Top Depression Myths Exposed
Are these statements “Only women suffer from bouts of depression”; “Once you get it, you are strangled with it for the rest of your life”; or “It is only in the mind” depression myths? These are some of the statements one often comes across. Yes, there are myths abound about clinical depression, and they all make it hard to have the perspective of it both in terms of its nature and treatment.
Probably, this can be attributed to our propensity to club the word depression to a myriad range of moods and mental illnesses, as the case may be. By this, the real sense of clinical depression warranting treatment gets obscured.
Let’s find out some of the common Depression Myths and their truth:
1. Top depression myths is that depression is not under the sphere of medical illness
Clinical depression is definitely a grave medical issue with biological and genetic roots, affecting both mind and the body. There is an increased level of stress hormones in the body of the people with depression. Their brain scan also reveals decreased activities in some parts of the brain.
2. Even if it is a medical problem, you can’t help it
Depression can be treated and over 80 percent of patients respond well. With the breakthrough in new medications, this would surely rise.
Ruling out any other causes of depression like thyroid problem should be done first. For this, the doctor should be contacted immediately, who after proper diagnosis of the cause, would prescribe medicines, psychotherapy or both.
3. Depression is similar to getting the ‘blues’. Hence, it is normal
Viewing depression like blues is like equating common cold with pneumonia. Everybody has his share of blues in the daily life. They can be the result of some disappointing events or even some frivolous ones like a rainy day. Of course they are short-lived and you don’t develop suicidal tendencies because of them. But, depression can last throughout the life. It is also more agonizing and life-threatening.
4. The other depression myths is that depression is only a manifestation of self-pity
About 19 million people suffer from depression only in the US. The list of people who have been its victim include great names like Alexander the Great, Napoleon Bonaparte, Abraham Lincoln, Theodore Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, George Patton, abolitionist John Brown, Robert E. Lee, Florence Nightingale, Sir Isaac Newton, Stephen Hawking, Charles Darwin, J.P. Morgan, Barbara Bush, Ludwig von Beethoven and Michelangelo. These great people wouldn’t just while away their time pitying themselves!
5. The other depression myths include you can override depression through sheer will power
Depression is a pathological condition just like diabetes or heart disease. You can’t will it away. It manifests due to certain chemicals changes in the body and hence you can’t get the better of it just through sheer will power. In fact, taking medical advice tells a lot about your determination and courage to overcome it, as this condition is often stigmatized in the society.
6. Another popular depression myths is that depression will go away on its own
Some very fortunate people may get cured of depression on their own but for the majority of cases, it lasts for a considerable period of time or even for ever. People, who already have it once, also are at a greater risk to have more bouts of depression. Clinical depression can prove to be fatal and may result in suicide, if left untreated.
7. Another common depression myths is that depression is part of the aging process
While it is not part of the aging process, it is true that elder people have more of the causes that can trigger it – monetary matters, failing health, loneliness etc. People over the age of sixty, are not tuned to accept depression as a normal medical disorder like the present generation and hence, do not seek medical help.
8. Women are the only victims of depression
The reported cases of women being affected by depression is twice that of men. But sometimes, cases go unreported as in some societies; men do not come forward to seek medical help. Successful suicide attempts are more prevalent among men compared to women. So, it is imperative that men seek medical advice for the symptoms of depression.
9. One of the depression myths is that depression is part of the growing up process and hence, teenagers and children do not get it
However we may wish to the contrary, children do become the victim of depression. As per the National Institute of Mental Health, one in 33 children and one in 8 adolescent suffer form depression every year. It is the duty of the adults to mark the symptoms of depression, as children would not able to vent their thoughts properly.
10. Depression is hereditary
If you have a history of depression in your family, you are genetically predisposed to it just like the diabetes or high blood pressure. It doesn’t mean that you would surely get it though. It is just that you are at a higher risk than other people. So, go for medical treatment immediately, if you find any symptoms.
It is difficult to separate some depression myths from the fact, so if you’re unsure about something, it’s in your best interest to consult a physician.
This original article is presented to you by © MyHealthToday.com
Related article(s):
- Top Skin Care Myths Exposed Explore the many popular myths relating to acne, hair growth, facial exercise, pimples, wounds and scars, use of vitamin E creams and etc....
- Top 7 Myths on Acne Treatment Many myths are floating around out there about the causes of acne and what can be done about it. The truth of the matter is...
- Take These Steps to Work Your Way Out Of Depression Naturally If you are reluctant to go straight for those happy pills, how should you go about a natural course of treatment for depression? The best...
- 10 Key Signs of Depression to Look Out For Let me say at the outset – depression is nothing to be ashamed of or to feel guilty about. It afflicts millions of people. For...
- Top 10 Medical Tests For Men All men should have these 10 important medical tests done so they can detect symptoms of serious diseases early and live a long healthy lives....
If you enjoy this post or find this article useful, please retweet and share it with your friends and family via the various social bookmarking sites below:
Don't forget to subscribe to the RSS Feed to get the latest articles and updates. If you'd rather customize your subscription options, please visit our subscription page. Thanks again for visiting us!
Give us some love link. For your convenience, just click on the box below and press "Ctrl+C" on your keyboard to copy the code:
This is how the link will look like:
MyHealthToday.com - Better Health and Well Being. Good Nutrition and Wellness.
