Is this Depression? Breaking down the misconceptions
Depression is one of the most common psychological struggles that people may experience. But is society's understanding of depression accurate?
Unfortunately, not always! Here are some common misconceptions about this disorder.
Misconception #1: Depression is ‘just’ sadness.
People often assume that sadness is the same as, or the prominent symptom of depression. However, research, and our experiences with clients suggest this is not the case. Our feelings help us have a better relationship with ourselves and other people. Sadness, like all our feelings, is not a problem. How we relate to our feelings, however, can dictate whether we experience ongoing psychological distress or not. We feel sadness when we’ve lost something we value. It inspires us to find in our environment something approximating the thing that we value, that we’ve lost.
So, what does depression look like? Often, rather than reporting sadness, people who are depressed describe feeling nothing, flat, or an absence of emotional experience. A person experiencing depression may demonstrate irritability, they may struggle to concentrate, learn new things, find it difficult to motivate themselves, and have reduced memory. There may also be physical symptoms such as feeling lethargic, restless, and experiencing changes in appetite and weight. There are many symptoms of depression - but you get the idea. Depression is not ‘just’ sadness.
Why is this important to know?
Firstly, it helps us recognise the signs of depression sooner. The sooner the person gets help, the more likely they will recover. Secondly, it prevents people with depression from feeling diminished. We should never reduce their struggles to merely ’feeling sad’. Depression is a multifaceted experience that can be different for everyone.
Finally, this knowledge can help people support a loved one experiencing depression. Some people may approach supporting those with depression by telling them "to look on the bright side" or "to snap out of it". This implies that someone with depression is ‘choosing sadness’” which as you can see is not the case at all.
Misconception #2: We can only treat depression using medication.
Whilst medication can be helpful when treating depression, therapy with a psychologist can be equally beneficial. For example, one of the most common and effective forms of treatment for depression is cognitive behavioural therapy. In this therapy, a psychologist will help a person recognize patterns of thought and behaviour that may be unhelpful or negatively impacting their emotions or physiology. The psychologist will then assist the person in correcting these patterns. This therapy is very effective for treating depression, according to 11 different studies. Additionally, studies show cognitive behavioural therapy is equally as effective as medication.
Why is this important to know?
Firstly, everyone's biology is different, and pathways to depression vary, so depression medication may not work for everyone. Therapy is a low risk and often effective first line treatment for individuals with mild to moderate depression. There are less risks of side effects, and effective psychological treatment can give people skills to manage their mood across their life. Where therapy alone is not helpful, there is also evidence that medication and cognitive behavioural therapy together can often be more effective than using either alone.
Misconception #3: Depression only affects females.
Depression is indeed more common in females. For example, across 30 countries, 14.4% of women experienced depression compared to 11.5% of males. However, 11.5% of men is a far cry from 0%. The lower reported prevalence of depression in men may actually be because they do not recognise the symptoms of depression or do not feel as comfortable seeking help. Men with depression tend to experience symptoms like irritability, tiredness, and changes in sleep habits and often seek help for ‘anger issues’. Therefore, rather than depression being less common among men, men may be more likely to experience the lesser-known symptoms of depression and therefore goes undiagnosed.
Why is this important to know?
So that men can get help too! The misconception that "depression only affects females" may mean that men feel ashamed if they feel symptoms of depression.
Misconception #4: People with depression bring it on themselves.
People often believe that there is an element of choice in depression and that one could simply choose to “think happy thoughts” or “choose their mindset”. Ask anyone who has been depressed and they will assure you “no-one would choose this!” Depression is a biopsychosocial issue meaning our biology, our psychology, and our environment influence whether we become depressed. For example, people whose parents or grandparents experienced depression can be at a greater risk than those with no history of depression in their families. This is not to say that you are guaranteed to have depression if you are related to someone with a mood disorder. It merely shows that depression is not something that people bring on themselves.
Why is this important to know?
Correcting the misconception that people with depression choose to be depressed removes the idea that they are to blame for their struggles. This can be beneficial in allowing them to be more accepting of themselves and less ashamed of their experiences, which may help recovery. It may also mean that people with depression are more willing to come forward and seek help.
So, what do we know?
- Depression is not ‘just sadness’.
- Medication is not the only answer to treating depression. Indeed, various factors mean psychotherapy alone, or in combination with medication may yield the best results.
- Depression does not only affect females.
- People do not ‘choose’ depression.
It’s important to correct these misconceptions so that people who are struggling can get timely and appropriate support for their needs. If you experience symptoms of depression, consult your Doctor about treatment options so that you can take charge!
Author: Annabelle Welch