The 11 most widespread myths about depression
Depression is a common mental disorder that, for many people, can be confusing and incomprehensible. This contributes to depression being surrounded by a large number of myths and misconceptions.
Many people with depression suffer from a lack of understanding among the general population, who sometimes fail to grasp the full scope of this disorder or how it truly affects the daily lives of those who suffer from it. This lack of awareness is compounded by the stigma that still surrounds mental health problems.
The lack of understanding can translate, in the affected person, into fear or shame and thus hinder the search for professional help.
Knowledge and understanding of the reality of depression is of great help in normalizing this mental health disorder.
In this sense, it is very interesting to review and debunk the myths that are most widespread in our society so as not to fall, time and time again, into the same mistakes.
Take note!
- Myth 1: Depression and sadness are the same thing
FALSE. Sadness is a fleeting and temporary emotion that we all feel at certain times in our lives. In contrast, depression is a mental disorder that significantly interferes with the life of the person who suffers from it. It is important to know how to distinguish the symptoms that indicate a depressive episode .
- Myth 2: Men don't suffer from depression
FALSE: Depression doesn't discriminate by gender. Sometimes men tend to hide their depression from those closest to them, which can lead to more severe symptoms when it is finally diagnosed.
- Myth 3: Depression is for life
FALSE. With a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment, a person can lead a normal life. Professionals will advise each person on the appropriate treatment based on the best available scientific evidence. The active involvement of the person suffering from depression and their family is essential throughout the therapeutic process.
- Myth 4: You can fake depression
FALSE. Although in some anecdotal cases a professional might be fooled, it is generally very difficult to fake depression. It is important to remember that depression causes great suffering to the individual.
- Myth 5: Depression in old age is different and more difficult to treat than in younger people
FALSE. The course of depression in older adults is identical to that in younger adults. The response to depression treatment is just as good in older adults as in other age groups.
Key Elements of Depressions
- Myth 6: Depression cannot be overcome because one is weak
FALSE. This disorder involves chemical and biological components that have nothing to do with a person's character, nor whether they are strong or weak. Depression occurs regardless of personality type, socioeconomic status, age, or gender.
- Myth 7: Children don't get depression
FALSE. Depression does affect children, although it has different symptoms than in adults and often goes unnoticed because we don't think about it or it's confused with other problems that may be related to mood. In children, depression can be highly debilitating and develops with a high level of distress.
- Myth 8: Depression cures itself
FALSE. The symptoms of depression themselves, such as physical fatigue, insomnia, muscle aches, changes in appetite, and emotional disturbances, hinder recovery. It is essential to recognize that you have depression and seek professional help to receive the necessary support.
- Myth 9: People with depression are always sad
FALSE. Some people with depression may not even feel sad. Each person can have different symptoms. Anhedonia, the inability to experience pleasure, is very common, even without falling into a state of deep sadness.
- Myth 10: Depression is a consequence of a traumatic event
FALSE. While it is true that depression can be triggered by a negative situation (death of a loved one, loss of a job, end of a romantic relationship), sometimes people with depression are unable to recognize an external factor that caused the manifestation of this disorder.
- Myth 11: Medication is enough to recover
FALSE. Medication works by regulating the chemical imbalance in the brain, thus treating the biochemical basis of depression. However, in most cases this may not be enough, and the professional will also prescribe psychotherapy and lifestyle changes to complete the treatment and optimize recovery.
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