Depression Myths and Realities
Mood Disorders Can Be Effectively Treated
A diagnosis of depression brings with it many questions. Separating the myths from the realities can provide you with the information you need to receive proper treatment
Depression is not just “having the blues or feeling sad.” Depression doesn’t go away with a good night’s sleep. Depression interferes with people’s lives and their ability to function each day. Depression is, however, a treatable illness. With treatment, many people with depression live full and satisfying lives.
Because depression cannot be “seen” and because there is no physical diagnostic test to determine if depression is present, it is often misunderstood and there are many myths surrounding the disorder. If you have depression, or know someone that does, education and knowledge are paramount to receiving the best possible treatment. Knowing the differences between myths and facts is a great place to start.
Myth # 1 Depression is not a real medical illness.
Although the exact cause of depression is still unknown, according to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Research indicates that depressive illnesses are disorders of the brain…The parts of the brain responsible for regulating mood, thinking, sleep, appetite and behavior appear to function abnormally…important neurotransmitters appear to be out of balance.” Based on this research, as well as other medical studies, depression is a “real” medical diagnosis and is very treatable.
Myth # 2 If you wait it out, the depression will go away, or, people can snap out of it if they really want to.
Many people believe that if someone if someone that is depressed just waits it out and keeps busy that the depression will just go away on its own. Depressive episodes can last for months in some people and will continue to return if proper treatment is not sought. As with any major illness, early detection and treatment is the best way to prevent depression from continuing to cause pain in the lives of the patient, and their families.
Myth # 3 Depression is just a normal part of life; everyone gets depressed when bad things happen.
Some traumatic life events, such as the loss of a loved one, ending a long relationship and other stressful events can cause a depressive episode. Situational depression is still treatable and sometimes can prevent additional depressive episodes from happening.
Being sad or feeling blue is a normal part of life and everyone feels this way from time to time. Depression, however, is not normal. Depression interferes with a person’s daily life and there are times they cannot function normally. Depression causes pain and can cause physical ailments. The person suffering from depression and their families are all affected by depression.
Myth # 4 Children do not get depression
It was previously thought that children could not have depression. Only recently has the medical community begun to understand that children can indeed, have depression. Their symptoms may appear as: acting out, refusal or fear of going to school, clinging to a parent, irritability. Some of these symptoms are also normal childhood characteristics and mood swing and therefore it can be difficult to diagnose childhood depression. However, when children seem depressed for extended periods, parents should consult a physician for evaluation and treatment, if needed. In children a combination of medication and psychotherapy is considered effective treatment.
Myth # 5 Depression only affects women, men do not get depression.
Men and women may experience different symptoms of depression, and depression is more common in women, however, men are not immune from having depression. Symptoms in men can include: sleep disturbances, loss of interest in activities, irritability and fatigue. In women symptoms often include: feelings of guilt, hopelessness, worthlessness and sadness.
Overall, almost 15 million people in the United States suffer from depression. Many of these people never seek treatment and continue to suffer throughout their lives. If you know someone that has depressive episodes, offer your emotional support by trying to include them in activities. Exercise has been found to alleviate some symptoms of depression, invite them to take a walk with you. Encourage them to seek medical treatment but do not put them down. If you know of someone that is talking about suicide, take this seriously and offer to take them for treatment. If necessary contact a suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-SUICIDE.
See Also:
Treatment for Major Depression
References:
What is Depression?, National Institute of Mental Health
Depression, Family Doctor.org, American Academy of Family Physicians, 1996
