Movies and media often display depression as something that is easy to spot or manage. Media does not give you the full picture of what it is like or what to expect. If you have not had any personal experience with depression how would you know anything about it outside of what you see on TV?
Here is some information on depression in order to set the record straight:
It Can Not be Flipped Off or On
Snap out of it! Just be happy! You have so much to be thankful for.
Maybe you have thought or said similar things to a loved one or even yourself about your own depression. Well, you can’t just snap out of depression. Why? Depression is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain which is why someone can not just turn it on or off. The only way to change the mood is to attack the chemical imbalance directly with medicine or a combination of medicine and other things like diet, exercise and Yoga.
You Can be Depressed and Not Appear Sad
Some people may look obviously depressed while others seem completely fine to those around them. Depression does not mean you are sad all the time or look sad all the time. Although chronic sadness can be a component. People with depression are capable of experiencing a range of emotions. You never really know what someone is truly feeling until they share with you. Someone with depression may be having a balanced moment or they may be struggling on the inside to hold it together.
Everyone is Different
Depression shows up in different ways depending on the person. For instance, some people will want to sleep all the time, while others are not getting enough sleep. Some people will isolate and withdraw while others will engage in a hostile or aggressive manner.
Since depression manifests itself in different ways, it’s important to know that each and every person suffering from the mental illness will have different needs.
Depression Does Not Make You Weak
As a therapist I often notice that the person who is feeling depressed is often the one who holds this misconception about weakness and depression. You did not make depression happen to you and it is a real struggle to pull yourself out of that dark hole. Managing depression is not something that is easily done on one’s own. Family and friends often do not know what to say or do, so it is important to seek out professional help. In my opinion, seeking help does not mean you are weak, it means you are smart and that you have real grit.
Medication for Depression is Not the Only Option
Medications in conjunction with other treatments are often the best. Get the biggest chemical impact on your brain by exercising and eating right. There are other alternatives to medicine as well such as reflexology. Reflexology, also known as zone therapy, is an alternative medical practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet and hands and may have an impact on your depression symptoms. Keeping it simple is great too! Think about a simple way you can change your lifestyle that will have a chemical impact on your brain. Being in nature is a great place to start!
Conclusion
As you can see, many myths surround the topic of depression. If you or your loved one is suffering from depression, you need this mental health disorder for what it really is. Hopefully, after reading about these five myths, you will know what depression is and how you can fight it. Remember, it is not a fight that you have to fight alone.
Schedule Your Initial Counseling St. Louis Therapists Today
Strengthen your fight against depressions with the help and guidance from the experienced st. Louis therapists. Call us at (314) 817-0699 or by clicking here to know more about our individual, family, couple, and other therapies and services.
Kristen Neal is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Clinical Director at Greenway Therapy . Learn more about her on her BIO page.
