Myths about Depression

Hey everyone! Hope you're all doing well and having a good week so far. Today's topic will be about the myths of depression that have been around for years. If you have heard of any other myths I might have missed, I encourage you to share them with us! :)

Myth: It's not a real illness.

● Depression is a serious medical condition -- and the top cause of disability in American adults. But it's still confused with ordinary sadness.

Myth: Children don't experience mental health problems

● Fact: Even very young children may show early warning signs of mental health concerns.

Myth: Antidepressants will change your personality

● Antidepressants are designed to change only certain chemicals in your brain.

Myth: Depression only affects mood

Depression can be emotional, physical, and cognitive symptoms.

Myth: Depression is purely a psychological illness

Although the exact cause is unknown, depression is thought to be caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.

Myth: Depression stems from a bad childhood

Childhood trauma and bad life situations do affect depression in later life in very negative ways, however, there are many other factors that can influence depression.

Myth: Depression means violence

A mental health disorder does not mean that someone is going to commit a violent act. In fact, a 2014 study found that people with mental health issues are more likely to be victims of violent crimes than the ones committing them.