Depression and Atheism

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=110997741

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104240746

"At Johns Hopkins University, research suggests that chemicals that act on the serotonin system trigger mystical experiences that are life-altering. Serotonin is a chemical messenger that helps regulate mood and sleep." --Credit: Maria Godoy, Brian Cordyack, Erin Killian and Barbara Bradley Hagerty / NPR

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• Depression
• Atheism
• Serotonin
• The God Chemical
• NPR
• RHYMEMAIDEN1
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[ChickadeesDiary]

Me too, I'm an atheist, and I have depression. I think that a lot of people that are depressed are artistic and just think more deeply about things. They question the world around them more. The reason why people with depression turn to god on the other hand is, obviously, the feeling of love. When you think that there is someone who loves you unconditinally, of course it makes you feel better. But if you're a deep thinker (therefore more prone to depression), god just isn't an option.

[lordabomity]

I am not an atheist because I'm depressed and I'm not depressed because I'm an atheist.

[MrChesstime]

I think it's a coincidence. I've been depressed, severely so, but it was said that I was "Justifiably Depressed". (I was going to explain better, but....). Anyway, finding a cause , (fighting for the separation of church and State), actually helped me get through the worst of times. It's like you said, Atheism and Depression are not linked. Trying to link them is conspiracy. So instead of getting freaky religious to increase my serotonin levels, I found a good cause. You're doing great kid.

[iAmEhead]

I would be surprised if a member of any alienated, marginalized, and demonized group didn't feel at least a bit down at times, whether it be atheists, LGBT's, or whoever. Nobody likes feeling like they are misunderstood, disapproved of, or, even worse, hated, and religious people are constantly making atheists feel this way.

[BeckaMorena]

It's definitely having to do with chemical imbalances in the brain. However in my case, when I de-converted from Christianity and became a non-believer I have never felt better in my life. I feel great that I no longer have to believe in things that make absolutely no sense. My depression has been gone for a long while. =)

[jessicaframemusic]

@ChickadeesDiary I read your comment a couple days ago, and I've been searching my history trying to find it again... This is amazing, what you've said. I totally agree!

[matthewtaylorbrown]

Interesting. I'm a positive atheist (there are no gods). The only depression I've experienced was when my kidneys failed and I was out of work and on dialysis a few years back. I have a new kidney and I'm working again. I'm off the Lexapro and no longer depressed. I found that once off the med that I was experiencing natural highs that I had missed while on the drug. Now I have a handful of drugs in the morning and night. :)

[JohannMint]

Admitting to myself that I am an atheist has helped me overcome many of the worst spells of my depression. Trying to tell myself there is agod up there never helped me. Never.

[naturalistmind]

i have a problem with this, i have depression and i am an atheist, but i try to ar least act happy to kill this stereotype, though it can be easy to understand why religious people seem to be depressed more, however i think this would also mean that people with depression may be more religious because they may not feel happy without the extra serotonin.

However i was more depressed when i was religious, so i think that kind of disproves that.

[ruffgreens]

Depression is correlated to high i.q.. Religious belief is not. 

[Schnitzelpops]

Oh my god, I just realised there's a weeping angel in your room, don't look away and don't even blink.

[insidexistance]

@ChickadeesDiary Hey I'm the same way... this whole atheist movement is silent, but very real and very educational.