talking about & busting myths!

Helloo everyone! Hope you are all doing well. Having been recently inspired by a similar post made by @jessrabbit7 (you can view this wonderful post here!), today @MollyT and I would like to discuss the topic of myths, and bust a few of them about depression.

What is a myth?

A myth is defined by google as a “widely held but false belief or idea”, and/or a “misrepresentation of the truth”. Often, myths can start out as mere assumptions or opinions about a group/topic, but can lead to unhelpful misconceptions being born, which can be harmful and disrespectful to the people of said group/topic.


Where do myths come from?

Sometimes, myths are born from a misunderstanding or lack of education on a certain topic. They are usually created using minimal factual evidence, and more of a “hear, say” kind of thinking. Myths can be obvious or very subtle, but nevertheless should be acknowledged and busted - as we are doing now!

Here are a few popular myths about depression. We have decided to talk about 7 today (for 7cups) hehe :

Myth #1: Depression Is Just Feeling Sad.

—> There are a lot of people who struggle to understand depression, who may label it as “just feeling sad”. Whilst feeling sad is a symptom of depression, this isn't necessarily everything about it. Depression is much more complex than simply labelling it as one emotion, as there's so much more going on. It brings on so many other symptoms, such as tiredness, loss of interest in doing the things you love, feelings of loneliness, anger, and even changes in lifestyle such as eating patterns, sleeping patterns, hygiene, etc. We are sure that if you ask what depression is like to anyone experiencing it, they will tell you that it’s so much more than “just feeling sad”.

—> To anyone who has had experience on the receiving end of this, we understand that your experience with depression is much more complicated and difficult than this assumption. We hope you have received/are receiving the support you deserve!


Myth #2: Depression Will Just Go Away.

—> This is a bit of a nasty myth as it basically takes the seriousness out of depression itself. Depression is a treatable condition with help from medical professionals. However, for a lot of us, it can unfortunately take a very long time to go away, even with getting the best help possible. Depression, and symptoms of depression, should always be taken seriously and should be treated as such by family members and healthcare professionals. It can be beyond difficult and exhausting to even try to work towards feeling better when going through depression, and while depression “going away” is hopefully the eventual goal, it’s not instant, and it takes time.

—> To anyone who has had experience on the receiving end of this, you don’t deserve to be invalidated in this way. We hope you know that there are so many people who will take everything you are dealing with kindly and seriously, and we are proud of any progress you have made so far <3


Myth #3: You Are Weak If You Are Depressed.

—> Some people believe that depression is a sign of weakness. When, in actuality, depression is most likely brought on by trauma and/or something difficult that a person is going through, and isn’t measured by the mental or physical strength this person may hold. In fact, people living with depression are usually going through things that make them extremely strong, because it can feel like fighting a battle everyday. Whether you feel weak or strong, you are still supported, heard, and loved!

—> To anyone who has been on the receiving end of this, you are stronger than you think, and don’t deserve to be told otherwise. You are stronger than anyone would make you believe. Keep fighting the battle and you will win :)

Myth #4: Depression Only Affects Women.

—> A lot of the time, people who identify as more masculine tend to face the “men don’t cry” or “you have always got to be strong” stereotypes. Due to this, they may find it hard to acknowledge and accept feelings of depression, and so their representation in terms of depression diagnosis’ are significantly lower than other people, such as women. This is simply a misrepresentation in documented cases, and can have a serious effect on male/masculine identifying people’s mental health, with a chance of serious mental illnesses developing if mistreated.

—> To anyone who has been on the receiving end of this, we hear you. Such stereotypes about gender/ gender expression shouldn’t have to affect your experiences with depression. No matter who you are or what sort of depression you are going through, we are always here for you <3


Myth #5: Medication will change your personality.

—> Medication and treatment for depression (such as antidepressants) are designed to change the chemicals inside your brain, and ultimately affect how it functions. Which can seem incredibly scary at first. You might even worry that you’re changing into a whole different person when you’re taking them. However, it's important to remember that the medication is there to help you in the long run, even if it may not feel like it! They will hopefully help to relieve your symptoms of depression without changing your personality. After taking them, many people with depression begin to feel like themselves again, only a lil more happy and stable than before!

—> To anyone who has been on the receiving end of this (whether having been through medication or not), you are extremely brave for reaching out and asking for help in the first place!


Myth #6: Depression Develops At A Certain Age.

—> There are many mutual points in life where depression may be more likely to take place, such as teen depression, postpartum depression, etc etc. As a result, only some types of depression and times where feeling depressed can happen to someone are represented, further fuelling this myth and casting a shadow over people who feel that they “shouldn’t feel depressed right now” or “are to old/young to be depressed”. This couldn't be more wrong, as depression can hit all types of people, and at any time.

—> To anyone who has been on the receiving end of this, the age in which you feel depressed is valid and okay. No matter what point in life you are suffering with depression, your experience and feelings are always heard and supported, and we’re always here for you :)


Myth #7: A person will develop depression if a family member has it.

—> Medically speaking, having a family member who has had a previous diagnosis of depression can oppose a small risk for the next generation of this family to experience it too. This being said, this isn’t guaranteed. Genetics do play a small role in this, but there are other important factors, such as environmental (problems at work or school), biological (other medical conditions), and many other reasons that have no tie to genetics. Though family members may find it easier to relate to someone who has had the illness previously!

—> To anyone who has been on the receiving end of this, just know that your family members aren’t to blame! We know that it’s extremely difficult to live with, but you will make it through <3

How can we keep going, even when faced with discouraging myths?

Discouraging myths do exist, and probably always will, much like stereotypes, assumptions, etc etc. They can really make someone feel invalidated and unheard, and if you have been discouraged by a myth(s), it’s okay to be. But please know that you are much more than a myth. You are so much stronger, smarter, and valid than something that may put you down, and we already know that depression is doing enough towards this. Although it is incredibly difficult, we hope you can try your best to realise that your depression is so so important and no myth will ever change that <3

What do myths teach us?

Some myths can be true, but most (as mentioned above) are born from a lack of education on a topic and misconceptions. We think that the most important lesson to take away from myths in general is that whilst talking about a topic can be helpful in raising awareness, its best to fully educate ourselves before we talk about something or create an opinion that may harm or upset others. By educating and informing ourselves, we are protecting everyone around us (including ourselves), and that’s always important!

And this concludes our post on myths! If you have read this far, thank you so so much for reading. Please let us know if you have any thoughts yourself, and feel free to bust a myth or two as well :)

A huge thank you to Molly for putting so much effort and thought into this post! I would also like to congratulate them for becoming a project agent for this sub-community too, and I look forward to seeing all of Molly’s wonderful work <3

(Tagging some wonderful people : @MollyT @drearienne @ezoodle @StarlaSky @Giveysomehope @Izzy274 @cuppyycakee @jessrabbit7 @milkoreos @LoveToGod @secrecykhasya @dany9x @VicK5123 @amazingNutella24 @Paprika001 @Daf8 @NinaBee @EmmaE @ShiningStars1 @RebekahRoyal @calmingMermaid5761 @gentleButterfly404 @SkyLindenHope @Amy @Emily328 @considerateParadise6717 @sia1325 @mamtasha22 @itssoren @eli225 @SoftFaith2004 @kkea @SeriouslyLey123 @spreadgoodvibesonly @itztiffany77 @jovialSunshine5049 @cuteblohsh @mynameisnatasja @ASilentObserver @AllieSunshine @SparklingSeashells @cutiebutterfly @ve3ciel @coffeeaddict7622 @FighterArpi @considerateOrange2567 @Angelx28 @SuryanshSingh @FallenStarss @Chloe563 @HelpfulGem04 @KatieTheBigRockOne @Hope @SofiaStardust @DreamTouch @KateDoskocilova @Listeningsarinn @CheeryMango @hopedreamlove @Lueurspace @NaiK15 @Pebble7447 @Angelx28 @xoBeebosBubsxo @Cheerfulicecream @Hope2103 @Eli225 @blitheEmbrace27 @leafycup @kdsyahirah @Sealiously @SoftFaith2004)

Thank you again hehe. We hope you all are having a lovely day/night, take care!