Depression is a leading cause of disability around the world and contributes greatly to the global burden of disease. According to the WHO (World Health Organization), depression is a common mental disorder affecting more than 264 million people. The effects of depression can be long-lasting or recurrent and can dramatically affect a person’s ability to function and live a rewarding life. Despite the prevalence of depression, there are still many people misconceptions about it. Read on to find out some of the facts:
1. What Is Depression?
Myth: Depression is the same as feeling sadness or grief.
Fact: Depression is a serious mental condition that can cause disability.
Whether it’s the death of a loved one or a loss of a job, most people have been sad or experienced grief in their lives. Those feelings tend to fade. Depression is different. People diagnosed with depression experience symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or even years. Depression can affect your mood, making you feel sad, guilty, worthless, tired, irritable, or angry. It can persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities. It can also disturb sleep and appetite; tiredness and poor concentration are common. It make people more difficult to perform daily tasks or work. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you should seek treatment.
2. What Causes Depression?
Myth: Depression only happens when some bad things happens to you.
Fact: Depression can develop in many different ways.
According to CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the exact cause of depression is unknown. It may be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Life events like loss of a job, a loved one’s death, or psychological trauma can cause depression. However those aren’t the only causes. People has a family history of depression, he or she may also develop depression. People may experience depression if they have a serious illness like cancer or heart disease. Depression also can be a side effect of some medications, or result from drug or alcohol abuse.
3. What Are the Effects of Depression?
Myth: Depression affects everyone in the same way.
Fact: Everyone experience it differently. There are several types of depression.
Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It can cause different symptoms in people depending on factors like age, gender or life situation. For many people depression is a constant problem. For others, depression can develop during life circumstances, such as postpartum depression.
Seven of the more common types of depression include the following:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Persistent depressive disorder (PDD)
Bipolar Disorder
Postpartum depression (PPD)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
Atypical Depression
4. Anxiety and Depression
Myth: Anxiety and depression are the same thing.
Fact: Anxiety and depression can be related, but they’re two different conditions.
Both anxiety disorders and depression can cause similar symptoms, such as irritability. Both can cause problems with sleep, eating, or other activities. But they’re two separate conditions with their own causes and related symptoms. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, many people with diagnosed depression also have a history of anxiety, but it’s also very possible to experience one without the other.
5. Who Does Depression Affect?
Myth: Depression is an adult disease.
Fact: People of any age can suffer from depression.
Anyone can get depressed, and depression can happen at any age and in any type of person. Although depression often comes during adulthood, millions of children and adolescents suffer from it, too. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 3.2 million adolescents aged 12 to 17 in the United States had at least one major depressive episode. This number represented 13.3% of the U.S. population aged 12 to 17.
6. How Is Depression Treated?
Myth: Depression can go away on its own.
Fact: Treatment is important to help with depression and to avoid complications.
Ignoring your symptoms of depression won’t help with the disease. In fact, it can make your condition worse. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious health complications, including sleeping and eating disorders and substance abuse. It also can lead to committing suicide thoughts or actions. Many helpful treatments for depression are available. Treatment for depression can help reduce symptoms and shorten how long the depression lasts. Talking to your doctor or a qualified mental health professional can help you determine what treatment is best for you.
For example, there are several different treatment options:
Therapy. Many people benefit from psychotherapy—also called therapy or counseling. Talking to a professional can help you work through the causes of your depression. With therapy, you’ll work with your therapist to learn skills to help you cope with life, change behaviors that are causing problems‚ and find solutions.
Some common goals of therapy include:
Getting healthier
Overcoming fears or insecurities
Coping with stress
Making sense of past painful events
Identifying things that worsen your depression
Having better relationships with family and friends
Understanding why something bothers you and creating a plan to deal with it
Medication. Many people with depression find that taking prescribed medications called antidepressants can help improve their mood and coping skills. Talk to your doctor about whether they are right for you.