Why do humans suffer depression? Why is it such a common condition or experience that people go through or live with. Let's explore this with the understanding of Non-Duality. Non-Duality is the recognition that there is no real division in the world, and what exists is one infinite indivisible Beingness, which we call Consciousness; all that appears is in Consciousness, made of Consciousness, perceived by Consciousness.

To understand human depression in this light, it helps to understand the human experience. What we (Consciousness) perceive through the human experience is separation, limitation, diversity and change. The One Infinite Timeless Unchanging Formless Consciousness experiences being a limited life form separate from other life forms. Consciousness experiences change through time, coming into being and fading away. The world that appears is like a reflection of Consciousness within Consciousness. It is as if Consciousness perceives the reflection or opposite of itself.

Consciousness cannot really perceive itself. One cannot truly see oneself. The best we can do is see the reflection of ourself, but this is never truly accurate. The reflection cannot be the perceiver. But here it is, this appearance of a world, perceived in Consciousness by Consciousness. It is an appearance that is a reflection of the unseen perceiver.

This perception of opposites, of separation, limitation, movement and change, is a reflection of the infinite oneness of reality. But it allows unlimited possibilities. It allows a world of diversity and interaction. It seems as if opposing forces stretch out the universe, dividing, uniting, clashing and joining. But really there is no division. The opposites appear as a spectrum or continuum. For example, we could call the space from one city to another a continuum of distance. We can't really divide that distance. We can call it so many miles or kilometres, but these are manmade measurements. There is no real division in distance. The theoretical opposites of the beginning and end points span a continuum of distance.

Why's that relevant to depression? We're getting there. You see, the human experience is one that seems to be far from the Oneness of reality. People feel density, weight, the slowness of change, and the pressure of life. This is life far from the true freedom of reality, where there is no heaviness, density or change. This human experience is of life seemingly far removed from the reality of oneness. Life is difficult. People feel isolated or clash with others. Yes, some people find a common bond (that must always happen), but groups of people with a common bond fight against other groups with a different bond. People, groups, nations, form their own sense of separation from others, and it appears important and real. This division and limitation inevitably leads to clashing, fighting, competition, isolation and depression.

The further from the reality of Infinite Oneness we seem to stretch, the more isolated, lonely and restricted we feel. Far away from Infinite Oneness life weighs heavy with limitation and separation. People struggle. Life becomes difficult and dark. Far from the clarity of Infinite Oneness, thoughts of confusion and depression reign. It's almost the norm for most people to experience this. It's a highly common human experience because of the ingrained belief of separation.

But no matter how far we may experience the darkness of depression, we are always here in Oneness. It is only an experience of depression, separation and limitation. Our true nature is the Consciousness that perceives all of this. Consciousness remains content and complete as it is, throughout any apparent positive or negative experiences. It helps to know that no matter how far we may seem to be from the light and clarity of Oneness, it is only an illusory experience we are perceiving. We can never be far from Infinite Oneness. You are not really limited or separate from others and the world. Your true nature is without bounds. Your true nature is content freedom. There is only an experience of lack and limitation.

The experience of turmoil comes and goes within the timeless peace of Consciousness. It is the false belief of separation that causes the experience to be so powerful. It is the belief of separation that leads to suffering.

But all this doesn't mean that if you are experiencing depression you can just snap out of it by thinking about Non-Duality. Dropping our mental boundaries helps. That means talking with friends or professionals about the experience. It means finding freedom, going for walks outdoors, breathing fresh air, being kind to self and others, and freeing the love of Oneness from behind the clouds that hide it. It means dropping the belief that the hard dark world is all there is. It's a play of separation and density that is perceived by and in the Oneness of Consciousness. And that Oneness is Love, Peace and Wholeness.