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Author By : Dr Sarika Mahadeshwar
Depression by itself is a complex subject and it is compounded by various myths that further keep people down and alone from seeking professional help and proper treatment.
Some of the common myths
Myth 1 : It will go away by itself
Fact : No
Feeling sad, alone, down or discouraged is a normal reaction to a major loss or disappointment. But if temporary feelings last more than a few weeks, then this feeling could be the mask of real depression. It is better for such people talk to their friends and relatives or some confidante. The earlier they get it out of their system the better it will be for them.
Myth 2 : Talking about it will only make it worse
Fact : No
In fact a close family member can make a big difference by 'opening' the door to recovery. A depressed person is quite likely to be emotionally 'stuck' and too overwhelmed to ask for help. A close well-meaning person needs to demonstrate concern and encourage the depressed person into seeking proper treatment.
Myth 3 : He will snap out of it (before he hurts himself)
Fact : No
Without proper treatment a severely depressed person may consider - and carry out - suicide. People of all ages and religions commit suicide, often to escape their profound despair. In any case any suicidal gesture should be taken seriously. Some studies indicate that depressed persons who eventually commit suicide have generally completed the act after 4-5 warnings.
Myth 4 : Does not want to work. Has become lazy
Fact : No
Such is not the case. People who were earlier hard working and sincere in their jobs suddenly become lazy and disinterested because of depressive illness. They need proper treatment.
Myth 5 : No Take charge of yourself. Keep 'such' thoughts out of your mind
Fact :
To tell a depressed person to exercise control over thoughts is like telling a driverless moving vehicle to stop. Such depressed persons often complain of too many thoughts passing through their minds. The point is that they have almost no control over their thought process. Family members and all other persons giving out such advice need to understand its futility
Myth 6 : These are the influences of evil spirits
Fact : No
There is no scientific evidence to sustain any such myth. There was a time when it was believed that small pox was caused by a "devi" and its cure, amongst other kinds of treatment was to offer puja in that particular devi's temple. In instances wherein such prayer was in conjunction with other medical treatment, the patient was lucky. Often the patient was not so lucky when only puja was believed to be more than sufficient to manage the illness. Treatment of depression has come a long way.
Myth 7 : Antidepressants are addictive
Fact : No
Antidepressant drugs are not habit forming. The real issue here is that because the therapy is comparatively longer lasting, and with the help of such medicines the depressed person has experienced the return to normalcy, they tend to continue with the medicines.
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