5 Misconceptions about Depression

Here are Five Misconceptions about Depression

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders in the United States. Depression can make it feel like life has lost its meaning or make a person feel like they are worthless. Although depression and mental illness is more frequently discussed today, there are still misconceptions about major depressive disorder that hinder people who are struggling with depression from seeking the help that they need. 

Misconception # 1: There is always a reason for a person’s depression

Some people may have specific reasons for their depression but for others, there is no tangible reason why they are experiencing a depressive episode. Common reasons for depression include feelings of hopelessness, feeling like there is no meaning to life, experiencing abuse, lack of support system, and more. Not having a tangible reason for your depression can be frustrating and make it hard to explain to others which can cause feelings of isolation. Know that you are not alone in these feelings or alone in your depression even though it may feel that way.

Misconception # 2: Depression is untreatable

Untreated depression can affect your life physically, emotionally, and socially. There are several treatment options for Major Depressive Disorder that can be utilized to treat the whole person and not just one aspect of their lives. Talk therapy, behavioral therapy, medication, meditation and yoga, increased exercise, changed diet, and even volunteering can be helpful in getting through your depression. These treatments can help support clients through the life change that needs to occur to address the roots of a person’s depression.  

Misconception # 3: Depression looks the same in everyone 

There is a stigma around depression in our society and a picture of what depression looks like that can be damaging when it comes to identifying depression and getting treatment. What depression looks like for one person may 

Misconception # 4: Medication is the only way to manage it 

Medication is one treatment option that can be used in tandem with talk therapy. Research has shown the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in the treatment of depression. CBT can help promote better day-to-day functioning for those with depression. A combination of medication and CBT is most effective in treating depression. 

Misconception # 5: It is the same as being sad

One of the biggest differences between sadness and depression is the length of time. Everyone experiences feeling down and sad but it does not typically last very long. Depression can last from two weeks to a year. Sadness may dissipate with time and kind words from a person’s support system but depression does not. 

If you believe you may be depressed, finding a therapist is a great way to start dealing with it and feeling better. Depression can make a person believe they don’t deserve help or that they are being weak by seeking help, but that is not true. Depression is a serious condition that requires treatment to manage and overcome.

If you or a loved one is experiencing suicidal thoughts or tendencies, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. 

By Amanda Kohl, RMCHI

Congrats on your Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern status Amanda! It has been such a pleasure having you as a multidisciplinary team member at South Tampa Therapy and Mediation. We are looking forward to our continued partnership with you. Here is Amanda’s profile on Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amanda-kohl-tampa-fl/932283

References:

https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/mental-health/major-depressive-disorder/mdd-myths/

https://www.unitypoint.org/desmoines/article.aspx?id=a655c7e2-fe37-4817-887b-c762ff455b23

Depression: What It Is and What to Do about It (Part 2)

Depression: What It Is and What to Do about It (Part II)

This is the second of a two-part series on depression. In this issue, I will describe how depression is treated and prevented. If you or someone close to you suffers from depression, it is important to educate yourself about it and seek treatment from qualified mental health professionals.

There are three basic ways to treat depression: psychotherapy, self-help, and medication. Many people respond best to a combination of two or more methods.

1.    Psychotherapy: Exploring one's beliefs and ways of thinking, and learning new ways of thinking and behaving, with the guidance of a professional.
2.    Self-help: Exploring one's beliefs and ways of thinking on one's own.
3.    Medication: Altering one's brain chemistry by taking antidepressant medication.

A physician may recommend medication when four conditions exist:

1.     The patient's depression is severe.
2.     The patient has suffered at least two previous depressive episodes.
3.     There is a family history of depression.
4.     The patient asks for medication only and refuses psychotherapy.

There are four types of antidepressant medication available today:

�    Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
�    Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
�    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
�    Structurally unrelated compounds

The TCAs and MAOIs have been used for decades. The SSRIs (such as Prozac) and structurally unrelated compounds are newer and are being prescribed more and more frequently. They have fewer and less pronounced side effects than the TCAs and MAOIs.

Treatment without Medicine

One of the leading methods for treating depression is cognitive therapy. Cognitive therapists help depressed clients feel better by identifying how faulty ways of thinking are making him or her feel bad. The client analyzes his or her thoughts and beliefs, and learns to substitute more healthy ways of thinking and believing.
Many mental health professionals believe that the ideal treatment of clinical depression is medication in conjunction with psychotherapy.

Prevention of Depression

Depression can often be prevented. It is especially important to take preventive action if you are aware that you have predisposing factors such as those mentioned in the last newsletter.

1.    Identify your risk factors and be aware of where you are vulnerable. Each of us has unique risk factors, such as things we were taught in our families of origin, values we have learned, and the presence or absence of a family history of depression. Anything that has been learned can be unlearned and replaced with something healthier.
2.    Learn to manage stress. You can learn proven techniques for calming and relaxing yourself. Consider taking a stress management class or buying a set of relaxation tapes.
3.    Learn problem-solving skills. Many people who develop depression never learned problem-solving skills. They need to develop the ability to see problems from many viewpoints and to look for a variety of solutions.
4.    Build your life around things you can control. Learn to recognize what you can control and what you can't. Avoid spending much effort on situations that won't pay off for you.
5.    Learn self-acceptance. Instead of rejecting the parts of yourself you don't like, learn to manage them more productively.
6.    Become aware of selective perception. Observe how you generate ideas and opinions about people and events. Remember that these are just your views, not necessarily objective facts.
7.    Focus on the future, not the past. Depressed people tend to be focused on the past. People who set goals and focus on the future tend to be more positive about life.
8.    Develop a sense of purpose. Many depressed people lack a sense of purpose or meaning. This means they have no goals and nothing in the future drawing them forward. To prevent depression, develop your sense of purpose and meaning.
9.    Strengthen your emotional boundaries and set limits. Boundaries define your role in a social situation. They determine how you will or won't behave in a given situation. Having clear, strong boundaries is empowering, while boundary violations make you feel victimized and helpless. Setting limits means having and enforcing rules for the behaviors you expect in a relationship.
10.    Build positive and healthy relationships. Think about what you need from others in relationships. Learn to read people and trust your instincts about which people are good for you.
11.    Avoid isolation. Talk to others about what's going on with you. If you keep your thoughts to yourself, you may be unaware that your thoughts are distorted. If you share them with another person, you can become more objective.


Signs That Professional Therapy Is Needed

1.    Thinking about death or suicide. This is always dangerous and you should see a professional therapist immediately.
2.    When symptoms of depression continue for a long time, you may need professional help. Acute responses to events are normal, but they should not last beyond a reasonable time.
3.    Your ability to function is impaired by your depression. Seek help before your life situation deteriorates to a serious level.
4.    You have become so isolated that you have no one with whom to test reality. Seek someone out to share your thoughts and feelings with.
5.    Depressive symptoms have become severe.
Please call for an initial free consultation. 813-240-3237 We are here to help!