Depression by itself is a complex subject and to add to it are the various myths that further keep people down and alone from seeking professional help and proper treatment.
Here are some of the more common myths about depression
Myth 1 : It will go away by itself
Fact : No.
Feeling sad is a normal reaction to a major loss or disappointment. But if temporary feelings last more than a few weeks, then they could be the mask of real depression. It would help if such people talk about their problems to their friends / relatives or some confidante. In fact, 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.
Actually 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 seriously consider, and may even carry out, suicide. People of all ages and religions commit suicide to escape their 'profound' despair. In any case, any suicidal gesture (including mere talk of wanting to end life) should be taken seriously. Some studies indicate that depressed persons would have made known their intentions (called suicidal ideation) to others at least 4 - 5 times prior to actually committing the act.
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 not because of any other reason but primarily because of their depressive illness. With proper medications and treatment, they would become normal again.
Myth 5 : 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 :
There is no scientific evidence to sustain any such myth. Till sometime ago, some people believed that small pox could be cured by offering prayers to a particular devi. Today, thankfully such beliefs are extremely rare. It should be remembered that depression too is an illness brought about by certain chemical changes in the brain. Evil spirits have nothing to do with it. And its treatment and bringing back to normalcy is the job of a trained professional and proper medications.
Myth 7 : Antidepressants are addictive
Fact :
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.
We are sure your visit to this site has been fruitful. You would be in a better position to identify depression and be armed with information and conviction that, though depression is a serious and complex illness, the good news is that it is almost always completely curable with warmth, affection, understanding, patience and proper treatment under the supervision of a trained professional. |
