Addressing Common Perceptions about Depression

Questions Answered

 

IS DEPRESSION JUST SAD THOUGHTS?

Depression involves a wide array of thoughts, feelings, and actions such as: sadness, hopelessness, boredom, loneliness, inability to experience pleasure, problems sleeping, self-destructive behaviors, and much more. A person can experience depression even when everything in life seems to be going well.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/rm-quiz-depression

 

CAN YOU “SNAP OUT” OF DEPRESSION THROUGH POSITIVE THINKING?

Depression is a medical condition; expecting a depressed person to “snap out” of their depression is like expecting someone with diabetes or heart disease to “snap out” of their condition. Since depression stems from changes in brain chemistry, people cannot be cured by thinking positively or making a change in one’s attitudes alone.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/rm-quiz-depression

 

MY FRIEND IS DEPRESSED—WILL TRYING TO CHEER THEM UP HELP?

Attempting to cheer up those who are depressed may make them feel misunderstood. However, becoming a supportive, reliable, and non-judgmental listener is critical in the treatment of depression. It’s important that you offer hope that the depression will get better with treatment and time.

 

Source:  http://www.helpfordepression.com/slideshow/drugs-and-medications/9-myths-depression

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE SUFFER FROM DEPRESSION?

Depression is the leading cause of medical disability for people aged 14 to 44. An estimated 1 in 10 American adults report depression. This means that about over 31 million Americans will have an episode of major depression this year alone.

 

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/dsDepression/

 

IS DEPRESSION REALLY THAT SERIOUS AN ISSUE?

Depression is estimated to cause 200 million lost workdays each year at a cost to employers of $17 to $44 billion.

 

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/workplacehealthpromotion/implementation/topics/depression.html

 

DOES EVERYONE WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION HAVE THE SAME SYMPTOMS?

No, many people who are depressed can still smile, laugh, and function in the world. Depression takes many forms and differs from person to person. It does not discriminate based on gender, race, socioeconomic status, or other factors. It may appear as withdrawal and isolation in one person, and normal irritability in another. There are no absolute rules where depression is concerned.

 

Source: General
 

DO CHILDREN GET DEPRESSED?

Yes, children are subject to the same factors that cause depression as adults. In fact, on any single day, an estimated 500,000 children aged 6-11 and 2,000,000 adolescents aged 12-17 meet the criteria for major depression.

 

Sources: http://www.nami.org/Template.cfm?Section=By_Illness&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=88551 and http://www.census.gov/hhes/school/data/cps/2011/tab01-01.xls

 

ONE OF MY PARENTS WAS DEPRESSED. AM I MORE LIKELY TO BECOME DEPRESSED?

Adults who have a depressed parent may have a marginal increase in their risk for depression, but it is not a sure thing. Anyone can become depressed. With treatment, most people can manage their depression, regardless of family heredity.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/rm-quiz-depression

 

IS DEPRESSION SIMPLY A NATURAL PART OF GROWING OLDER?

Depression is NOT a part of growing older – Older adults can expect to live happy, fulfilling, and active lives as they age.

 

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=symptoms

 

HOW MANY PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION SEEK TREATMENT?

Only about one-third of depressed people get treatment. And, typically, people live with depression for almost a decade. But the sooner a person gets treatment — psychotherapy (“talk therapy”), medication, or other help — the more effective it is.

 

Source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/rm-quiz-depression

 

ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS FOR DEPRESSION?

Yes, there are several alternative therapies that can help supplement primary treatments of depression. Alterations in diet and exercise levels can help maintain a healthy mind as well as yoga and meditation which both show promising potential for decreasing anxiety related to depression. Keep in mind, alternative treatments should not completely replace traditional treatments (medications, psychotherapy, etc.) recommended by your treating physician.

 

Source: http://www.clevelandclinic.org/health/health-info/docs/2200/2274.asp

 

I AM DEPRESSED, BUT WILL I BE DEPRESSED FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?

The quick answer is NOT NECESSARILY! Most people do recover from bouts of depression with the right kind of treatment and support. Some people even look back on it as a useful experience which forced them to evaluate their lives and make changes in their lifestyle for the better.

 

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-131356/Depression-myths-facts.html

 

CAN ANTIDEPRESSANTS ALONE CURE MY DEPRESSION?

Although depression is treatable with antidepressants, these alone are not usually enough. Medication can take up to 6 weeks until it fully kicks in and while it may fix the biological problem, it cannot keep depression away for good. Psychotherapy along with medication is usually the most effective long-term treatment for depression.

 

Source: http://www.helpfordepression.com/slideshow/drugs-and-medications/9-myths-depression