While depression is a common mental issue in the US and worldwide, many misconceptions exist. This article looks at myths and facts about depression. 

A lot is unknown about depression, and what’s known has been brainwashed with negative beliefs and myths. These misconceptions, myths, and beliefs contribute directly to the stigmatization of depression victims and discourage them from talking about their challenges.

Unknowingly, we expose the victims to more risks of negative thoughts and suicidal attempts, mainly because they won’t seek treatment.

In this regard, we’ve composed a well-researched list of myths associated with depression and the corresponding verified facts. Keep reading.

Myths and Facts About Depression

Myth #1: Depression has no Difference from Grief and Sadness

Fact: Unlike sadness, which does nothing with your mental health, depression is a severe condition that, to some extent, it causes mental disability.

Besides, in cases of grief and sadness, the feelings usually fade away after a short time. On the other hand, depression will affect you for a very long time.

Depression victims develop symptoms that affect them for weeks, months, or years.

In addition, grief, sadness, irritability, worthless feelings, and mood swings are direct sourced from depression. This explains why comparing sadness with depression is just an outdated myth.

Myth #2: Women are the Victims of Depression

Fact: It’s unrealistic to say that men are depression-free when men’s depression cases are reported daily.

The reality is due to cultural, social, and man’s place in society; men believe sharing their conditions makes them vulnerable, non-masculine, and weak.

This approach to thinking leads to unawareness of depression cases, and many men continue ailing and struggling without accessing proper treatment.

Nevertheless, it’s worthwhile noting that depression presents differently in men. Some get angry, aggressive, and others irritable.

Substance use and risky behaviors make it hard to diagnose depression in men. It is so since substance use disorder can present similar symptoms to depression.

Studies suggest that in America, six million+ men are diagnosed with depression, leading to high men’s suicide cases than women. Depressed men are likely to commit suicide four times more than women.

Myths and Facts About Depression

Myth #3: It is Rare to be a Depression Victim

Fact: This misconception has been proved wrong with the daily cases of people you know developing depression. Depression is among the inhabitant of worldwide mental health conditions.

Depression knows no sex, age, race, occupation, education level, etc. WHO (World Health Organization) anticipates that 8 – 20% of people are at risk of depression at some instant, and 5 – 10% need medical help at any time.

Myth #4: If a Parent is a Depression Victim, so will the Offspring

Fact: According to Mayo Clinic, if you come from a family with a depression history, there is a high chance for you to develop. However, this hasn’t been proved beyond doubt, and experts are unsure how significant genes are in depression risk determination.

Your parent’s or relative health condition shouldn’t justify you’ll be a victim of the same situation.

Nevertheless, it’s wise to understand your family history. But don’t worry about risk factors beyond your control and power. As a substitute, control what you can, like avoiding drug usage that poses you with depression risk.

Myth #5: Effects of Depression are the Same to Everyone

Fact: It’s not the case. We have different kinds of depression, so the corresponding effects and experiences for other people are distinct.

Ideally, depression isn’t a one-to-fit-all condition. It comes with different symptoms primarily based on gender, age, other underlying health conditions, etc.

Besides, depression isn’t a constant condition for all people. Some post-partum experience depression that develops only in special life situations and ends shortly.

The different depression types include:

• Seasonal Affective Disorder 
• Post-partum Depression
• Persistent Depressive Disorder
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Myth #6: Being on Depression means Antidepressants Forever

Fact: In most clinics, the first depression treatment plan involves the issuance of antidepressants. While they provide long-term treatment benefits, that doesn’t mean you’ll forever use them.

How long you use them depends on your prescribed treatment plan and the level of depression you experience – extreme severity may advise long-term use of the antidepressants.

However, antidepressants are always accompanied by psychotherapy treatments to avoid long-term usage. These therapies are intended to help you explore other solutions to handle life challenges, thus lessening antidepressant consumption.

Myth #7: Sharing your Depression Condition Harms you More

Fact: It’s a common belief that discussing your depression with others worsens the situation. When in depression, you need alone time to think about your condition over and over. Many complain that sharing makes them depressed and develops negative feelings and thoughts.

It would be best if you talked out the challenges to people you trust so they can find ways to help. Of course, these people should possess reliable, supportive, and non-judging traits for me to trust them.

If I don’t trust any, go for a certified therapist professionally equipped with the support you need.

Myth #8: Antidepressants Change your Personality

Fact: It’s a common worry that antidepressants will change your entire personality, making you appear different from who you are. Well, antidepressants are designed to operate in the brain chemistry, not your posture, uniqueness, or personality.

They work to relieve depression symptoms without affecting your personality. You’ll feel a better version of yourself after consuming them.

Nevertheless, talk to your medical practitioner in case of unsuitable feelings when using antidepressants.

Myths and Facts About Depression – Final Thoughts

Depression is real, and its implications are evident. In this perspective, people have developed beliefs to show the uncertainty of depression. They tend to be hopeless, noting they have a close associate ailing depression.

However, if we think positively, take medication, and talk about our issues to therapists, the negative thoughts fade gradually. Only when we focus on depression FACTS can we find solutions.