Depression is a serious mental health condition. It can happen to anyone, at any age, or at any social level.
Sadly, many sufferers hide their condition to avoid the social stigma.
Unless we bust the myths about depression, we cannot help the depressed ones get proper medical and supportive care.
Myth 1: Keeping Busy Cures Depression
Fact: While activities like exercise, hobbies, and socializing can help manage depression, they can't replace professional treatment. Depression is caused by complex factors like brain chemistry and genetics, so staying busy alone won't make it go away.
Myth 2: Depression Runs in the Family
Fact: Having a family history of depression does increase your risk, but it doesn't mean you'll definitely develop it. Many factors contribute to depression, so just because a parent or sibling had it doesn't guarantee you will too.
Myth 3: Talking About Depression Makes It Worse
Fact: Sharing your feelings with trusted friends or a counselor can actually help. Bottling up emotions can make depression worse by making you feel isolated. Opening up in a supportive environment is an important part of the healing process.
Myth 4: Depression Isn't a Real Condition
Fact: Depression is a legitimate medical illness that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It's not something you can just “snap out of” - it requires proper treatment.
Myth 5: Depression Always Starts After a Trauma
Fact: While stressful life events can trigger depression, it doesn't always have an obvious cause. Depression can also result from chemical imbalances, genetics, or chronic stress, even without a specific traumatic event.
Myth 6: Medication Is Forever
Fact: Antidepressants are often prescribed temporarily to help manage symptoms. With treatment and lifestyle changes, many people can eventually stop taking medication under their doctor's guidance.
Myth 7: Depression Is a Normal Part of Adulthood
Fact: Persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest are not a typical or normal part of aging. Depression is a mental health condition that requires professional treatment at any age.
Myth 8: Herbal Supplements Can Treat Depression
Fact: There's no scientific evidence that herbal supplements like St. John's wort can effectively treat depression. In fact, some supplements can even interact with prescription medications. Always talk to a doctor before trying any supplements.
Myth 9: Depression Only Affects Women
Fact: Both men and women experience depression, though rates are higher among women. Men may be less likely to openly discuss their mental health due to social stigma, but they are just as affected.
Myth 10: Depression Goes Away After 40
Fact: Depression can develop at any age, from childhood to the senior years. It's not limited to just young or middle-aged adults. If left untreated, depressive episodes can recur throughout a person's life.
To know more, read this: Depression Myths & Facts
Final Words
Depression is a real and treatable condition. Try to help people around you understand its facts, and remove the stigma. And encourage more people to seek professional help if they feel so.
If you are having low moods for a long time, or overthinking, or unable to make even small decisions, consult us:
Clinic Address: Rama Krishna Health Care, A-450, New Ashok Nagar, Delhi — 110096.
Call us or WhatsApp us at 9811933566.