Cognition Quote by Jan Wong
![“…depressive realism. Depression is not the near death experience described by so many, [Kayla Dunn] suggests, but a rebirth in which the new psyche has removed self-delusion. Compared with so-called healthy individuals, depressives are more realistic in their worldview.” quote by Jan Wong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/aca/jan-wong-58584_cognition_depressive-realism-depression-is-not-the_673516.jpg)
““…depressive realism. Depression is not the near death experience described by so many, [Kayla Dunn] suggests, but a rebirth in which the new psyche has removed self-delusion. Compared with so-called healthy individuals, depressives are more realistic in their worldview.””
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, “Depressive Realism” by Jan Wong, 1995
Depression can strip away self‑deception, leading to a harsher but more accurate view of reality compared to non‑depressed people.
In simple terms: Depression may bring clearer reality.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that realism can be painful.
Themes
mental health
perception
reality
Mood
reflective
somber
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- self‑assessment
- academic research
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
cognitive bias
self‑deception
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How does clearer perception affect decision‑making?
- Can realism be balanced with optimism?
A Different Perspective
Realism may also increase pessimism and reduce motivation.
![“We tend to take a great deal for granted, because you feel like you're going to live forever. It's only if you lose a friend, or maybe have a near-death experience, [that] many events and people in your life suddenly attain real significance.” quote by Brandon Lee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ea9/brandon-lee-24062_deals_we-tend-to-take-a-great-deal-for-granted_682975.jpg)
![“[Mood allocates] investments of time, effort, resources, and risk taking to maximize Darwinian fitness in situations of varying propitiousness. High and low moods adjust cognition and behavior to cope with propitious and unpropitious situations.” quote by Randolph M. Nesse](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6d0/randolph-m-nesse-24802_behavior_mood-allocates-investments-of-time-effor_87538.jpg)
