Joan, Carl, and Darci are all experiencing depression.

• Joan tries hard to follow her friends’ advice and, “just think positively.”

• Carl doubts he is depressed because “depression isn’t a guy thing.”

• Darci is simply resigned to her fate. Dark moods just seem to “run in her family.”

Unfortunately, they are all suffering because the help they need is being obstructed. Why? Some key myths about depression are getting in the way.  Do you believe the following false ideas about depression too?

Myth: “Depression” isn’t a real illness.

Fact: Depression is a serious condition, worthy of your time and attention. Your quality of life depends on a willingness to face the problems depression creates in your life. Are you coping with drugs or alcohol? Are your eating or sleeping habits unhealthy? The medical community recognizes depression as a disease that spawns more diseases. Take care of yourself by seeking help sooner rather than later.

Myth: Depression is just a deep case of the “blues.”

Fact: Depression is more than deep sadness. If you only look for tears and despair, you may miss other indicators of the condition. Are you irritable, guilty, ashamed, angry, and or emotionally numb? These may also signal depression. Difficulty concentrating or disrupted sleep may occur as well.

Other symptoms include physical reactions like persistent fatigue, headaches, and digestive issues. A bout of the blues is usually short-lived. Depression is often recurring or ongoing, exhausting, and even life-threatening. 

Myth: Depression is a sign of mismanaged stress.

Fact: Stressful or traumatic events, chronic pain, or illness can lead to depression. Or sometimes, a cycle of hopelessness, sadness, lethargy, and suicidal ideation can begin without apparent cause. Either way, such distress is frustrating and deserves professional attention as soon as possible. Don’t beat yourself up for feeling unable to think your way out of depression with happier thoughts or a few days off from work.

Myth: Depression means antidepressants loom ahead.

Fact: It’s true that lots of people find antidepressants to be helpful. However, they may or may not be what you need now or later. That’s up to you, your therapist, and your physician to decide.

Depression recovery is not a long road meant to bully you into things you don’t need or want. The goal is to customize care that helps you cope and resolve the thoughts and behavior feeding your depression.

Myth: Depression isn’t a man's problem.

Fact: While women, in fact, do report more depression than men, the prevalence of male depression may be skewed. Why? As with many emotional issues, men are much less likely to share their mental health challenges. As a result, their depression can fester and become increasingly dangerous. Unfortunately, this often contributes to delayed care and a higher rate of suicide among men.

Myth: Depression is your family legacy.

Fact: Feel free to acknowledge the hereditary components that may contribute to your depression. Just don’t surrender to them. Awareness and a workable plan of self-care and therapy can make recovery a reality for you.

Myth: Depression is a sign of weakness.

Fact: Weak-minded people and depressed people are not the same thing. The mere fact that you are reading this blog, despite your emotional pain, indicates how strong you are. Your current mental health struggle is not a character flaw.

You needn’t feel ashamed of your depression. All you need is the strength to reach out for help. 

Myth: Depression therapy will only make it worse.

Fact: Actually, avoiding or hiding destructive thought patterns, isolation, and low self-esteem is infinitely more detrimental than the temporary discomfort of seeking counseling. Recovery is a vulnerable process but one worth embracing.

Myth: People will judge me.

Fact: Though mental illness stigma is improving, having a mental health problem is still difficult to cope with publicly. You aren’t alone if you are anxious about it. The idea is not to navigate this process alone.

Give your trusted community and a therapy professional the chance to help you put things in perspective. Your health matters more than other people’s ideas about your health. Depression therapy is confidential, you can even schedule telehealth sessions. The relationships that matter now are your alliances with a qualified therapist and non-judgmental loved ones. Lean on them for understanding and support.

Myth: Depression will eventually go away.

Fact: The reality is that clinical depression rarely goes away without treatment. So, if you’ve been suffering for a long time, it’s time to seek support. Fortunately, depression is one of the most prevalent and researched mood disorders on the planet. Resist the urge to procrastinate your recovery.

Depression Treatment: Help is Available Now

You can start the road to recovery right away. Working with a trained mental health professional is a practical first step to a happier life. The more you know, share, and learn, the faster you can move on productively.

Please let me help. Read more about Depression Counseling and contact me soon for a consultation. Please call 805 374 1770 or email me at Linda@lindafisherman.com