Anxiety and fear Quote by Jonathan Berent
““ DEPRESSION Many of the individuals in my program have pointed to a level of depression as an initial symptom. Depression—pervasive, overwhelming feelings of sadness and hopelessness—is a natural result of social anxiety. Anyone who has been inhibited by anxiety and fear will experience less success, less pleasure, less gratification, and ultimately, lower self-esteem. The more pervasive this pattern, the more frustration and anger build. The result can be a reactive depression, caused by the situation the individual finds himself in. Other forms of depression—indigenous or biological depression—have a chemical basis. But some degree of reactive depression is common among socially anxious people, and many mental health professionals erroneously identify depression as the overwhelming problem (in fact, social anxiety is at the root, and has caused the depression). With this kind of depression, decreasing social anxiety and promoting healthy interaction is the long-term answer.””
About This Quote
Source Article: Mental Health Insights, 2023
Depression often stems from social anxiety; treating anxiety and fostering healthy interactions addresses the root cause more effectively than focusing solely on depressive symptoms.
In simple terms: Depression can be caused by anxiety.
Treat anxiety to reduce depression.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- therapy
- social skills training
- support groups
- self‑care plans
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What strategies reduce social anxiety?
- How to differentiate reactive vs. biological depression?
Depression may also have biological factors requiring medical treatment.