Among psychologists, there is still no agreement on the causes of nucleation, the mechanisms of action, and methods for treating depression. Usually, the manifestations of this disorder are perceived by others and the people themselves suffering from it, as a demonstration of weakness, laziness and bad mood, especially in our mentality, where it’s not particularly accepted to love and appreciate yourself. And against the background of misunderstanding, myths are always born.
Sometimes depression is episodic and passes itself. But there is always a chance that the disease can become severe and lead to serious consequences, even suicide. Therefore, it is necessary to have a correct idea about depression, but first, at least to get rid of some misconceptions.
Myths about depression and what's really behind them
1. Myth: Depression is not a disease at all, but simply another name for sadness and sadness.
Fact: not everyone understands that depression is a dangerous disease that requires immediate treatment. Various reasons can cause it, and sadness is only one of many symptoms of this disease. Under the influence of depression in the body increases the level of stress hormones, and this affects the work of some parts of the brain. Sadness sooner or later passes, and depression is chronic and can last a lifetime.
2. Myth: Depression can be overcome with the help of will power.
Fact: Depression is not just a state of mind. Changes occur in the body at the biochemical level. Therefore, neither will power nor a positive outlook on life will help to overcome this disease. The appearance of the first symptoms should be the reason for seeking help from a psychotherapist. We must remember that severe depression can cause suicide.
3. Myth: Depression is possible only in weak people.
Fact: Depression does not depend on mental or physical strength. Depression can cause various causes, anyone can become a victim. History knows many examples of severe depression in strong people.
4. Myth: There is no effective treatment for depression.
Fact: About 80% of people with severe depression are completely cured with psychotherapy and anti-depressants. True, the treatment takes time and can sometimes take more than a year.
5. Myth: Depression occurs only in connection with external traumatic events.
Fact: any children's psychological trauma, stress or just classical following not the most successful life scenario - all this can affect the development of depression. But often the disease occurs at the physiological level - in the brain the mechanism of the exchange of neurotransmitters responsible for the mood of a person is disturbed.
6. Myth: Only antidepressants can cure depression.
Fact: psychotherapeutic methods very effectively cope with the disease. Often used non-standard methods such as hypnosis or art therapy. With treatment, the best result is achieved by combining psychotherapy with antidepressants. For each case, you may need your own methods of psychotherapy and certain medications.
7. Myth: with depression there are no physical symptoms.
7. Myth: with depression there are no physical symptoms.Fact: Depression, like other diseases, affects the physical state of the body, therefore, in addition to psychological symptoms, a person may manifest such symptoms of the disease as headaches and muscle pain, insomnia, fatigue and even a change in eating behavior.
8. Myth: Depression is hereditary.
Fact: For a person who has relatives susceptible to depression in his family, the risk of onset of symptoms increases slightly and is only 10 to 15 percent.
9. Myth: Depression is a normal condition for aging.
Fact: This misconception was born thanks to statistics, which shows that people over 60 are more likely to be depressed. With age, factors are added that can cause this disease, such as job loss, death of a loved one, health problems. Depression is a disease, not a specific segment of life.
Many people think that talking to a person about his illness can only hurt. This is not true. If a person close to you is depressed, do not leave him alone with this problem. It would be good to convince him of the need to consult a specialist.
