Do you believe that money can cure depression and other mental problems?

[Kraftwerk]

Recently we had a thread about a somewhat famous person suffering from depression and how it correlates to weight gain and you just spiral out of control. This individual is from a family who is rich, so a few people were being really dismissive and making comments that can be summarized as:

'He has money and access to doctors and personal trainers. He isn't really depressed. I have had depression before, so I can tell this guys doesn't have depression. Even if he is depressed, he should man up and get better. I would say that he is more sad and melancholy. Should pop in a comedy DVD and get better.'

I don't want to link to the thread, as I don't like calling people out here. That quote is basically a combination of most things that were said in the thread. It should be in the first few pages of the OT.

That thread really pissed me off. It comes off as really dismissive and judgemental. I love when random people on the Internet claim that they know more about something versus doctors. This isn't even just about that single person that the thread was about. What was posted in that thread can be applied to any person who has some wealth and comfort. Some think that my argument will apart if it is.revealed that this wad a publicity stunt, but again; ignore that story. This is about how we have people who still think money will magically cure mental illnesses.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

I leave you guys with this quote from the Amanda Bybes thread last year. This is from a thread where the very short article clearly states that the doctors are asking the judges to extend her stay by another 30 days in the mental hospital. Since they don't think she is stable yet.

Don't really understand how it can be a mental problem and not just seeking attention. There are millions of other girls just like her in America.

 

[Plinko]

No, but it can at least give you a much better chance at getting the help you need to get out of said state.

 

[EMT0]

I think that having money in and of itself doesn't act as anti-depressant, but earning a significant increase in one's money via means such as a pay raise or a promotion could have that effect.

 

[Goliath]

The more resources you have the better chance you have at actually seeing not only doctors but GOOD doctors.

I mean you can just look at the homeless population to see what happens when you have mental illness and no money.

 

[bjork]

I don't. I play the lotto so that I can win and help people, and for me the big thing would be never paying attention to a clock again, but even with more money than I could count, it wouldn't help me deal with knowing how little I mean to the people I value in my life. I could go do cool shit, sure, but they're not there or wouldn't appreciate the gesture, so it would be empty.

 

[GamerJM]

Not really, but I guess it depends on the problems and why you have them and whether or not you're receiving treatment. For some people, debt or lack of funds can be a source of depression. I have mental problems and may or may not be depressed and money is not an issue for me.

 

[Yado]

If you're referring to Rob Kardashian, there has been no confirmation or admission of depression. Not everyone who gains weight is depressed, maybe he just likes to eat.

I don't think being rich can cure or render you exempt from depression or mental ilnesses but it gives you more opportunities to get the help you need. I know I'd rather be rich and depressed than poor and depressed.

 

[BigDes]

A lot of the time you don't actually know you are depressed either as you've felt that way for so long

All the money in the world doesn't help if you don't actually receive the diagnosis and the treatment you need

 

[Meadows]

I'd say you can manage it, but it's very hard.

 

[echoshifting]

To a point, absolutely. I mean, I know I need to be in therapy right now but I can't afford it. I can barely afford my meds.

Beyond those basic concerns, yeah, having access to greater funds can alleviate considerable stress...though I do think there is a ceiling where the amount of money you have further isolates you and responsibilities associated with your strong financial situation can potentially make things worse. Studies have shown pretty clearly that more money = more happiness up to a certain level (that I can't recall off the top of my head)...but of course, depression is a disease, not just "the sad feels," and I think it would be more difficult to establish a correlation between successful treatment of depression and financial standing.

 

[lewisgone]

No, but people seem to like to convince themselves that money can solve all your problems. Once you have gotten over your new found wealth, you'll probably feel more empty than ever, as you have nothing to aim for.

 

[rudieboy77]

Not at all.

 

[DoktorEvil]

I know of whom you're referring to.

It seems to be that people can just say whatever they want to those who come from wealth, because fuck those people, they have money, right?

Realize that you're no better than the people the moneyed class stomped over to become rich.

It's one thing to hate the rich for being gaudy and ostentatious. I do it too.

It's another to treat those same people like their money and fortune is all that defines them.

I see a lot of Gaffers who think having money would solve all of their problems in their lives, but they never realize the new set of problems that come with having money.

Biggie said it best: Mo Money Mo Problems

 

[Aesius]

For some people, sure.

Having access to world-class therapists every single day would be a great way to relieve depression and anxiety. Plus, it doesn't hurt to not have to worry about working a stressful and tedious job 40 hours a week.

But there are some issues that money can't fix. Some people are just wired in a way that they are never really satisfied with anything. They could win $300 million in the lottery and start hanging out with other rich people, but then develop very low self-esteem because their fortune was the result of luck. Or they could become depressed because they aren't billionaires. Or because they feel guilty about their lives.

 

[AbortedWalrusFetus]

Nah, one of my close friends I've known since middle school works with me and we make good money. It doesn't do a whole lot to help his problems. I guess it reduces the amount of stress he is under and such, but generally speaking he's still a mess unfortunately. I've done all I could think to help him and it's really sad to see him with such problems.

 

[Vooduu]

It can for me.

 

[Edwardo]

Depends on the person probably.

 

[Omegasquash]

Money is not the end, money opens up opportunities to get to the end. It's the means, and those that have more means, well, they have more ends. Or at least opportunities for good ones.

There was a saying I read somewhere about money not being able to buy you love, but it will buy you a nice house, a boat, a nice car, access to a good gym and trainer, etc. Those things might not get you love either, but they increase your opportunity.

 

[Naked Snake]

Nope.

Two years ago, I was at the height of my career with a high paying job (I had way more income than I knew what to do with) and I was at my absolute worst mentally. I felt misreable and insane.

I quit my job and haven't looked for another since (and I turned down a few offers), so I've been broke for a long time, but you know what? I've never been happier.

I don't like money.

To be fair though, I was probably miserable and going crazy because I hated my job. If I loved what I did and made good money, I think I'd be happy too.

 

[Sectorseven]

Cure? No. Help? Definitely.

 

[Wilsongt]

'He has money and access to doctors and personal trainers. He isn't really depressed. I have had depression before, so I can tell this guys doesn't have depression. Even if he is depressed, he should man up and get better. I would say that he is more sad and melancholy. Should pop in a comedy DVD and get better.'

This statement is spoken like a true person who doesn't understand mental disorders.

Depression doesn't have financial, social, or racial limits.

 

[knicks]

Your lifestyle will significantly increase. Your meals. Your entertainment. Your house. Your clothes. Vacation. And so fourth.

It's different growing up with the wealth as opposed to earning it later in life though. But for an average joe in their mid 30's to go from having a regular job with okay pay to insane wealth. Have to imagine it could cure a lot of problems.

 

[Schattenjäger]

No - money cannot cure clinical depression.

 

[Llyranor]

Once you have enough to meet your basic needs, it probably doesn't matter anymore.

 

[SyaraSystem]

Cure? No. Help? Definitely.

^

 

[Deleted member 1235]

of course not. But money opens pretty much a large set of doors that are permanently locked to other people.

It won't make you well, but you'll have a bunch less obstacles to overcome to get well.

on the flip side, apart from the outliers (lottery, born into stupid money etc) usually very high paying jobs come with very high stress and generally life shit conditions that people get trapped into, because it's hard to think of going without a certain level of money once you've felt it. In that way it could be a trap and negative for your mental state.

 

[Acorn]

Absolutely not.

 

[Kinitari]

I absolutely think that money can help or 'cure' depression or other mental problems. I absolutely don't think it's guaranteed to, or cannot exasperate depression or other mental problems.

 

[Sidewinder]

It would take one huge burden off my back if I was rich, that's for sure. But it definitely isn't a magical cure against depression and thinking that wealthy people can't be depressed is just plain stupid.

For science I'd be ready to take several millions off somebody's account to see what happens.

 

[Himynameischris]

Money can give you access to better health care, but depression is tough and even with all those resources it doesn't mean that person will use them or that they'll get better. Mental illness can be difficult to cure (sometimes there aren't cures) and without the right people to help you out all the money in the world wouldn't fix that.

 

[ronito]

Money is a tool.
Someone with money to employ in their attempts to cure depression will fare much better than someone who doesn't simply because the person who doesn't have money has less tools/options open to them.

In that sense, of course it will help. Also, if your depression is based on stress from bills and financial responsibilities then of course it will help.

 

[ssolitare]

I'm not sure about everyone else, but for me its guaranteed to.

 

[Photolysis]

Depends on the circumstances. If the lack of money is directly or indirectly responsible for you being depressed, then it stands to reason that money can alleviate that cause.

Otherwise, no, though money can help you get the resources you need to help you get over your problems.

 

[Angry Grimace]

Anyone who tells you money can't buy happiness doesn't know where to shop.

*Ted DiBiase laugh*

 

[Halcyon]

It depends on how much money it would be. If it was Fuck you money, then I don't see how you couldn't get some happiness.


I'd be happy as shit if I could take a trip to florida tomorrow via private jet.

 

[Booya_base]

I think that having money in and of itself doesn't act as anti-depressant, but earning a significant increase in one's money via means such as a pay raise or a promotion could have that effect.

Reading this post shocked me as this is exactly what just happened in my life. I don't see myself as money-oriented / motivated, but I guess just the idea that your 'value' as seen by someone else (I was headhunted with a ridiculous offer compared to my old salary) is much higher than you believed has a huge antidepressant effect.

It had a really noticeable effect on me and I have just gone from my lowest low in my life to feeling really good about myself (it sparked a bit of a chain reaction).

 

[FairyD]

No. It's a complex issue and money doesn't magically cure things.

 

[Wilsongt]

The main problem I am having with this thread is the idea of "cure". You don't necessarily cure those who suffer from clinical depression, bipolar disorder, etc, etc. You help alleviate the symptoms with therapy, medication, and some cognitive reconstruction.

Money can help in those aspects in terms of finding needed therapy and affording medication. However, just having a huge pile of money isn't going to necessarily make someone snap out of and be "cured" of their mental disorder.

 

[-Eddman-]

Having money and a job cured my "depression" some years ago. But I actually wanted to get out of depression so money helped me to buy things (musical gear) to start projects and get friends and that stuff.

 

[BWJinxing]

Money would help in most instances, however a I dont see it as a cure.

The way I see it, its much easier and can be cheaper to mask the issue with money, then to admit it and seek help.

Essentially, if one can come to admission they need help, I think it would help, but as far as a cure, I wouldn't expect one.

 

[Mengy]

Can money cure depression? No, not directly.

Can money buy happiness? For some people.

Does money equal freedom? Yes, absolutely. Freedom of choice, freedom from the grind of society and a daily job, freedom to travel and live the way you want to not the way you have to.



Now, does that freedom due to money make being happy easier? Most likely. And, are you far less apt to be depressed if you do have money? Hell yes, as long as you don't go overboard and keep your wits about you.

 

[jay]

I thought the premise of America was that it can.

 

[Damaniel]

Money can mask the symptoms of depression, at least temporarily. You can get fleeting enjoyment out of a new car, for example, but once the thrill of buying it wears off, you feel as bad as ever.

The only way that money can really help is to provide more access to counselors, psychiatrists, and other professionals that can help somebody work through the underlying problems (all of those things cost money, and while insurance in the US is getting better about covering mental health, there are still often limits on counselor visits per calendar year). Any other use is really just masking the problem and making things worse.

 

[SRG01]

It's not money but circumstance that leads to mental health issues.

Did the person grow up in an abusive environment? Does this person have social skills? Does this person have an adequate support network?

Money is only a small part of this equation. Even if money is available, there's no guarantee that it will be used for therapy or any other preventative measures.

 

[thesuperfunk]

Cure? No. Help? Definitely.

This.

 

[Opiate]

I do, but almost certainly not in the way most people mean it.

I think money can get at some root causes, rather than treating individuals who already suffer from the disease. I think depression and anxiety are significantly a consequence of psychosocial stress, and that this stress is significantly exacerbated by economic inequality.

Which is to say, a more economically equal society should have lower incidence of depression, if my hypothesis is correct.

 

[OrlanisWorks]

I do, but almost certainly not in the way most people mean it.

I think money can get at some root causes, rather than treating individuals who already suffer from the disease. I think depression and anxiety are significantly a consequence of psychosocial stress, and that this stress is significantly exacerbated by economic inequality.

Which is to say, a more economically equal society should have lower incidence of depression, if my hypothesis is correct.

This is what was thinking.

 

[kirblar]

I do, but almost certainly not in the way most people mean it.

I think money can get at some root causes, rather than treating individuals who already suffer from the disease. I think depression and anxiety are significantly a consequence of psychosocial stress, and that this stress is significantly exacerbated by economic inequality.

Which is to say, a more economically equal society should have lower incidence of depression, if my hypothesis is correct.

Yup, the psychological stress of poverty is a real thing and money does help eliminate that. It just can't fix everything.

 

[Opiate]

I thought the premise of America was that it can.

I think the premise of America is that you can will your way out of it, frankly. America is infatuated with the concept of a strong, independent, indomitable human will.

 

[mantidor]

Rich people are statistically more unhappy than poor people.