Values and depression

Sebastian Junger in his book 'Tribe' writes about the negative effect of favouring 'extrinsic values' (e.g. beauty, money, status) over 'intrinsic values' (e.g. feeling competent, authentic, and connected), and its link to depression.

"Bluntly put, modern society seems to emphasise extrinsic values over intrinsic ones, and as a result, mental health issues refuse to decline with growing wealth. The more assimilated a person is into American society, the more likely they are to develop depression during the course of their lifetime, regardless of what ethnicity they are”

“Mexicans born in the United States are wealthier than Mexicans born in Mexico but far more likely to suffer from depression. Like corporate lawyers, they may have a harder time achieving the three pillars of self-determination - autonomy, competence, and community - and wind up with a higher rate of depression"

From 'Tribe: On homecoming and belonging' by Sebastian Junger

This book is available at Gold Coast Library

https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/libraries/Home