The Fortnight Chase – Myths and facts about Depression (Part-1)

In the previous posts in this series, we have discussed different aspects of depression. We started with the causes of depression and learnt there are many types of depression. The mental illness called depression can be treated naturally also to a large extent. And now in the post, we are going to clear some myths and facts about depression. Some phrases that we are listening since ages but there’s no evidence to support them.

Myths

Hard Work Beats Depression

Throw yourself into work and you’ll feel better. For a mild case of the blues, this may help, but depression is a different animal. Overworking can actually be a sign of clinical depression, especially in men. The men who are the only bread earner at home may feel the depression of less money and high expenses. These men if work excessively then their mental condition may be worsened. They feel they are putting more strength but still, the outcome is less.

It is not a real illness

Depression is a serious medical condition — and the top cause of disability in adults. Biological evidence of the illness comes from studies of brain functioning. Nerve circuits in brain areas that regulate mood appear to function abnormally in depression. The most important thing is to accept that something is wrong with you and there’s a need to consult the Doctor. The extreme could be your doctor saying that you are perfectly fine! And that’s the best but let him say this and not we.

Depression is just self-pity

People who have clinical depression are not lazy or simply feeling sorry for themselves. Nor can they “will” depression to go away. Like other illnesses, it usually improves with appropriate treatment.

Help means drugs for life

Asking for help doesn’t necessarily mean your doctor will advise medications, although medicines can often be very helpful for significant forms of depression. Studies suggest that “talk” therapy works as well as drugs for mild to moderate depression. As it says that medicines also help only when you have the willpower to treat yourself.

Depressed people cry a lot

Not always. Some people don’t cry or even act terribly sad when they’re depressed.  Even without dramatic symptoms, untreated depression prevents people from living life to its fullest — and takes a toll on families.

Facts

Family history is not destiny

If depression appears in your family tree, you’re more likely to get it too. But chances are you won’t. People with a family history can watch for early symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly — whether that means reducing stress, getting more exercise, counselling, or other professional treatment.

Depression imitates Dementia

In seniors, depression can be the root cause of memory problems, confusion, and in some cases, delusions. Caregivers and doctors may mistake these problems for signs of dementia, or an age-related decline in memory. Getting treatment lifts the cloud for the majority of older people with depression.

Positive thinking helps

“Accentuate the positive” has advanced into a practice that can ease depression and it’s called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Distorted negative self-talk and behaviour are identified and replaced with more accurate and balanced ways of thinking about yourself and the world.