Myths About Depression

Depression is a terribly painful illness for those who have it. However, many times they do not receive proper treatment. There are a lot of myths and incorrect stories surrounding depression, and this article serves to dispel this incorrect information. Keep reading for myths about depression, and learn the truth about this terrible disease.

Four Common Myths About Depression

MythsMyths 1: There is no difference between “the blues” and being depressed. There is absolutely a difference between the two. Everyone gets “the blues” sometimes. Not everyone is thrilled to be alive every day of their lives. “The blues” are a part of life, and everyone can benefit from knowing how to cope with those feelings; however, this is not depression. Clinical depression occurs over a period of months and does not lift. It lasts and lasts and seems to not have an end for the person who has it. That is why it is a terrible thing for people to tell depressed people to “just cheer up”. Depressed people cannot do that.

Stress is also not the same thing as depression. Telling a depressed person that “everyone has stress, you have to snap out of it” is insensitive and shows a misunderstanding of their illness. Instead, try finding out more about what clinical depression is in the first place. Talk to ot hers who have depressed loved ones and find out what strategies work for showing the depressed person that they are loved and respected.

Myths 2: Depression happens to weak people. There are a lot of people who think that depressed people are simply weak and cannot handle daily life. That is untrue. In fact, many people manage their depression and a life where they still must work, raise children and go through the motions. For a depressed person, life is a herculean task. Not only that, but depression is often chemically based, which means that strength is not a factor in the slightest. Depressed people should be encouraged to see a doctor, who can determine whether their depression is chemically based or situationally based. Loved ones should gently suggest medical intervention to help lift the depression of their loved one.

Myths 3: A depressed person needs to be coddled. While some people refuse to believe that depression is a serious problem, still others want to coddle depressed people and treat them as if they have a psychotic problem. That can be infuriating to depressed people. Depressed people are depressed, but they are not children. Do not attempt to parent a depressed person or take all decision-making capabilities away from them. Let them handle as much as they feel they can handle.

Myths 4: Depression runs in the family. This is sometimes true. However, children and relatives of depressed people should not automatically assume they will suffer with depression as well. That is just not the case.

Being depressed is a horrible thing for millions of people, and when incorrect information circulates, those people suffer even more. Knowing the right information about depression helps those with depression, and it also helps everyone else to be more understanding. Make sure to circulate the correct information you have learned here.