In life it’s common to feel sad or upset when we’re faced with an unexpected event, or feel overwhelmed with responsibilities such as juggling work, school, family and friends. When these feelings intensify and last for days or weeks making it difficult to go about your day or live your life, you may be struggling with clinical depression. Major Depressive Disorder, commonly referred to as just Depression is defined by the American Psychological Association (APA) as a “medical condition affecting your feelings, behaviours and thoughts”. Depression can vary in severity from mild to severe but is fortunately treatable if diagnosed by a qualified professional.
Some of the hallmark symptoms of depression that are known to many are the persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy, or the loss of energy and constant fatigue, however, depression looks different on everyone who finds themself struggling with it. Other less discussed symptoms can include decreased sexual drive, forgetfulness, inability to make decisions, or other physical symptoms, trouble sleeping or oversleeping at irregular times of the day.
Despite significant strides in understanding and treating depression, numerous misconceptions persist. Let’s debunk some myths.
MYTHS & MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DEPRESSION
MYTH 1: Depression is something I can just snap out of/talk to my friends about/pray away, it’s not a real “illness”.
On the contrary, depression is very much an illness that is diagnosed solely by a qualified physician or psychiatrist. When depression goes untreated or undiagnosed without treatment for fear of stigma, social or religious persecution, those suffering in silence run the risk of symptoms worsening and/or suicidal ideations and self-injurious coping methods.
MYTH 2: Depression is all in your head.
Yes, depression is a condition of the mind, however, the most overlooked and misdiagnosed symptoms of depression are physical symptoms. In many cases, those struggling with depression may internalize their symptoms, which causes physical symptoms to develop digestion and appetite problems, headaches and migraines, sleep disruption, and joint pains being the most common complaints. Depression takes its effect on chemicals in the brain that play a role in a mood, pain, and appetite regulation.
MYTH 3: Only teenage girls get depression; they’re just being dramatic.
From construction workers to CEOs to teachers to stay at home moms, anyone can be affected by depression. Although depression is reported to affect women more, it is important to acknowledge that these are reported cases of depression. Societal stigma around asking for help with one’s emotions and being seen as “weak” are factors that keep men from disclosing their symptoms to doctors or those around them. As it stands, 15% of adults will experience a depressive episode at least once in their lives. Seeking help for symptoms is key to effectively treating these episodes.
MYTH 4: Once you begin taking medication, you’ll have to take it for life.
Long-term use of medication is not mandatory or a “sentence”, neither will it change the patient’s personality or ability to feel emotions for those who choose a course of medication. Treatment can come in many shapes and forms unique to the individual’s needs and strengths. Medication is one course of treatment that may be explored, but is not the sole method. Psychotherapy is another form of effective treatment that can be used in conjunction with medication from which the patient can be appropriately weaned off of if appropriate.
MYTH 5: My family member has depression so I will have it too.
A possibility, not a certainty. It has been found that once family members know what symptoms to look for, it is easier to catch depression early on and seek out the appropriate treatment and social support.
WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT TREATMENT?
Research shows that psychotherapy both with and without medication during which the discovery and exploration of feelings, thoughts, and actions affected by depression has been shown to be the best course of treatment in alleviating symptoms of depression and improving one’s ability to cope with symptoms and better their quality of life.
At C.S. Counselling and Consulting Services, we specialize in private individual, couples and family counselling addressing mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, alcohol and substance abuse, and navigation of legal proceedings with a healthy sense of self. We see both walk-in and referral clients, and offer services in Hindi and English from RSW-registered professionals. At C.S. Counselling Services it is our goal to work with you and/or your loved one to provide clarity while developing skills to cope during an otherwise stressful and challenging time.
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Fifth edition. 2013.
National Institute of Mental Health. (Data from 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.) www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/prevalence/major-depression-among-adults.shtml
https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
Saloheimo, H. P., Markowitz, J., Saloheimo, T. H., Laitinen, J. J., Sundell, J., Huttunen, M. O., … O. Katila, H. (2016). Psychotherapy effectiveness for major depression: a randomized trial in a Finnish community. BMC Psychiatry, 16, 131. http://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0838-1