In fact, the analytic-rumination hypothesis is merely the latest attempt to explain the prevalence of depression. There is, for example, the âplea for helpâ theory, which suggests that depression is a way of eliciting assistance from loved ones. Thereâs also the âsignal of defeatâ hypothesis, which argues that feelings of despair after a loss in social status help prevent unnecessary attacks; weâre too busy sulking to fight back.