Do I have the right to feel depressed even if I'm privileged?

658 Answers Moderated by Danielle Gonzales, PsyD Updated: Mar 15, 2022

Top Answers

Share Tweet

Anonymous on Aug 12, 2016

You absolutely have the right to feel depressed. Depression isn't something that's seen as a "right," it is a chemical imbalance in your brain. Privilege has no impact on illness. 

Struggling with Depression?

Find relief with 7 Cups online therapy.

Learn more

tranquilMoon88 on Aug 12, 2016

Depression can affect anyone at different points in life. Regardless of status, wealth, upbringing, or where we are on the global map, depression can and does affect many people,  Depression is very common and because it is invisible, there are many who do not get the support they need.

rarezas on Aug 12, 2016

Depression is caused by many factors. Just because you come from a well-off family doesn't mean you can't feel these emotions of doubt and loneliness. We all lead different lives, but we do get affected by similar things. It's what makes us human ;) 

Anonymous on Aug 13, 2016

People from different backgrounds have different types of problems. Less privileged people might have financial problems etc but privileged people might also have problems about social relationships or school/work stress. Everyone has problems , so just because you are privileged doesn't mean you don't have the right to feel depressed :)

Grangs on Aug 14, 2016

Yes, even privileged people can get depressed. It does not matter how much you can get in this world.. its about what is inside.

Anonymous on Aug 17, 2016

Yes, you absouletly feel the right to feel depressed even if you're privileged. Being privileged doesn't mean you aren't allowed you feel sad or upset or depressed. You have every right to feel whatever you feel. You don't control your feelings. I do hope you talk to someone about it. 

kindWind7771 on Aug 17, 2016

You can be depressed even if you were the most privileged person in the world. As they say, "Money can't buy happiness". Therefore, being privileged has nothing to do with whether you have a right to be depressed. I hope that you get the help that you deserve and need.

Borealis4177 on Aug 18, 2016

yes, you are. sometimes depression comes from a place in your mind you don't know how to control yet, and it has nothing to do with how wealthy you are.

Anonymous on Aug 19, 2016

Depression is not based on socioeconomic standing, it is based on what the situations we go through; not matter how much or little one may have. 

celestialtime on Aug 19, 2016

Yes! Being privileged doesn't mean that you should be happy. Having benefits that others may not have can be challenging. We deal with everything differently, your feelings are valid.