Can you learn how to be hopeless or is that something you have to be born with to pull off successfully? Why?

Thank you for your reply Shar. How do you explain those who are clinically depressed? Is that an acquired taste or are you born with the predisposition/proclivity/propensity? Inquiring minds would like to know. :)

Depression is an afflictive and paralyzing condition in which the sufferer descends into an extremely low mood. The individual’s outlook on life is suddenly dimmed along with his or her smile and attitude. Every step that person takes in life feels like he or she is trudging through heavy mud. Activities that used to make the person happy become annoyances. The darkness turns into a place of serenity for the sufferer because seeing the light is so hurtful. This condition is a very dreary disorder and it requires corrective treatment.

Other descriptive names for this condition include major depressive disorder, unipolar and clinical. It goes way beyond the normal lethargy one feels and takes it to a new dangerous level. Those who suffer from this sadness sometimes desire to commit suicide, which is why it needs attention immediately.

Depression Causes

There are a number of theories about the cause of the illness and how one person can develop it and not another. Some mental health specialists believe it is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. These theorists also believe that it has mostly to do with the chemicals serotonin and dopamine. Both of these brain chemicals control mood. Therefore, an imbalance could possibly put someone in a low mood unexpectedly. Doctors who believe in the chemical imbalance theory are more likely to use prescription medications to treat the disease.

Some medical professionals believe that a predisposed vulnerability causes the condition and stress triggers the episodes. Another class of doctors had the idea that environmental factors cause it. Although, there have been many studies on this subject, no theory has been proven perfect. There are flaws to every theory, as well as some valid points. Knowing how to treat the symptoms is a more important aspect than knowing the origin. If a certain type of treatment works for people with depression, that gives hopes to the ones who suffer.

Depression Triggers

Various situations and circumstances may begin a sadness episode. The loss of the loved one is harder on a person with this illness than it is on the average individual. Therefore, an abrupt grieving process would definitely onset a lengthy period of sadness. The end of a relationship would most likely be a trigger as well. Not accomplishing a task one sets out to finish, being rejected for a job, and losing a friend, would all probably trigger a low mood. People with this affliction must always try to stay away from situations that could be triggers. Some life incidents are unavoidable. However, the person who is prone to sadness should make efforts to only stay in situations that bring happiness and stimulate the pleasurable parts of the brain.

Treatment For Depression

A medical expert will perform a diagnosis on anyone he or she suspects has depression. Next, the doctor will go deeper into the mind of the patient to try to get to the cause. Based on the doctor’s findings, he or she will begin a treatment plan tailored specifically for that person. Treatment may involve several methods such as therapy or medication.

I totally agree with every word you wrote. Unless one is born with a "condition" such as clinical depression I think it's normal to be hopeful/optimistic/positive. I mean what kind of life do you lead if you are the opposite of those things? It cannot be pleasant!  Thank you for your reply TNJ! :)

Maybe folks are born with chemical imbalances that might cause  depression for example JakobA. But on the whole I do think people..normally..are positive and hopeful and optimistic. At least I am and hope others are. Thank you for your reply and Happy Tuesday! :)