Nah. It makes you an interesting person. Sure, if you're staying inside all day with the blinds closed reading Sylvia Plath and listening to Elliot Smith's "Needle in the Hay" on a loop, you may want to get go outside and get some fresh air. Or maybe pop Bring it On into the DVD player. Anything that peps up your mood. But just because you like dark stuff doesn't automatically make you a morose, depressed person.

I'm also someone who tends to like art and pop culture that some people would term dark or depressing. (Breaking Bad, movies like Seven or The Sweet Hereafter, the music of Nick Drake and Jeff Buckley, etc.) I like plenty of upbeat stuff too, but I tend to gravitate towards art that is truthful, and sometimes that means music, movies, fiction, etc. that some would categorize as "dark." But generally I'm an upbeat person. As long as you can separate your more morbid interests from your day-to-day life, I wouldn't worry about it. Many people probably enjoy the same things that you do. If someone told me they were interested in studying personality disorders, I would find that interesting. What I wouldn't do is automatically jump to the conclusion that they are depressed. Sure, someone whose tastes run more towards the upbeat might find your interests a tad depressing. But assuming that you are depressed based on what's on your iPod seems pretty naive.

Depression isn't something that you can diagnose based on superficial factors like pop culture tastes and hobbies. Sure, sad music or movies can affect your mood, and could amplify a person's mental state if they suffer from depression. But someone with depression can also be miserable on a beautiful day in the park surrounded by happy families and ice cream carts. If you are exhibiting signs of depression (lack of interest in everyday activities, unexplained mood swings, feelings of emptiness that won't go away, etc.), then you should definitely talk to a therapist, friend, or family member for support. But if anything, your passions suggest that you are interested in life-- just the darker side of it.

(Edit: Yep, you guys get three takes on this question. It was so good, Girls' BFF and Mystery Man also jumped on it. Have a great weekend!)