Some of my thoughts on this issue....After suffering with depression of varying degrees for 30-40 years, I believe it's clearly the level of depression and the cause (if any)that dictates whether the introspection aspect can be somehow enjoyable and intellectually productive. Time/age are also an issue.

When younger, regardless of the issues, there was a strength... I felt somehow stronger and deeper than others because of my pain. I felt I had an insight that others did not. I felt I knew what the pain of life was... and I was stronger and always became stronger. Looking back, I believe it was true.

Now, the "plus" side of depression is outweighed by the emotional baggage, the mistakes, the regrets and the reality of my own mortality. Now, when faced with a potential crisis, I have to anticipate and fend off a depressive decent. If I don't fend it off (with meds), I have to worry about the plunge to SI. I at this point in life, don't want it anymore.

If depression yields introspection and focus and it does for me still...what good can come of it when the issues are too many or too complicated to be undone to the satisfaction of the individual.

When younger there were tolerable positive aspects. With age I wish it gone forever.