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This is a very sensitive topic and must be treated that way. I think that saying that depression and schizophrenia (SZD) may have benefits implies that it's a worthwhile or valuable experience that everyone should have. Regardless of one's intention, I think this implication comes out (and I think this is why the conversation is so polarized).

I think it's important to point out that people's reactions to depression vary. While one may see normal life as brighter, having gone through depression, another might be completely traumatized by the horror (I think this is exactly what we witnessed in class discussion).

Regarding SZD, I never knew about the creative 'benefits' until last Monday night. I thought it was just bipolar disorder that gave rise to genius. I'm curious what people think about bipolar disorder, by the way... while we haven't dared to say that depression or SZD was a gift, there are many who dare call bipolar disorder a gift. The 'benefits' of bipolar disorder are widely known, but should we call it a gift?