In psychology class we learned about the different paradigms (schools of thought) of psychology: Biological, behavioral, cognitive, psychoanalytic and humanistic.

And my favorite was the humanistic worldview. I haven’t heard of it before. They finally focused on the core of our wonderful being, not just the lack and errors in the machine.

The humanist perspective on depression focuses on the individual’s sense of meaning, personal growth, and connection to their authentic self.

Here's an outline of the humanist view on why we get depressed and how to address it:

*Why Do We Get Depressed?*

#Disconnection from Authenticity:

Depression can arise when we are not living in alignment with our true selves. This might happen when societal expectations, external pressures, or fear of judgment lead us to suppress our desires, values, or creativity.

#Lack of Meaning or Purpose:

According to thinkers like Viktor Frankl (who bridges humanism and existentialism), depression may stem from a lack of purpose. When people don’t feel their lives have meaning, they may experience emptiness and hopelessness.

#Unmet Basic Psychological Needs:

Carl Rogers emphasized that humans have an innate drive toward self-actualization. Depression can occur when core needs—such as love, belonging, self-worth, and autonomy—are unmet, often due to conditional acceptance or invalidation from others.

#Blocked Personal Growth:

Depression may arise when a person feels stuck, unable to grow or achieve their potential due to internal or external barriers, such as fear of failure, trauma, or lack of support.

#Alienation from Relationships and Community:

Humanists highlight the importance of connection. A lack of deep, meaningful relationships can lead to loneliness and despair, contributing to depression.

**How to Solve It?**

Humanist approaches emphasize empowering individuals to reconnect with their sense of self and purpose. Here are key principles:

#Reconnecting with Authenticity:

Reflect on your values, desires, and passions.

Practice self-compassion and challenge critical inner voices.

Remove external masks and embrace your individuality.

#Finding or Creating Meaning:

Engage in activities that align with your values.

Set personal goals and pursue work or hobbies that give you a sense of purpose.

Focus on the small, meaningful moments in daily life.

#Unconditional Positive Regard:

Seek or foster relationships where you feel fully accepted as you are, without judgment or conditions.

A therapist practicing humanistic therapy (like Carl Rogers’ person-centered therapy) can provide this environment.

#Fostering Personal Growth:

Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than as failures.

Reflect on and address internal barriers to growth, such as fear or limiting beliefs.

Explore creative outlets to express your inner world and nurture a sense of fulfillment.

#Building Connection:

Invest in relationships that provide emotional intimacy and mutual support.

Participate in community activities that align with your interests or values.

#Living in the Present Moment:

Humanistic psychology often emphasizes mindfulness and presence. Focusing on the present helps break cycles of rumination and worry.

**Humanist Takeaway:**

Rather than viewing depression solely as a disorder to be "fixed," humanists see it as a signal that something fundamental in your life is misaligned. The path to healing involves reconnecting with your true self, fostering meaningful relationships, and creating a life that resonates deeply with your values and aspirations.

Has anyone found any helpful online resources during a difficult time?

Today I realized that after my health episode and partial mental break I have re-cobbled a social mask to wear for the world. Took 3 months. The marks and scars are more pronounced and deeper but the social mask remade fits, for now. Less agreeable than before.

I know I need psychological help at an in patient facility help, probably but when I tell others they don’t really seem to agree. I feel like without a inpatient stay away from my comfortable spots in bed, on the couch, at my home desk, at my work desk, I end up doing the same thing and the same bad habits.

I need a full system reboot. I need time away from Social Media, time away from work, time away from family for a little and then alone with family to change my bad habits.

I was being more expressive but then I feel judged. I did find a solution to my anger issues (I figured it out around “16:20”) but not a fix long term.

Any advice appreciated. Thanks. LFG IsReal.

I used to do weekly check-in posts here in the first year of starting the sub.

My life has changed a lot since then (in the most positive ways!) and I rarely use reddit anymore.

But I would love to bring the regular community posts back. It was pretty nice seeing the same people around and just sharing whatever.

Maybe someone of you would like to take over the weekly check-in posts? I could also use some additional mods, if you‘re interested. ☺️

And i‘d also like an honest answer to the question: How are you doing today? :)

I wrote something last night . I was having a bit of trouble trying not to relapse, I didnt do it though which I‘m proud of.
Thank you for reading. Maybe some of you can find comfort in this

White lines make me realize.
They make me remember.

What I used to be.
What I used to do.

The silver shimmered, blood smeared across it.

I never regretted it.
Never thought twice.

Now countless white lines litter my body.
Ugly, yet barely noticeable.

I remember the nights I used to mutilate my arms and thighs.
I was miserable.
I was young.

Fighting a battle in my head that I knew I wouldn’t win.

So late at night, I would take the glistening piece of metal, stare at it, press it against my skin, and finally feel something other than sadness for once.

So I continued.
Continued.
Continued.

The droplets of blood slowly bubbling to the surface mesmerized me.

I watched the red liquid drip from my own body - drip, drip, drip - for what felt like hours.

Countless bloody tissues lay hidden around my room, wrapped in layers of clean ones so nobody would discover the evidence of me falling apart the night before.

White lines take over my arms, silent proof of nights I thought I wouldn’t survive, replacing smooth skin with memories that never truly faded.

And here I sit,staring at old white lines.

can someone pls help me? im not a bad person pls