10 misconceptions about depression

Due to common myths, many of those who have not experienced depression have little idea of ​​what it is about. For example, they don’t know that you can’t “just get out” of it. She can be dealt with, but there is a possibility that she will return in the future. A person in this state may sometimes experience joy, for example, in the company of friends.

Experts and sufferers of depressive disorder have helped debunk common misconceptions about the condition.

#1 Depressed people always look sad

“It is a mistake to think that depression is a constant melancholy. Yes, this is one of the symptoms, but longing is just part of the patient’s spectrum of emotions. In addition, in this state, there may be no emotions at all,” says Helena Plater-Seiberk, co-founder of Supportiv, an anonymous peer-to-peer support network for patients with this disease. According to her, many are surprised to learn that those suffering from it can experience a wide variety of emotions, including joy.

Writer Mike Veni agrees with this, often giving lectures in which he talks about his experience of depression. “Many are amazed that this confident and smiling man suffers from this disease. In fact, it costs him a lot of effort to maintain a facade of well-being, ”admits Veni.

#2 You need to “just pull yourself together” to feel better

“The main myth is that supposedly you can just “pull yourself together”. It is unpleasant for the patient to hear from others: “Depression is only in your head, thoughts are positive, communicate more with people, go to the gym and everything will pass,” says Samantha Varanch, a public relations agent from Los Angeles.

“Yes, exercise and other methods can help. But most of those who have never suffered from this disease simply do not understand that this is a real disease, a chemical imbalance in the brain that cannot be corrected by willpower, ”explains Varanch.

#3 Depression is triggered only by stressful situations

“Many believe that it arises due to unpleasant events. Yes, sometimes it happens, but it happens that a person just wakes up one morning in a depressed state for no apparent reason, ”says psychotherapist Cathy Lakem, who herself had a chance to survive this illness.

Psychiatrist Melissa Perot explains that depression is largely influenced by heredity, this disorder is associated with disruption of the brain’s neurotransmitters. It can occur for no apparent reason and last for several weeks or months. “A person to hear the question: “Why are you depressed?” can be as frustrating as listening to suggestions: “Look at the world more positively,” comments Melissa Perot.

#4 Isolation is always good

Psychiatrist Don Mordecai emphasizes that if a loved one suffers from this illness, it is important to regularly show him that you care.

“You can say things like, ‘I’m always there. How can I support you?” or “Depression is a real disease that can be successfully treated. Have you discussed it with your doctor?” A loved one will be delighted with the opportunity to share experiences,” says Mordecai.

#5 She looks the same for everyone

“Symptoms are individual. Some people sleep all the time, others, on the contrary, suffer from insomnia. Some withdraw into themselves, isolating from the whole world, others become irritable and aggressive in communication,” explains psychotherapist Tameka Brewington. Since the disorder manifests itself differently in each person, the needs and requirements of patients may also differ.

#6 Medicines give instant results

Medicines can relieve symptoms, but they do not work immediately. “Chronic diseases require long-term treatment,” recalls psychiatrist Michael Genovese. Even when the treatment starts to help, it is important to continue taking the drugs at the indicated dosages and not stop taking them without the permission of the doctor. “I have often treated patients who stopped taking medication as soon as they got better. This is a big mistake,” says Dr. Genovese. He advises patients to carefully consider all possible treatment options and develop a long-term treatment plan with their doctor.

#7 She’s easy to recognize

Depression is manifested not only by melancholy, it also affects the state of the body. Possible symptoms: sleep and appetite disorders, weakness, drowsiness, impaired concentration, memory problems, decreased libido.

“Often these symptoms are attributed to other diseases, and as a result, patients continue to suffer for years until they are finally properly diagnosed and treated,” says Atlanta-based clinical psychologist Zainab Delavalla. It is difficult for the patient himself because doctors cannot make a diagnosis, sometimes he has to change several specialists until he finds the right one.

#8 Depression is a sign of weakness

“The idea that “strong” people don’t have mental problems is one of the biggest misconceptions about mental disorders,” says blogger Keelan Klein, who suffers from this disease. “I consider myself a very strong person, always joyful and optimistic, but depression can affect anyone at any time, no matter how strong your spirit is.”

Life coach L’Tomay Douglas says it’s a mistake to call people with depression lazy. “I was diagnosed back in 2003. People around often said: “It’s time to get off the couch and start doing something.” They didn’t know that I fought, continued to live and breathe, despite the darkness that choked me and tried to convince me to commit suicide,” says Douglas.

#9 Medicines are the only cure

Sidney Williams writes a blog where she talks about her experience of sexual abuse and subsequent treatment. She says therapy for depression is not limited to medications. “Not all patients are ready to fight it with drugs, and some simply do not have the opportunity to get them,” Williams recalls. She advises considering all possible treatment options, including psychotherapy, lifestyle changes. Hiking and hiking helped her herself.

#10 This disease can be cured once and for all

“Depression is not a disease that has been and gone. Many who have experienced it say that they have become much more afraid of a relapse and it seems to them that the second time it develops faster, following the already familiar path, ”says psychologist Lynn R. Zachary.

Cathy Lakem says the seizures last at least two weeks. There are periods when patients feel normal, but later the disease may return – for example, due to difficult life circumstances or discontinuation of medication.

Source: Huffington Post