Myths about Depression

3.1 The difference between general sadness and depression.

One of the main reasons people become confused about what depression is, and what it is not, is because of the numerous associated myths.

As with most mental illnesses, or with any situation that people do not understand, we tend to gravitate towards the most common explanations, or myths, whether they are right or wrong. This module will focus on the myths surrounding depression, and bring to light which parts of these myths are true, which parts are false, and how we can use these myths to further understand this condition.

3.2 Myth - 'Depression is a Disease'

We mentioned in Module 2 that depression is not a disease, yet this is a common myth that persists still. As people, we are 'trained' to see a condition that might require medication as a disease, even though technically, these conditions do not fit in with the accepted definition of the word 'disease'.

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a 'disease' as: A disorder of structure or function in a human, animal, or plant, especially one that produces specific symptoms or that affects a specific location and is not simply a direct result of physical injury.

In other words, this defines a disease as a manifestation of an issue within a physical organ or a component in the body. Though the brain is certainly an organ, it is much less understood in comparison to other organs in the body, and it is also the most complex organ in the body. Doctors and researchers refer to an organ with a disease as an organ that has a clear issue, such as what might be found by performing an X-ray, CAT scan, or lab test. With the mental disorders of the brain, however, there is no test that will tell us if something is wrong.

One could, of course, make the argument that there are brain scans that can show us the level of certain chemicals in the brain, such as when someone is suffering from depression, but this does not prove that depression is a disease. Yes, the scan shows us that there is something there, but it does not show the cause, nor that there is something 'wrong' with the structure of the brain.

Furthermore, many of these same chemicals are present when people engage in other various activities, such as watching television, reading, exercising, or playing a video game. We would not say the changing brain chemistry resulting from reading a good book is a disease, we therefore cannot say that the changing brain chemistry due to depression is a disease, either. Depression, and other mental health conditions, are referred to as 'disorders' instead of 'diseases'. In this case, the word 'disorder' simply means that there is something that is not right, or normal, in the brain.

Myth - 'Antidepressants Always Cure Depression'

Another common myth surrounding depression is how to treat it. For those with moderate or severe depression, antidepressants are a treatment option. Though these medications are the most widely used medications to treat depression, they do not always work to treat the condition nor do they have a positive effect for everyone.

There are a number of antidepressants available in the UK and though these medications have a lot in common, they all work a bit differently. When you combine this with the fact that there are varying levels of doses and different combinations, it is easy to see why myths about this medication persist.

Even with various different medications available, there are some people who do not find relief from their depression when taking antidepressants. Many people who try antidepressants have to try several medications before they find one that works. It is a long process, however, because it will often take six weeks before one can tell if the medication works for them.

It is also important to remember that antidepressants only treat the symptoms of depression, they do not get to the root of the issue. Thus, using antidepressants alone will likely not cure most people, even if the medication seems to alleviate the symptoms.

Myth - 'One can 'Snap Out' of Depression'

If you or someone you love has depression, you have likely heard someone say "snap out of it", implying that depression is a condition that you choose to have or that you can control. We know, of course, that this is not true, and to truly beat depression, one must go through a series of steps and treatments. Believing that someone can simply get over depression is no different than believing that someone can get over cancer or an ulcer. It just will not happen.

Although the exact cause of depression is not known, we do know that there are biological components of depression, and we also know that brain chemicals, and possibly genetics, also play a part in depression. Thus, watching a funny movie, telling jokes, visiting a happy friend, or winning the lottery, though all happy events, will not simply change someone's brain from being depressed to not depressed.

Myth - 'Depression Only Happens to Those Who Have a Trauma'

This myth makes people believe that those who have depression have gone through a bad experience. This, too, is untrue. It is true that a traumatic event can trigger a depressive episode, but not everyone who goes through these episodes becomes depressed. So, this tells us that trauma is not a cause of depression. Additionally, there are plenty of people out there who have depression, yet have never gone through a trauma.

We all experience unhappiness and sad situations, such as the death of someone we love or the end of a relationship. These events can raise a person's risk of developing depression, but again, depression is not always caused by these events. Depression, on the other hand, could be caused by a number of things, and the truth remains... we do not know an exact cause.

3.3 Myth - 'If You Have a Parent who is Depressed, You Will Be Depressed, Too'

Many people also falsely believe that depression is genetic. Though there may be a genetic component to depression, but thus far there is no proof that it is a genetic condition. Every person who has a parent who has been diagnosed with depression will not become depressed. Additionally, as was mentioned in Module 2, there is no 'depression gene' which would make the condition a genetic one.

In addition to this, there is mounting evidence that the 'genetic' component of depression might not be genetic after all. Instead, it could come down to the way a child is raised by that depressed parent.

For example, a common behaviour for a depressed person is to be negative about many things, and they might teach their children to look at the world in a negative light. As this child grows up, they will also view the world in this way, their thought patterns will lean towards a depressive way of thought, and over time, they may develop depression. Therefore this is not genetic. So although it is true that those who have a history of depression are more likely to develop the condition than someone who does not have depression in their family, the actual significance of one's genes might not be as relevant as one might think.

Myth - 'Antidepressants Will Change One's Personality'

When a person takes their antidepressants correctly, there is no change in their personality. These medications help a person feel 'like themselves' and will allow them to return to their previous level of functioning. In rare cases, those who take certain antidepressants might experience a loss of emotion, but with so many antidepressants available, if this does occurs, one can switch to a different type.

Remember, antidepressants are designed to change the chemistry in the brain, and for many people that is a frightening prospect. Many people have the fear that this change in chemistry will make them feel like a totally different person. This should not happen. Antidepressants will only change certain chemicals in the brain; the chemicals that cause the symptoms of depression.

A person's personality is totally independent of that, so the underlying personality of that person should remain unchanged. However, because these medications affect everyone differently, if a person does not like how they feel when taking an antidepressant, they should speak to a medical professional about other available options.

Myth - 'One Must Take Antidepressants Forever'

Many people are worried that should they start taking antidepressants that they will be taking them forever. This, too, is a myth. Antidepressants are a long-term treatment plan for those who have depression, but it is not a permanent treatment plan. The length of time that one takes antidepressants is directly related to the severity of the depression. In rare cases, one must take antidepressants for their lifetime, but this is only when depression is extremely severe. In most cases, a doctor will prescribe talking therapy in addition to medication. The therapy helps people learn how to cope with the challenges of their lives, which often helps people to withdraw their medication.

In general, most doctors recommend that people stay on antidepressants for a minimum of a year before they fully experience the benefits. After the year has passed, the individual will likely discuss with a doctor what the best course of action is, i.e. if they should stay on the antidepressants or if they should begin to wean themselves off.

3.4 Myth - 'Only Women Get Depression'

Some people wrongly believe that only women get depression, but men also experience this condition. Depression can affect men of all ages. However, they often experience different depression symptoms to women. For example, men are more likely than women to feel irritable and tired, and they are more likely than women to lose interest in hobbies, family, or work. Men with depression also are more likely than women with depression to have difficulty sleeping. It is estimated that women with depression are three times more likely to attempt suicide than men with depression, but men are three times more likely to succeed.

Additionally, many men do not acknowledge, recognise, nor seek help for their depression - and are often reluctant to speak about their feelings. Men need to recognise this as a condition and one which is fully treatable.

Myth - 'Talking about Depression Will Only Make it Worse'

It is also a common myth that talking about depression will reinforce the depressive thoughts, which makes the condition worse. This, of course, is also false. In fact, suppressing these thoughts and feelings is more harmful than speaking about them. Talking therapy is often recommended in conjunction with other treatments for depression, and it is often the key to a successful treatment.

Sometimes, it may be easier to discuss your thoughts with someone you do not know, rather than speak with friends or relatives. During a talking therapy session, a trained therapist or counsellor will listen to your problems and help you find the answers, without passing judgement. You will have time to cry, talk, think, or shout, and it will give you an opportunity to look at your issues in a different way; with a person who has respect for you, and who only wants the best for you.

Generally, talking therapy is one-to-one with a counsellor, but you may join a group therapy or partner session. All talking therapy has the aim of helping you feel better, and even if talking therapy does not completely treat the depression, most people who use it find that they are happier following the therapy.

Myth - 'Depression is a Sign of Weakness'

One of the most common myths about depression is that the condition means that one is weak. This, too, is untrue. Remember, no one chooses to develop depression or to feel depressed, and it can happen to anyone. Depression is extremely complex, and it does not discriminate in any way. When it comes to depression, those who choose to work through their depression are anything but weak, in fact. It takes much strength and effort to work through depression.

Myth - 'Depression is Just Another Word for Sadness'

Some people believe that when someone is depressed, that they are simply sad. In other words, they see depression and sadness as one in the same. This is also a myth. No one would deny that a sense of overwhelming sadness is a symptom of depression, but it is important to remember that it is not synonymous with depression. Sadness is temporary and fleeting; it comes and goes. Depression, however, is a chronic condition. This is a deep sadness that does not fade, and the sadness is joined by other negative emotions. People who are sad do not also feel anxious, tense, empty, or apathetic; those who have depression also feel these things every day.

Module Summary

Now that you have worked through this module, you can clearly see that the myths discussed are just that... myths. This module shared a number of common depression myths, and it not only explained what these myths were, it also clarified why these myths continue to spread. The module explained a number of reasons why depression is not a disease, even though people tend to refer to it as one, and the module also addressed why antidepressants alone cannot fully treat those who suffer from depression.

Another myth that the module addressed was that one can 'snap out of' depression, and that it is only present when the person experiences a trauma. The module also explored the fact that some people believe that if you have a trauma, you will automatically develop depression. Other myths about depression that this module explored is that depression runs in families, and if a parent has depression, their child will also have depression, and that one's personality will change if they begin to take antidepressants. Now you have reached the end of this module, you are now able to educate others about the facts and fiction associated with depression, and help others to understand what you or someone you love is going through.