When individuals see a person who is struggling with depression that requires stays at a rehab facility, it is easy to think that there must be something wrong with their mental function. However, a new theory of depression states that this is actually far from the truth.

Researchers from the University of San Diego developed the theory, which states that depression is actually an adaptive response to major life traumas, and that it actually serves a productive purpose.

The hypothosis describes the death and rearranging of neurons that occurs in the brain during periods of depression as a process that is similar to wound healing. This process can be painful, but it ultimately serves to help individuals overcome traumatic events.

Researchers said that this function can go into a higher gear and last for longer periods of time that is needed, resulting in chronic depression. However, shorter bouts of feeling down may actually benefit people who have recently suffered a painful experience.

They hope that this alternate understanding of depression may enable researchers to design better targeted therapies for the condition.