Cause of Atzvus – depression:[1]
One of the primary reasons for for non-clinical depression is because one is unaware of his true spiritual standings and has desires for greatness and grandeur that is way above the level that he is capable or expected of reaching. Such as one who desires to become a Gadol Hador and reach the level of Rashbi whose Torah study was his occupation and was completely united with G-d, then if he does not reach this level he will be led to depression. In truth, however, neither is he expected or capable of reaching such a level, and hence his false expectations and aspirations is what leads to his sense of failure and depression.
- Divine lesson: In this teaching, the Alter Rebbe touches on a most common phenomenon that we find amongst Bochurim and Avreichim, who have great aspirations for themselves to reach high spiritual levels, or rabbinic positions and other positions of leadership, and when this is not met, or is not recognized by the public, then they deem themselves a failure. Indeed, as per testimony of a leading psychiatrist in an ultra-Orthodox Lithuanian community in Israel, the gradual rise of young men taking antidepressants is directly linked to delusions of grandeur, in which they are driven with the goal of becoming the next Gadol Hador, and are depressed that they have not or will not reach this goal. Likewise, it is not uncommon for young men in Chabad to feel like a failure, or like second-class citizens, which can lead to depression, being that they have not been appointed to a Shlichus position, and are not part of the Rebbe’s official Army of emissaries, or other rabbinical position of leadership. Every individual must know their capabilities and their expectations from G-d, and indeed not every individual is expected or intended to become the next Gadol Hador or official emissary of the Rebbe or hold a rabbinic position. Perhaps, his purpose in life is to raise a beautiful Jewish family which is penetrated with the light of Torah and Mitzvah’s, and at the same time to work for a living, study Torah in his free time, distribute charity, and influence those in his immediate surroundings in observance of Torah and Mitzvahs. Yes, this is also a purpose, and in fact many do so and have done so under direction of the Rebbe. False expectations leads to depression and sin, while realistic goals helps one to live a healthy and happy life both physically and in his service of G-d.
[1] Likkutei Torah p. 43a