Depression as a Growth Opportunity

In a recent August 10, 2020 interview with Men’s Therapy Directory, I discuss my research on depression as an often misunderstood mechanism for growth, as well as some of the common barriers that prevent men from seeking psychotherapeutic support. Audio podcast version, here.

In this post, Dr. Yakov Barton talks about reframing depression as a normal human experience that can be an opportunity for growth. In his private practice, he specializes in trauma-informed therapy for depression, anxiety and addiction.

Ripe for Therapy

Yakov Barton sees the glass as half full. Depression, he says, can be a growth opportunity. Instead of avoiding difficult feelings, men can grow by going to therapy.

Unfortunately, a lot of men are resistant to seeking help. This is because of the stigma around men and therapy, Yakov explains. Men often ignore their mental health for so long that they reach a point of desperation. They become ripe for therapy, and the fruit, as it were, simply must be harvested.

Yakov says that men don’t have to wait until things get desperate. Going to therapy sooner rather than later can help men avoid a lot of unnecessary suffering.

Developmental Depression

Our society tends to pathologize depression and other mental health challenges. Therapists are often too quick to "cure" someone's depressive symptoms, without exploring the reason for the depression in the first place.

Yakov has done significant research in the area of developmental depression, which posits that depression is more common than we think, and may actually be a growth opportunity if explored in a non-pathological way.

He found that depression is common in the emerging-adult age group (18-25). Perhaps this is a normal rather than pathological response to the stressors and transitions inherent to this period of development.

If men knew how common depression really is, they might be more likely to make an appointment with a therapist and get the help they need.