Five Common Myths About Depression
While some myths can be harmless, there are others that can be very harmful—especially when it comes to mental illness. There are many myths and misconceptions about depression, such as "depression is a choice” or “depression is just feeling sad.” These can have negative effects including creating shame around depression and making it more difficult for some people to seek help.
In this article, we will explore five common myths about depression, as well as how to find support if this is something you’re experiencing.
Common myths about depression
Allowing myths about depression to continue can be harmful by causing some people experiencing depression to believe untrue things about the condition, not seek help, or feel shame and embarrassment about their experience.
Myth: Depression is a choice
Some people may believe that depression is a choice. They may think that individuals with depression chose to feel the way they do and can just decide to stop feeling depressed if they want to. People with this belief may say things like "just choose to feel happy" when talking with someone experiencing depression.
However, this is not the case.
Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in usual activities, change in eating or sleeping patterns, fatigue, physical aches and pains, and difficulty concentrating. As the Mayo Clinic states, it is not something a person can just “snap out” of. People with depression can seek treatment and get help, but if this misconception is clouding their perspective, they may believe that help is not an option.
Myth: Depression can only be caused by events
Depression can have many possible complex causes. Research suggests that factors such as brain chemistry, genetics, life events, medical conditions, and medication can all play a role.
While a stressful life event such as the loss of a loved one or a challenging medical diagnosis can be a possible cause of depression for some individuals, it is not the only possible cause, nor does it guarantee that a person will experience depression. For instance, imbalanced levels of certain brain chemicals—such as low levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—may lead to depression, and having a relative with depression may increase one’s risk of depression.
A major life change or traumatic event is only one factor of many that can lead an individual to experience depression.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
Myth: Antidepressants are the only treatment option for depression
There are a variety of different treatment options for depression, and medication such as antidepressants is just one of the available options. Treatment options can include various types of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise.
According to the American Psychological Association, for depression, therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy, as well as antidepressant medications have been shown to help. With CBT therapy, for example, patients can learn important skills to help them cope with their symptoms.
There is some evidence that suggests that for depression, the combination of therapy and medication may be more effective than either of these treatments on their own; some people may find that a combination of several different types of treatment is most effective in helping them with their symptoms.
Myth: Depression is just feeling sad
Some people may think that depression is just feeling sad, but depression is much more complex than this. Feeling sad is a part of life that everyone can experience at some point. Depression is different: it is more extreme, can last a long time, and can have a range of symptoms beyond feeling sad.
People with depression may experience fatigue, loss of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, change in eating or sleeping patterns, physical aches and pains, feelings of loneliness, emptiness, worthlessness, anxiety, anger, and irritability. Individuals with depression may also experience suicidal thoughts.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 and is available 24/7.
Myth: Depression looks the same in everyone
Some people may believe that depression can only look one way, but this is not true. With its range of possible symptoms and possible causes, it can look very different from one person to the next.
For instance, while some people may experience feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, others may be feeling irritable and angry. Some may find themselves eating too much and sleeping too much, while others may be unable to sleep or eat. Some people may feel restless and agitated, while others may feel numb and empty.
Depression can be expressed in a lot of different ways. Understanding the various signs and symptoms can make it easier to recognize depression and seek help when needed.
Help is available
Experiencing depression can be painful and challenging, and some of the myths surrounding it can make it feel even harder at times, but help is available.
Some individuals experiencing depression may feel very tired and have little energy, so leaving the house may feel challenging. With online therapy through BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist from wherever is most convenient with an Internet connection, including the comfort of your own home. For some individuals, this may feel easier than traveling to an in-person appointment.
Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for individuals with depression. For instance, one such study examined the effectiveness of an online CBT program for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study found that participants experienced significant reductions in symptoms over time, concluding that “digital interventions can support sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety.”
Takeaway
Is depression something you choose?
No, depression is not a choice. Although the underlying cause of depression is not clearly defined, research indicates that it may result from a “complex interaction between neurotransmitter availability and receptor regulation and sensitivity.” The neurotransmitters involved are believed to be serotonin as well as norepinephrine, dopamine, glutamate, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.
Is depression treatable, yes or no?
Yes, depression is treatable. Therapy and medication can relieve symptoms, either alone or in combination. Combination therapy has been shown to be more effective at improving quality of life, alleviating symptoms, and supporting better treatment adherence. Generally, therapists use short-term psychotherapy over several weeks, including interpersonal therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat depression. For patients with thoughts of suicide or who have treatment resistant depression, electroconvulsive therapy may be an option.
Can people with depression make decisions?
Research shows that people with depression may have a difficult time making decisions. Other symptoms of depression, like sleep problems, lack of motivation, and brain fog, can also contribute to difficulties with decision-making.
What is the purpose of depression?
Some recent research suggests that depression may be an evolutionary response to the demands of the modern environment. They propose that separating emotions from thoughts may be seemingly impossible and that our “reptilian brain” that steers our choices is always one step ahead of our rational minds. These researchers suggest that the pace of evolutionary changes hasn’t kept up with how intensely civilization has changed and that depression is a form of adaptation.
Is it bad to not treat depression?
Untreated depression has many risks. Depressive episodes can become longer, more frequent, or more severe and increase the risk of suicide and substance abuse disorders or using drugs and alcohol. People with untreated depression may not be able to function well at school or work, and their relationships might suffer. There may be some physical health effects, too; people with depression can have more severe cases and worse outcomes of conditions like cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
Can people ever overcome depression?
Yes, with the right treatment. People can overcome their depression by taking the right medication, talking to a therapist, or a combination of the two. Reaching out to a family member for support with taking care of children, cleaning, or cooking throughout the process can also be helpful.
Is mental illness a choice?
Mental illness is not a choice. Although self-care can support your recovery and play a role in maintaining your mental health, it is essential to get the proper treatment for the effects it’s having on you so you can figure out the best coping mechanisms to use with the challenges of your illness.
Is depression real or a mindset?
Many people may wonder, “Is depression a choice?” but it is not. Depression is real. The symptoms of depression may affect people differently. They may come and go or be triggered by life events, but people with depression cannot just choose to feel better.
Who mainly gets depression?
Anyone can get depression, but recent statistics show that it is more common in women than men (10.3% vs 6.2%), and according to the World Health Organization, about 10% of pregnant women or women who just gave birth are dealing with depression. The Centers for Disease Control reports that rates of depression are highest among young adults age 18 to 29.
Is depression permanent or temporary?
Depression can be considered permanent as there is no cure. People with this condition may have temporary setbacks throughout their lives, but with the proper treatment, many cases of depression are manageable in the long term. Contact a qualified therapist or check into support groups and additional resources in your area if you need help.
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