Is There a Link Between Compassion and Depression?
Today I read an article in the March/April 2024 Psychology Today magazine that sparked my curiosity. The article is called “Why Does Everyone Look So Sad?”
The author, Jennifer Gerlach, LCSW stated, “In my clinical experience, some individuals who are depressed appear to feel heighted compassion for others” and then she shared a study that showed that depressed individuals are able to read negative faces more accurately than those without depression while under-recognizing positive faces in others.
This article brought to mind some depressed clients I’ve worked with over the past few years - clients who struggle with being kind to self but are super compassionate to others. It made me wonder, “Is there a link between compassion and depression?”
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. People with depression often struggle with feelings of worthlessness and may even have thoughts of killing themselves. Depression can distort the way a person thinks which may result in misreading social cues in a way that confirms negative beliefs. Depression can also cause interpersonal sensitives such as feeling judged by others and feeling like everyone is against them.
The article suggests that since depressed individuals are quick to pick up on negative emotions rather than positive ones, they may respond more empathetically than other people do. And since acts of kindness can boost mood, the compassionate act may be very rewarding and healing.
But then there is the other side of the story. I have watched many depressed clients fall into the trap of “What about me?” I’ve heard clients say, “I helped them, why aren’t they helping me?” What happens when the depressed person falls into the trap of social reciprocity? Unfortunately, I’ve watched “compassionate action” quickly turn into anger and hostility.
It’s important to help individuals who struggle with depression recognize that their depression may be causing them to feel the responses of others are negative - when the responses may not be intended to be negative at all.
Depressive thoughts and feelings can actually create this cycle of interpersonal and intrapersonal push and pull. The ability to recognize and respond to negative emotion and suffering can create feelings of compassion and empathy AND taking on the problems of others without social reciprocity and/or more realistic/positive thinking can lead to feelings of “I don’t matter,” “I’m not good enough” and “Why not me?”
This article really made me think about depression and empathy and social reciprocity and expectations in a different way. I am definitely going to have some amazing conversations with my clients who are struggling with empathy and social reciprocity. My hope is that this insightful conversation will lead to a greater understanding.
If you are suffering from a depressive episode, here are six quick tips that may help:
Call 988 - the Lifeline Helpline - a trained person is there to help you.
Things can change. It does not always have to be this way.
Look for opportunities for meaning.
Enjoy the little things
If you have a faith, hold on and pray.
Don’t isolate. Find support today.