Top 7 Depression Myths

1. Depression is the same as being sad.

While it is true that depression (or MDD; Major Depressive Disorder) can be diagnosed partially on the basis of what is referred to as a low mood, to be clinically diagnosed with depression you must have at least five of the following symptoms for longer than two weeks;

Low or irritable mood most of the day

decreased interest or pleasure in most activities for most of the day

weight or appetite change (5%)

Sleep change – hypersomnia or insomnia

change in psychomotor skills (either appearing fidgety and unsettled or ceasing normal activities such as showering)

fatigue

a sense of worthlessness or unfounded guilt

lack of concentration or increased indecisiveness

suicidality (either thoughts or attempts)

2. Men dont get depression.

Despite much research suggesting that women are twice as likely to report depression than men, studies have shown that not only does this vary from country to country (Van de Velde et al 2010) but also genetically speaking, men and women are equally as likely to develop depression (Kendler & Prescott 1999). This suggests that as many men get depression as women, but are far less likely to seek help. This may be due to societal pressure for men to be seen a certain way.

3. Why does anyone have it? Theres a cure!

While over four million people in the UK alone take antidepressants such as Prozac and Seroxat the actual success rates with these drugs against depression is relatively low. While a wealth of research suggests they are far less successful than it is claimed (Loannidis 2008) and some researchers call for a complete overhaul of the way antidepressants are used (Pigott et al 2010), some studies are still highlighting anti-depressants as an effective treatment. Overall, the success rates are low, with many leading figures in the field of depression believing the act of taking a pill only creates a placebo effect, which is by no means a cure.

4. You cant be depressed if you have money, friends, and nothing to worry about.

While depression occurs in many when they fall on hard times such as losing a job, going through a divorce or the death of a loved one, that doesnt mean that people who have it easy by comparison cant develop depression. Research by Twenge & Nolen – Hoeksema (2002) found no disparity between depression rates in regards to socioeconomic status or by race. No one is any less qualified to have depression than anyone else, anyone from any background can be diagnosed with depression as long as they meet 5 of the 9 requirements outlined by the DSM-5.

5. Depression isnt a real illness.

There is a general consensus among the population of the world that mental illness (including depression) isnt as serious as a physical illness. Despite depression having many physical symptoms (such as weight fluctuation, fatigue, and insomnia) many regard depression as being all in your head and something that isnt really a serious illness. The fact is; depression is just as real as having a broken arm. Only its worse; if you have a broken arm people can see it, they believe you, you receive recognition of your ailment from everyone. With depression, many doubt that youre ill, assume you're exaggerating or tell you to just get over it. Depression is as real as any other illness.

6. Depression is just an excuse for being lazy.

A large number of people are cynical towards how genuine depression is among sufferers. Many believe that people may claim to have depression just as an excuse to get out of work or commitments. The fact is; psychomotor retardation is a defining characteristic of depression which results in people becoming unable to bathe or brush their teeth or perform normal hygiene tasks, never mind complete assignments or go to work. Regular tasks seem mammoth in comparison to how a mentally healthy person may view them. 95% of people would never willingly put themselves through this, so if someone has the courage to tell you about their depression you can assume they are genuine.

7. If you have depression, you are just weak.

Depression does not equal weakness. To live with depression requires so much mental strength that it makes no sense for someone to call depression sufferers weak. People with depression live with an illness that grips your life, makes everyday life difficult and that many still doubt are a real illness. In any worthy opinion, that is not weakness, that is strength.

References

Kendler, K. S., & Prescott, C. A. (1999). A population-based twin study of lifetime major depression in men and women. Archives of general psychiatry,56(1), 39-44.

Ioannidis, J. P. (2008). The effectiveness of antidepressants: an evidence myth constructed from a thousand randomized trials?. Philosophy, Ethics, and Humanities in Medicine, 3(1), 14.

Pigott, H. E., Leventhal, A. M., Alter, G., & Boren, J. (2010). Efficacy and effectiveness of antidepressants: current status of research. Psychotherapy and psychosomatics, 79(5), 267-279.

Twenge, J. M., & Nolen-Hoeksema, S. (2002). Age, gender, race, socioeconomic status, and birth cohort difference on the childrens depression inventory: A meta-analysis. Journal of abnormal psychology, 111(4), 578.

Van de Velde, S., Bracke, P., & Levecque, K. (2010). Gender differences in depression in 23 European countries. Cross-national variation in the gender gap in depression. Social Science & Medicine, 71(2), 305-313.

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