Many physical and mental health illnesses come with many unnecessary “pseudo-cautionary” terms and conditions. As a result, it stigmatizes most people affected by such health problems.
For example, 21st-century AIDS and leprosy survivors are still battling social stigma and ostracization due to several myths and misconceptions associated with the diseases.
Patients suffering from mental health disorders are also subjected to similar social stigma and isolation, aggravating the condition. Awareness is key to challenging the stigma. So, let us debunk some common misconceptions about depression in this article.
Mental Health Disorders and Social Stigma
To understand this better, here is a short example. Not many normal people would consider dating someone with bipolar disorder or depression.
Have you ever wondered why? It’s because people fear that such mental illnesses may compromise trust and communication in a romantic relationship, creating a deep emotional void.
However, it is a misunderstanding caused due to a lack of awareness and education about the causes and symptoms of the condition.
The same logic goes for people battling depression. Hardly anybody wants to be around depressed souls because it may be challenging to deal with them. Also, there is this constant fear of being drained emotionally while handling a depressed person. So, they are shunned by society, contributing to intense social stigmatization.
According to Brainsway, the shame is so evident and deeply ingrained that only 16.5 percent of severely depressed people openly admit and reach out for help or treatment.
Is Depression a Choice?
Are you suffering from depression, and do you often blame yourself for being depressed? If so, stop having such thoughts because it is not your fault.
For others who are unaware of the ailment, it’s time you understand what exactly depression is.
It’s a complicated mental health condition caused by a number of factors, most of which, unfortunately, cannot be controlled by the patient.
Major Causes of Depression
You cannot pinpoint a specific cause of depression as it can be triggered due to a combination of reasons, according to Harvard Health. The mental illness is far more complex than you think.
- Genetic predisposition to the disorder
- Past traumatic experiences or bad memories
- Intense family conflicts witnessed firsthand since childhood
- Physical and sexual abuse events
- Severely compromised capacity of the brain to control and regulate moods
A good understanding of both causes and symptoms can help you approach depression the right way. So, let us take a look at the symptoms.
Key Symptoms of Depression
Here is what to look out for if you suspect peculiar behavioral changes caused by beyond-normal levels of sadness in you or your loved ones.
- Highly unpredictable mood swings
- Noticeable changes in sleep patterns and appetite
- Frequently troubled by intrusive thoughts
- Constantly agitated and anxious
- Constantly feeling hopeless and guilty
- Longer periods of emptiness that are difficult to control
- Patients are more likely to avoid social interactions
- Loss of interest in daily activities
- Loss of interest in work or academics
- Loss of memory or difficulty remembering
- Reduced interest in hobbies and a drastic drop in energy or enthusiasm
- Frequent headaches, fatigue, body pain, and jitteriness due to extreme nervousness
- Drop in performance levels or grades
- Increased reckless behavior due to intense irritability
- Decreased sex drive
- Constant feelings of being unwanted by people around you
- Having a hard time focusing on work/studies
- Inability to multi-task and make important decisions
- Frequent contemplation of death and the purpose of your existence
- Frequent thoughts of violence and suicide
If you cannot spot the above signs, your loved ones may be trying to hide their depressive symptoms. Hidden depression is real, so make sure you are aware of it to rule out other possibilities.
Six Depression Myths: Debunked
Commonsense tells us that nobody in this world wants to be sad. As humans, it is natural to feel down occasionally. But we all unanimously desire, crave, and chase happiness.
We will bust the major misconceptions about depression in this section.
Misconception 1- Depression is Just Being Sad
Sadness and depression are not interchangeable. However, the duration of sadness can affect your daily interactions and quality of life.
Chronic sadness is the hallmark of depression. So, suppose you are feeling frustrated and down in the dumps for too long. In that case, it may call for an official diagnosis of depressive symptoms.
Misconception 2 – Depression is Just in the Head
Depression is a complex mental illness caused by multiple psychological disturbances and physiological issues in the brain.
It also has a genetic component, making it very difficult to understand the condition’s root cause. Also, this may differ from individual to individual.
Therefore, depression is not a pseudo-illness, as most non-depressed people may assume. It is a real disorder with wide-ranging physical and emotional symptoms that almost disrupt routine activities, including work, personal relationships, and academic performance.
Your extended weekly blues are not made-up scenarios in your head, and you might need help.
Misconception 3 – Anti-Depressants Can Cure Depression
No, anti-depressants are meant to alleviate your depressive symptoms. But they can’t completely help you get rid of the condition.
Depression is treatable, and it needs holistic treatment that strikes the right balance between psychotherapy, psychiatry, and medication management.
The prescribed medication is quite selectively recommended and will depend on key symptoms, duration of depressive episodes, medical history, background, circumstances, and more such factors.
Misconception 4 – Depressive Symptoms will Fade with Time
Depressive feelings are not temporary and will not go away on their own. If masked or left untreated, the symptoms can worsen with time.
People tend to believe that positive distractions can help relieve depression. However, this may only act like a band-aid solution without addressing the root cause, rendering it ineffective after a short time.
Misconception 5 – Discussing Depression Worsens it
The idea that talking about your depression will only aggravate the symptoms instead of alleviating them is a very common misconception. In fact, keeping your intrusive thoughts to yourself is even more damaging.
Opening up to people might be hard, but finding the right person who is non-judgmental and are empathetic can go a long way in helping you deal with depression.
Misconception 6 – Depression only Affects Adults
Depressive symptoms mostly affect adults, but it is not a norm at all.
Teenagers and even children can become victims of depression due to genetic reasons, bullying, family conflicts, divorced parents, academic expectations, childhood trauma, exposure to sexual violence, and more.
The signs may not be apparent, or the condition may not manifest like adult depression.
Conclusion
I hope the article was able to get your depression facts right.
It is always advisable to dispel these myths, as you cannot imagine the pain and emotional hurt the patients have to endure due to these awful misconceptions and your attitude towards them.
Now that you have more clarity on what depression is, you can take the next step of helping out your loved ones suffering from such a mental condition.
She is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Mental Health Writer with a decade of expertise in psychology. Skilled in assessment, therapy, and patient care. Committed to helping individuals through clinical practice and mental health writing at Therapyjourney.co. Passionate about promoting mental well-being and awareness. Open to aligned opportunities.