Depression - Myths and Facts

Depression Myths and Facts

Myth: Hard Work Beats DepressionDepression affects nearly one in six people at some point in their lives, so folk remedies andhalf-truths about this common illness abound. One such idea: throw yourself into work andyoull feel better. For a mild case of the blues, this may indeed help, but depression is adifferent animal. Overworking can actually be a sign of clinical depression, especially in men.

Myth: Its Not a Real IllnessDepression is a serious medical condition -- and the top cause of disability in Americanadults. But its still confused with ordinary sadness. Biological evidence of the illness can beseen in brain scans, which show abnormal activity levels. Key brain chemicals that carrysignals between nerves also appear to be out of balance in depressed people.

Fact: Men Fly Under the RadarA depressed man, his loved ones, and even his doctor may not recognize depression. Thatsbecause men are less likely than women to talk about their feelings -- and some depressedmen dont appear sad or down. Instead, men may be irritable, angry, or restless. They mayeven lash out at others. Some men try to cope with depression through reckless behavior,drinking, or drugs.

Myth: Depression Is Just Self-PityOur culture admires will power and mental toughness and is quick to label anyone who fallsback as a whiner. But people who have clinical depression are not lazy or simply feelingsorry for themselves. Nor can they "will" depression to go away. Depression is a medicalillness -- a health problem related to changes in the brain. Like other illnesses, it usuallyimproves with appropriate treatment.

Fact: Anyone Can Get DepressedPoet or linebacker, shy or outgoing, anyone from any ethnic background can developdepression. The illness is twice as common in women as in men, but it may be that womenare more likely to seek help. Its often first noticed in the late teens or 20s, but an episode candevelop at any age. Tough personal experiences can trigger depression, or it may develop outof the blue.

Fact: It Can Sneak Up SlowlyDepression can creep up gradually, which makes it harder to identify than a sudden illness. Abad day turns into a rut and you start skipping work, school, or social occasions. One type,called dysthymia, can last for years as a chronic, low-level illness – a malaise that silentlyundermines your career and relationships. Or depression can become a severe, disablingcondition. With treatment, many feel substantial relief in 4-6 weeks.

Myth: Help Means Drugs for LifeDespite the buzz about a "Prozac Nation," medication is only one of the tools used to liftdepression. And asking for help does not mean youll be pressured to take prescription drugs.In fact, studies suggest that "talk" therapy works as well as drugs for mild to moderatedepression. Even if you do use antidepressants, it probably won’t be for life. Your doctorwill help you determine the right time to stop your medication.

Myth: Depressed People Cry a LotNot always. Some people dont cry or even act terribly sad when theyre depressed. Insteadthey are emotionally "blank" and may feel worthless or useless. Even without dramaticsymptoms, untreated depression prevents people from living life to its fullest – and takes atoll on families

Fact: Family History Is Not DestinyIf depression appears in your family tree, you may have an elevated risk yourself. But thatdoes not mean you are certain to develop the disorder. People with a family history canwatch for early symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly -- whether thatmeans reducing stress, getting more exercise, counseling, or other professional treatment.

Myth: Depression Is Part of AgingMost older people navigate the challenges of aging without becoming depressed. But when itdoes occur, it may be overlooked. Seniors may hide their sadness or have different, vaguesymptoms: food just doesnt taste good anymore, aches and pains worsen, or sleep patternschange. Medical problems can trigger depression in seniors -- and depression can slowrecovery from a heart attack or surgery.

Fact: Depression Imitates DementiaIn older adults, depression can be the root cause of memory problems, confusion, and insome cases, delusions. Caregivers and doctors may mistake these problems for signs ofdementia, or an age-related decline in memory. Getting treatment lifts the cloud for themajority of older people with depression. Psychotherapy is particularly useful for peoplewho cant or don’t want to take medication.

Myth: Talking Makes Things WorsePeople were once advised not to "dwell on" problems by talking about them. Today, theresevidence that guided discussions with a professional can make things much better. Differenttypes of psychotherapy help treat depression by addressing negative thought patterns,unconscious feelings, or relationship troubles. The first step is to talk to a mental healthprofessional.

Fact: Positive Thinking May HelpThe old advice to "accentuate the positive" has advanced into a practice that can easedepression. It’s called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). People learn new ways ofthinking and behaving. Negative "self-talk" and behavior is identified and replaced with moreupbeat thoughts and a more positive mood. Used alone or with medication, CBT works formany people.

Myth: Teens Are Unhappy by NatureAlthough many teens are moody, argumentative, and intrigued by "the dark side," prolonguedsadness or irritability is not normal for teens. When unhappiness lasts more than twoweeks, it may be a sign of depression -- which develops in about one in 11 teens. Other signsa teen may need help include: being constantly sad or irritable even with friends, taking nopleasure in favorite activities, or a sudden drop in grades.

Fact: Exercise Is Good MedicineVery good studies now show that regular, moderately intense exercise can improvesymptoms of depression and work as well as some medicines for people with mild tomoderate depression. Exercising with a group or a good friend adds social support, anothermood booster.

Myth: Depression Is Tough to TreatThe reality is most people who take action to lift their depression do get better. In a largestudy by the National Institute of Mental Health, 70% of people became symptom-freethrough medications – though not always with the first drug. Other studies show combiningmedication and talk therapy is even more effective.

Fact: Its Not Always DepressionSome life events cause sadness or disappointment, but do not become clinical depression.Grief is normal after a death, divorce, loss of a job, or diagnosis with a serious healthproblem. One clue of a need for treatment: the sadness is constant every day, most of theday. When people are weathering difficult times appropriately, they can usually be distractedor cheered up for short periods of time.

Fact: Hope for Better Days Is RealIn the depths of depression, people may think theres no hope for a better life. Thishopelessness is part of the illness, not a reality. With treatment, positive thinking graduallyreplaces negative thoughts. Sleep and appetite often improve as the depressed mood lifts.And people whove seen a counselor for talk therapy may be equipped with better copingskills to deal with the stresses in life that can get you down.

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Depression - Myths and Facts

by Abhishek Shah

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