The Truth About Depression
There are many myths about depression. So what’s the truth? Dr. Peeke
debunks some of the common myths surrounding this mental disorder.
MYTH: Depression is not a real medical problem.
MYTH: Depression will just go away on its own.
FACT: Depression is a real and serious condition. The medical FACT: If an individual truly has depression, you cannot will it
community has acknowledged the seriousness of depression and
recognizes it as a disease. We also know that genetic and
biological factors play a significant role in the development of
this disease. And, it can have both emotional and physical
symptoms and make life very difficult for those who have it.
MYTH:
Depression is something that strong people
can “snap out of” by thinking positively.
to go away. Ignoring it will often cause it to worsen over time.
This can be weeks, months, even years. Depression can lead to
suicide, the third leading cause of death for 18 to 24 year olds,
reinforcing the importance of seeking treatment. The good news
is that most people do get better with treatment. The World
Health Organization reported that 60 to 80 percent of individuals
positively respond to a combination of medication and
psychotherapy treatments.
FACT:
You cannot sleep off depression, nor can
you assume you can flip some mythical switch
and instantly elevate your mood. There is no
“snapping” out of any medical condition, any
more than someone snapping out of heart
disease, cancer or diabetes. Depression and mental
health problems are not caused by lack of positivity, weakness
or laziness. They are serious health problems resulting from
changes in brain structure or function due to environmental
and biological factors.
MYTH: Depression only happens when something
negative happens in your life, such as a breakup, the
death of a loved one, or not getting the job promotion.
FACT: Everyone has ups and downs in life and as a
result may feel appropriately sad for some period of
time. However, depression is different. You don’t
need a bad event to precipitate depression. It can
appear at random, even when things seem to be
going well. Prolonged periods of feeling helpless,
hopeless and defeated, in association with apathy and
disconnection from people and activities around you, are
indicative of depression.
MYTH: Medication is the only way to treat depression.
FACT: Research conducted by the National Institute of
Mental Health has shown that in addition to some form of talk
therapy (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior
therapy), people suffering with depression can take advantage of
a whole spectrum of wonderful therapeutic modalities that can
be used in a comprehensive program to treat depression and
related mental health conditions. Experiential therapy, art and
music therapy, massage therapy, nature adventures, spiritual
endeavors, meditation, physical activities of all kinds including
mind-body modalities such as yoga and marital arts, are some
examples of this ever-expanding field of therapeutics.
MYTH: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
FACT: It is important to verbalize the experience of
depression, as it’s unique to each individual. Talking about
it makes it real, validates its existence and drives home
the importance of confronting, not ignoring it.
Speaking about it usually is a relief to the individual,
who often carries the burden of this medical
condition alone. People often do not talk about
depression and mental health in general because of
the perceived fear of social stigma and judgment. Instead,
speaking to a professional as well as compassionate people in the
individual’s life (family, friend, religious/spiritual leader) can be
immensely helpful.
MYTH: Depression is only about feeling sad.
FACT: Sadness is definitely one symptom
of
depression. But mental health conditions like depression
can also emerge more subtly, first manifesting with
persistent symptoms such as changes in appetite and
quality of sleep, feelings of worthlessness and changes in
behavior such as the loss of interest in daily activities.
MYTH: Men are more likely to suffer from depression.
FACT: Women are twice as likely to experience
major depression than men. They are also up to three times more
apt to suffer from anxiety disorders or to attempt suicide.
MYTH: Depression is not passed on by genetics.
FACT: Scientists believe as much as 40 percent of
those
with depression can trace i