Depression: The Facts vs the Myths

DoctorNDTV

 

"It's all in your head. Only women get depressed. If you have depression, you're stuck with it for life." These are nothing but myths related to depression. The feature debunks the common myths related to depression.

1. Myth: Depression is a sign of weakness.

Fact: No, As with many diseases, depression is caused by a combination of genetic factors and exposure to a stressful life event.

2. Myth: Most people can 'snap out' of a depressed state. There is no need to take treatment.

Fact: Depression is a serious health condition that usually requires treatment with medication, counseling o a combination of both.

3. Myth: Most patients only need medication for depression for a short period of time.

Fact: Even though you may be feeling better, taking medication for too short a time can lead to the return of your depression symptoms.

4. Myth: If antidepressant medications have not started working out, they'll never work.

Fact: Antidepressant medications usually take two or four weeks to start working. So, it will take some time for you to notice their effects.

5. Myth: Depression is a normal part of getting older.

Fact: Depression is not a normal part of aging, but seniors do generally experience more of the events that can trigger depression: loss of family and friends, ill health, isolation and financial worries.

6. Myth: Depression only affects women.

Fact: Although women report being affected by depression twice as much as men, depression certainly affects men as well. Often, clinical depression is underreported in men.

7. Myth: Depression is no different from getting the "blues".

Fact: The blues only last a day or two. Depression, on the other hand, can last a lifetime, and the illness is much more pervasive and disabling.