We have seen many people go through depression and still do not consult a doctor or therapist which leads to nothing but more depression and the end result might be suicide. Some people feel that depression is just an excuse people give to escape from things, but in quite a lot of cases that is not true. Being depressed is not some excuse, it is a major thing to be taken into consideration and simultaneously work upon it.
Many people do not seek
help because they hold on to certain myths about depression. Some of these
include:
MYTH: Depression is rare and will not happen to me.
FACT: Depression can happen to anyone, regardless of
sex, race or age. It affects 121 million people worldwide and is one of
the most common mental health problems. The World Health Organization estimates
that 5 - 10% of people may need help for depression.
MYTH: Depression is about feeling sad.
FACT:
Depression is more than feeling sad. A
persistent feeling of sadness is one of the symptoms of depression. However,
depression also involves physical symptoms such as changes in appetite and
quality of sleep, emotional symptoms such as feelings of worthlessness and
changes in behaviour such as the loss of interest in our usual activities.
MYTH: Depression is a sign of weakness.
FACT:
Depression is not a sign of weakness
but a medical condition. It is a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be
treated. Depression is unrelated to the strength of someone’s character; it is
a serious medical condition like asthma or diabetes. Depression is often
triggered by major life events that may be challenging to cope with, e.g., the
loss of a loved one, loss of job, etc.
MYTH: Depression is temporary and will go away by itself.
FACT: Depression will not go away by itself. It requires
treatment and support. In fact, the symptoms of depression are likely to get
worse if left untreated. Thus, it is important to seek help early to prevent
depressive symptoms from getting worse.
MYTH: Depression cannot be treated.
FACT: Depression is among the most treatable of all
mental health conditions. The World Health Organization reported that 60- 80%
of individuals positively respond to a combination of medication and
psychotherapy treatments. Recovery time varies for each individual.
MYTH: Depression can only be treated by medication.
FACT: Medication is not the only available options
for treatment of depression. Depression may also be treated using psychological
intervention or counselling, lifestyle changes etc. The treatment needs of each
individual may be different. Some people may find medication most effective,
for others psychological intervention may be most helpful; a combination of
treatments may work best for others.
MYTH: I am afraid to talk about my depression for fear that it will make it worse.
FACT: Talking about your feelings allows you to air
your problems, seek assurance and find solutions. You may want to talk to a
trained counsellor who can help you walk through your depression. All
information given is kept strictly confidential.
Its really very informative.. 👍👍👌
ReplyDeleteThank you.
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