Five Common Myths About Depression

With the tragic loss of Robin Williams to obvious suicide, a globally discussion about the effects of depression has begun. Untreated depression is the top cause of suicide in the US, and suicide claims 34,000 lives in this nation each and every 12 months. Far also typically these who would benefit from treatment method really do not get it due to lack of understanding and misconceptions about the illness. Below are 5 of the most common myths about depression, with hyperlinks to sources for much more information.

one. Depression is synonymous with sadness.

Several people interviewed because Robin Williams’ death have mentioned that they by no means saw him unhappy, nevertheless he suffered from extreme depression. In accordance to the Nationwide Institute of Psychological Wellness (NIMH), several of people struggling from depression do really feel overpowering sadness, but numerous do not really feel any particular emotion at all. A greater description would be a feeling of emptiness and apathy. And because nervousness typically accompanies depression, numerous really feel a continual state of stress that persists for no obvious purpose.

two. Depression is a signal of psychological weakness.

Element of the stigma surrounding depression is that other people will see it as a sign of weakness. Yet we really don’t accuse a person suffering from heart condition or MS of becoming weak we rightly acknowledge people as illnesses that influence a broad range of people. Depression is also an illness—more specifically, it’s a complex health-related disorder that has biological, psychological and social dimensions. Plenty of otherwise “strong” individuals suffer from serious depression, and the consequences of not treating it are just as actual and tragic as individuals of other debilitating ailments. An sickness that impacts the chemistry of the brain and nervous program is no much less an illness than one that has an effect on any other portion of the physique.

American comedian Robin Williams at “Stand Up for Heroes,” a comedy and music advantage organized by the Bob Woodruff Loved ones Fund to increase funds for injured U.S. servicemen. (Photograph credit score: Wikipedia)

three. Depression is constantly situational.

Although depression frequently does have a situational set off like the loss of a loved one or divorce, the underlying situation does not need any specific occasion to surface. Depression is usually diagnosed when an individual suffers from prolonged episodes (at least two weeks) of hopelessness, emptiness and lethargy that have no apparent trigger. These periods can manifest inexplicably, even when existence occasions seem to be generally positive. (This is yet another explanation why depression and sadness are not synonymous.)

four. Depression signs are all in your head.

Even though it is real that a lot of depression signs and symptoms are of the nature we usually associate with the “head” (dark emotion, etc.), the problem often manifests all over the physique. Frequent depression symptoms consist of indigestion, trouble breathing, tightness in the chest, and common fatigue. Some sufferers also complain of persistent muscle aches.

5. If you are diagnosed with depression, you will be on antidepressants the rest of your existence.

The ubiquity of antidepressant commercials and media coverage has had a backlash impact. Many individuals are fearful of currently being put on an antidepressant, even if they may possibly advantage from 1, because they think once you are “hooked” you’ll never ever be in a position to cease. The reality is that not every person advantages from antidepressants – by some estimates, almost 40% of these prescribed one will encounter no positive aspects. Some people react much better to types of psychotherapy, this kind of as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or a combination of medication and treatment.  Even a person who will get great benefits from an antidepressant can at some point taper off the med, with medical supervision, in several instances.

For far more info, go to the NIMH, the Anxiousness and Depression Association of America, Mental Well being America, or this record of assets at WebMD.

You can locate David DiSalvo on Twitter @neuronarrative and at his website The Every day Brain. His most recent book is Brain Changer: How Harnessing Your Brain’s Energy To Adapt Can Change Your Lifestyle.

Five Common Myths About Depression