison, trapping our happiness away.
Factors Beyond Belief
Although belief plays a significant role in our personal experience of depression, one significant limitation arises from the multifaceted nature of depression itself. Depression is not solely influenced by belief systems but is a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Attempting to isolate the impact of belief alone becomes challenging due to the intricate interconnectedness of these factors.
Additionally, the uniqueness of each individual's mind adds another level of complexity. Minds are highly personal and subjective, and factors such as coping mechanisms, resilience, cognitive processes, and past experiences contribute to how beliefs shape one's experience of depression. Given the multitude of these varying factors, conducting a comprehensive and precise study becomes challenging, as each individual's unique circumstances and perspectives can significantly impact the results.
Another complexity lies in the interaction between belief and societal influences. In modern society, there is an increasing awareness and discourse around mental health, including depression. While this can be beneficial in reducing stigma and promoting understanding, it can also lead to certain complexities. The influence of cultural norms, social media trends, and the pressure to conform to certain narratives may shape individuals' beliefs about depression, potentially leading to a blurring of genuine experiences and the adoption of false beliefs or symptoms.
Conclusion
If you or someone around you is exhibiting symptoms of depression, it is crucial to seek professional help as the next course of action. However, in modern times, there is a tendency among the general population to either victimize themselves or join the trend of claiming to be depressed in order to fit in. Additionally, society has heightened awareness for mental health, and when surrounded by individuals who claim to be depressed, it becomes easier to inadvertently adopt a similar mindset of false depression. So do you think it’s possible that our beliefs can affect how depression is experienced?
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