Misunderstandings About Depression
Nearly 1 in 4 adults will experience a major depressive episode during their lives. To put that statistic into perspective, it’s estimated that 10% of the world’s population suffers from depression. Yet despite its prevalence, misconceptions about this mental illness abound and even worsen the problem at hand.
To better understand this condition and what we can do to help those who struggle with it, we've compiled some common misunderstandings about depression — both among those who struggle with it personally as well as among those around them.
MYTH #1: Depression is a personality trait.
THIS ISN'T SO! Depression is a common mental illness that is characterized by two features: symptoms and recovery. At the beginning of a depressive episode, the symptoms are marked by pessimism, anhedonia (lack of pleasure or interest), guilt, feelings of detachment, loss of interest in activities that you normally enjoy and an increase in your appetite or weight. These are all normal behavioral responses to depression and occur because your brain has been affected by stress.
In order for you to be diagnosed with depression, you must experience not only the physical symptoms but also a period of two weeks in which these symptoms are so severe that they interfere with your ability to function.
A key concept to remember is that the symptoms of depression have a beginning and an end. A depressive episode is triggered by some sort of stressor in your life and therefore eventually passes as you get through it.
MYTH #2: Depression is forever if not treated.
THESE ARE FALSE IDEAS that are not true in reality. The most widely believed myth is that depression will last forever. It has been shown in many studies that if you suffer from major depressive disorder, you can expect to experience at least a one-year remission after you recover from the symptoms and no longer have to deal with those harmful effects. In fact, of the chronic mental illnesses — including major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder — research shows that 80% do experience remission within 7 years.
MYTH #3: Depression is a choice.
It can be hard for those who’ve never had depression to understand that it is a real condition and not something people choose to experience, but major depressive disorder is highly treatable. It's estimated that between 80% and 90% of the people who seek treatment for depression will recover, even if they don't get professional help. Appropriate treatment includes medication and various forms of psychotherapy.
MYTH #4: Depression is a sign of weakness.
THE STRONGEST INDIVIDUALS are often the ones who suffer from depression because they are able to look at their lives in perspective, which leads them to realize that something is missing. They have this ability because they have taken time to reflect on how they feel, how their life is going and how much happiness and fulfillment are in it for them.
A person suffering from this condition is not a weak person. Rather, he or she is someone who has the ability to see into the future and recognize that he or she can do more to make his or her life better. By doing so, they accomplish much more in life than many people who don't have this condition.
MYTH #5: Depression makes you crazy.
THIS IS A MISCONCEPTION that often makes people who suffer from depression feel guilty and ashamed of what they are going through and reluctant to seek treatment. This is not the case!
There are cases of individuals who suffer from depression, who have suicidal tendencies or who use alcohol and drugs to cope, and they end up having problems with their behavior.
The key point is that there's a difference between feeling depressed and acting on those feelings. It's possible for you to experience sadness and hopelessness or even think about suicide, but it's only a thought. You can control your action; you're in control of your life.
MYTH #6: You need to be religious to be happy.
IF YOU ARE A PERSON of faith, there's no doubt that being religious has positive effects on your quality of life. But seeking happiness through religion is not the only way to reach that goal; it’s simply one option.
Some people will find comfort in praying or meditating, while others will find it helpful to attend services regularly. There are other ways to express your spirituality as well: through dance, poetry or music, for example.
It's important to remember that what makes you happy as a person is not based on other people's opinions of your beliefs or lack thereof. Your personal happiness depends on your own frame of mind, which is something you can change at any time — even if you have never experienced depression or any other mental illness.
Misunderstandings about Depression
(http://www.nami.org/get-help)
NAMI's Top 10 Depression Myths
(http://www.nami.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=9041)
Friends and Family (http://www.nami.org/get-help)
NAMI's Resource Guide on Understanding Depression in the Family, Friends & Colleagues (http://www.nami.
Conclusion
That was an amazing and informative infographic on depression.Depression is a common mental illness, characterized by feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities and lack of pleasure. These symptoms can be very upsetting but they can be treated effectively with various forms of psychotherapy and medication. There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding this condition that are damaging to people who suffer from it
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