What?

“Have they tried rejecting their depression? what, are they stupid?”

Congrats! I never said that. First, Clinical Depression is a serious matter and shame on you for trying to suggest that any amount of just thinking differently would change the outcome. There are documented medical causes and treatments by qualified psychiatrists. Millions of people suffer from Clinical Depression and its a serious matter. For those in need, I highly recommend seeking help. There's no shame it in. We're all broken and need help sometimes.

However, we're not talking about Clinical Depression. We're talking about social and cultural norms about the role of men and the disillusion that arises when those old ideas don't match today's reality.

This is how it feels, and the reality of actually existing, Men are frequently valued based off of their potential(earning or otherwise) in the real world,

By who? Who's opinion do you care about that is making that judgement of you? What is THEIR motive for judging you such?

just by saying you reject it isn’t going to make this suddenly not true and just clear everything up in your life.

Of course not. If you're looking for a 'silver bullet' solution you're not going to find one. Humans a irrational, greedy, hurt, self interested, and angry. Welcome to life. However, recognized what is important to you instead of seeking validation from others is the start.

The solution to a young mans worry about his potential and place in life is… acknowledging the contributions and strengths of women? that is an opinion.

The acknowledgement is that women have faced many of these same questions for hundreds or thousands of years. This isn't new. Its just new to young men. That recognition should do a few things:

• Give you empathy that the women in your life you love have faced these struggles and you've been immune to them up to now. Talk to them. Ask them how they navigate life. While not all of it will, see if any of it can give you guidance too.
• Realize you are not alone. No, not just other young men are in it with you, but lots of women too.
• Start questioning where you derive your 'worth' from. Ask yourself why you're letting other people define that for you. Ask if you agree with their definitions.