Depression

Depression on Plavithen works exactly like it does on Earth. It can spring from a variety of circumstances and has all the same symptoms.
What is different is that on Plavithen, it is viewed as a grave threat to the person with it rather than an irritation or character failing.
It is sometimes euphemized as "open gates" or "the empress's burden."

Causes

Depression can be caused by all the same things on Plavithen as it can be on Earth; bad biochemistry, trauma, difficult life circumstances, relationship difficulties, and so on.

Symptoms

Depression, on Plavithen as on earth is characterized by sadness, lack of energy, lack of motivation, negative self-image, and sometimes suicidal ideation.

Treatment

Purely biochemical depression can be cured or at least relieved with certain curative magic, but as with Earth, often a regimen of certain medicinal herbs and/or therapy is required.

History

The healthier cultural perception of depression on Plavithen has its roots in the suffering on an ancient monarch, Empress Litharia XIV who lived about 3100 years ago.
The story goes that the empress became afflicted after the loss of her family in an a natural disaster and became determined to honor them by moving on.

Cultural Reception

Depression on Plavithen is generally seen as a serious threat to the wellbeing of the afflicted person and taken very seriously. It is seen as an external affliction of the soul, and consequently a lot of the treatment tends to fall on the clergy, who typically have the training to deal with such things.
Magic is often attempted, and if the root cause is biochemical, that can be an effective treatment, but normally treatment involves assistance with difficult life circumstances or talking. This is colloquilay referred to as "closing the gates of sorrow" and is perceived as a difficult and courageous process on the part of the sufferer.

Type

Mental