Depression Myths and Facts

Depression Myths and Facts

Depression will go away on its own.

Although for a few individuals depression may fade away slowly by itself without treatment or medication, this is not usually the situation for most people! If not treated, depression in most people can proceed for a very long period of time (months or even years), leading to suicide or sudden death. From my research, I discovered that depression can lead someone to the edge of suicide. I found out that depression is one of the major causes of death among the youth, typically 18 to 25 years old. This is the most important reason why a depression patient should seek treatment. Happily however, a large number of people affected by depression respond to treatment and their conditions improve.

I am not affected by depression.

You might be wrong! According to a research study conducted in 2004 by the American College Health Association, about fifty percent of all the students reported feeling so badly depressed at one point or another that they experienced difficulty working. Fifteen percent of them met the criteria for clinical depression. The result of this study leads me to the conclusion that somebody you care for, if not yourself, could face depression threat sometime in school or in their adulthood.

To me, depression is not really a medical problem or illness.

You are wrong! It is really a medical problem and is very genuine. It is as real as a coronary disease or diabetes and can affect your life just as these diseases. The medical experts have identified depression as an ailment and accepted its seriousness. It has connection with hereditary qualities, your environment and your brain chemicals. It has been diagnosed in disabled people and has connection with many ailments like headache, diabetes, coronary diseases and much more! It can result in physical or emotional complications and make life extremely difficult for its patients.

I am a strong and positive-thinking person. So I can escape depression.

Neither you nor anybody else decided to be depressed in the first case so you cannot escape it with your strength or because you think positively, just as much as nobody decides to have a terrible health condition like a coronary disease or diabetes. Having depression has nothing to do with sluggishness or who you are. Rather, depression has to do with your well-being arising from the changes in the chemistry of your brain structure as a result of natural and ecological factors.

I don’t like talking about depression. It makes things worse for me.

It is obvious that some people are hesitant or simply don’t like to talk about their depression. If you happen to be one of such people you must know that carrying away your thoughts from everybody is like preparing yourself for self-destruction. Don’t let that happen to you! You must confront the issue. Now that you are reading this post, get ready to talk and share the tons of advice and help in it with a friend or loved one suffering depression. Remember that many people who have depression are belittled or ridiculed in the society so they need your strong and decent attention. Convince them to chat with you and listen to them non-judgmentally. If however you are feeling reluctant to discuss your challenges with a loved one or a relative of yours, consider other important individuals like your colleague or your spiritual leader who is ready to listen to you.

Depression is not so common.

Unfortunately depression is typical among Americans and is also found in people from other parts of the world. It is a condition that is affecting a large proportion of the American population. According to research studies carried out by depression specialists, approximately every one in ten individuals will have at least one depression episode in their lifetime.

People with depression can get well quickly if they want to.

The large majority of people having depression would be more than happy to feel better very quickly if they can. Unfortunately getting better cannot work magically for depression even if the patient makes an attempt. Many renowned and well-to-do people have had depression one time or the other in their lives.

Depression is found only in women in the age bracket of 20 to 30.

I’m sorry to disagree with you. Depression can attack anyone of any age, although it is more commonly found in women. Anyone - young, elderly, men or women - can have depression.

Even if I have depression, there are no effective treatments.

People who have depression can be treated successfully. In another post on this blog where I discuss treatment, I give details of various treatment methods like counseling, psychotherapy, prescription and a combination of these. These medications have been proven to be very effective.

Even if you treat depression it will return, so you have it for life!

There are several individuals who can endure bouts of depression. For some individuals, the depression specialist has to commence treatment to fight the symptoms, typically in eight to twelve weeks, and then moves on to support treatment for additional six to twenty-four months. If the patient proceeds with treatment after they start to feel better, the possibility of returning is largely reduced.

Prescriptions for treating depression are very addictive.

No. If you have depression and you take the medications recommended on this blog, you will not be addicted or form a habit. Once you are done with treatment the medications can be decreased or halted.

Nobody can help me. I’m alone with my depression.

I have written this book to help people like you. The treatments recommended in this blog are very effective. There are other patients who are stressed as a result of the shame of metal health issues resulting from depression. Fortunately there are healthcare experts waiting to help you. Make your appointment and discuss with them. They will find out how best to treat your specific form of depression.