Forget the universe, humans are trapped on Earth.

Can always get off. Few dozen really balloons should do it.

I'm not trapped in the universe, I'm part of the universe; and we have a long time yet to go: if we so choose.  All that really matters is what we make of the gifts that the universe provides for us right here and now, (an Earthen body itself is a pretty big gift opening up near limitless possibilities).  General animal behavior appears to support a similar perspective.  I don't think this trapped feeling you describe is universal.  In fact, the universe as it is defined is dependent in whole upon the sensual faculties of the definer (the observer / observed principle).  A creature that contains no photo-receptive cells knows nothing of light.  This does not imply that said creature is in a dark prison, simply that it knows nothing of light.  Space and matter themselves require the time you put into being aware of them to exist (m=e/c^2).  The universe is an extension of you: your plaything; not a prison toward impending doom.  The word "universe" really implies the speaker's defined sensual limitations; not some shoebox that we inhabit as action figures.  Time provides possibilities for growth, not death.  How we decide to meet death is simply another character building exercise, and depending upon our decision, can also be an opportunity to help others ten fold.  Our environment and future are what we make of them, and are more interdependent upon our perspective of, and relationship with "the universe as a whole" than anything else.  This is why it is so important to maintain reverence for life itself - because this reverence breeds beauty.

Intelligence is purely a side effect of health.  I can find no argument against every living beings' right to health.

Re: the OP - I'm currently trying to live in the trees as much as possible.  However I did push the notion a bit too far earlier in life, enough to give me the perspective to notice an incongruity with the modern world.  One must recognize whether the jungle they are currently in is made of trees or concrete, and either live accordingly, or move.  Ultimately I've found slow, steady, deliberate changes towards a more wholistic daily routine to be most effective in finding balance (slaying the "brain demons").  Diet and exercise are everything.  At the same time, my passions for a small farm in some remote corner of the globe have only grown.

Those of us that aren't your economic peers also have demons, it's just that we can't necessarily afford to do anything about them.

You're not alone.

Thanks for the comforting reminder Frog.

It's been my profession for the last decade to help people fight their own demons.  Never believe you are alone, that life can't get better, or that the people around you would be better off without you.  Those are the greatest, insidious lies a depressed mind will tell itself.  For some of us, life has a great deal more obstacles and trials than others, but never give up.  There is always a chance for some joy in your life, You don't know what the future holds and most of our great problems are in how we see the world.  “The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven..” - John Milton.  

I was referring to bouts of depression that have no specific cause.

Be satisfied with what you've got; see a few positive things. That also works.

OK, but why did you specifically mentioned your economic peers? People from all economic levels of society suffer from depression.

It not jus a condition of the wealthy.

because many people, like geo above, thinks that if you're just satisfied with what you've got (i.e. Like if you have money) you'll be fine.  My point is that depression affects people from all economic levels. It's not a mind over mood thing.

Brad ....currently Australia's most famous sportsman/Olympian is in Hospital with severe depression.  Once he was the most celebrated swimmer of all time...now he's a mess.

BTW....I'm refering to Ian Thorpe.  Hopefully he'll respond to treatment...

I wasn't really referring to money, but to something like a walk on a sunny day, or a funny movie that can make you laugh. Something relaxing. Money isn't relaxing imho.