Myths About Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders experienced by a majority of society. It has been found that more than one in nine people suffer from depression at one point or another in their lives. And unlike other mental disorders, which may to limited to one specific area of your life, depression virtually affects every aspect of your life. And because of this, a large number of depression myths have erupted.

Since there are so many misconceptions about depression, it is like for every truth about depression, a depression myth also exists. One of the main reasons why there are so many depression myths is because people use the word ‘depression' to account for a number of things, ranging from bad moods to unluckiness. Everybody feels blue or down in the dumps regularly, but that does not mean they are depressed. Here we bring you some of the most popular myths about depression.

Depression means Craziness

Although having depression means you have a serious mental disorder, it does not make you "crazy". It just means that you have a condition that is affecting your life in a negative manner.

Depression is Permanent and Untreatable

Just because you have depression does not mean you will be that way for your entire life. There are also a number of ways by which depression can be treated. Psychotherapy, medication and counselling are some of the ways by which you can get rid of depression.

Depression is only for Girls

Just because more girls admit to depression does not mean it is a condition that occurs only in women. Men are just less comfortable about admitting to the feelings of depression and hence do not come forward with their condition.

Medical Test for Depression

A number of people believe that there is a medical test which will diagnose individuals with depression. This is a myth! Unlike cancer or diabetes, there is no medical or biological test using which one can be diagnosed with depression. Questionnaires can signify if someone has depression, but cannot diagnose.

Depression is only feeling Sad

Feeling sadness is only a symptom of depression. Depression is not just limited to feeling sad. Depression also has physical symptoms like loss of appetite, insomnia and emotional symptoms like feeling worthless and loss of interest in usual activities.

Talking about it Depression makes it worse

Talking about their depression is one of the most important ways to deal with it. Talking to a therapist will help you accept your feelings and help you move forward. Talking to a therapist will help you come to terms with your feelings.

Depressed people are Weak or Lazy

Telling a depressed person to snap out of it will not be of any help. They are not depressed because they are lazy or weak. It is not something they do on purpose. One of the biggest myths is assuming depressed people are weak or lazy.

Best medicine is Antidepressants

Antidepressants are not the only way to treat depression. Especially for young adults, they should stick to talking to a therapist and medication. Aerobic exercises also go a long way in treating depression. Two specific kinds of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT), not only helps in improving the symptoms of clinical depression but also helps in preventing them from occurring again.