Depression Myths and Facts Slideshow Pictures

Myth: Hard Work Beats Depression

Depression affects nearly one in six people at some point in
their lives, so folk remedies and half-truths about this common illness
abound. One such idea: throw yourself into work and you'll feel better.
For a mild case of the blues, this may indeed help, but depression is a
different animal. Overworking can actually be a sign of clinical
depression, especially in men.



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. Biological evidence of the illness can be seen in brain scans,
which show abnormal activity levels. Key brain chemicals that carry
signals between nerves (shown here) also appear to be out of balance in
depressed people.



Fact: Men Fly Under the Radar

A depressed man, his loved ones, and even his doctor may not
recognize depression. That's because men are less likely than women to
talk about their feelings -- and some depressed men don't appear sad or
down. Instead, men may be irritable, angry, or restless. They may even
lash out at others. Some men try to cope with depression through
reckless behavior, drinking, or drugs.




Myth: Depression Is Just Self-Pity

Our culture admires will power and mental toughness and is quick
to label anyone who falls back as a whiner. But people who have clinical
depression are not lazy or simply feeling sorry for themselves. Nor can
they "will" depression to go away. Depression is a medical illness -- a
health problem related to changes in the brain. Like other illnesses,
it usually improves with appropriate treatment.



Fact: Anyone Can Get Depressed

Poet or linebacker, shy or outgoing, anyone from any ethnic
background can develop depression. The illness is twice as common in
women as in men, but it may be that women are more likely to seek help.
It's often first noticed in the late teens or 20s, but an episode can
develop at any age. Tough personal experiences can trigger depression,
or it may develop out of the blue.



Fact: It Can Sneak Up Slowly

Depression can creep up gradually, which makes it harder to
identify than a sudden illness. A bad day turns into a rut and you start
skipping work, school, or social occasions. One type, called dysthymia,
can last for years as a chronic, low-level illness – a malaise that
silently undermines your career and relationships. Or depression can
become a severe, disabling condition. With treatment, many feel
substantial relief in 4-6 weeks.



Myth: Help Means Drugs for Life

Despite the buzz about a "Prozac Nation," medication is only one
of the tools used to lift depression. And asking for help does not mean
you'll be pressured to take prescription drugs. In fact, studies suggest
that "talk" therapy works as well as drugs for mild to moderate
depression. Even if you do use antidepressants, it probably won't be for
life. Your doctor will help you determine the right time to stop your
medication.



Myth: Depressed People Cry a Lot

Not always. Some people don't cry or even act terribly sad when
they're depressed. Instead they are emotionally "blank" and may feel
worthless or useless. Even without dramatic symptoms, untreated
depression prevents people from living life to its fullest – and takes a
toll on families.



Fact: Family History Is Not Destiny

If depression appears in your family tree, you may have an
elevated risk yourself. But that does not mean you are certain to
develop the disorder. People with a family history can watch for early
symptoms of depression and take positive action promptly -- whether that
means reducing stress, getting more exercise, counseling, or other
professional treatment.



Myth: Depression Is Part of Aging

Most older people navigate the challenges of aging without
becoming depressed. But when it does occur, it may be overlooked.
Seniors may hide their sadness or have different, vague symptoms: food
just doesn't taste good anymore, aches and pains worsen, or sleep
patterns change. Medical problems can trigger depression in seniors --
and depression can slow recovery from a heart attack or surgery.



Fact: Depression Imitates Dementia

In older adults, depression can be the root cause of memory
problems, confusion, and in some cases, delusions. Caregivers and
doctors may mistake these problems for signs of dementia, or an
age-related decline in memory. Getting treatment lifts the cloud for the
majority of older people with depression. Psychotherapy is particularly
useful for people who can't or don't want to take medication.



Myth: Talking Makes Things Worse

People were once advised not to "dwell on" problems by talking
about them. Today, there's evidence that guided discussions with a
professional can make things much better. Different types of
psychotherapy help treat depression by addressing negative thought
patterns, unconscious feelings, or relationship troubles. The first step
is to talk to a mental health professional.



Fact: Positive Thinking May Help

The old advice to "accentuate the positive" has advanced into a
practice that can ease depression. It's called cognitive behavioral
therapy (CBT). People learn new ways of thinking and behaving. Negative
"self-talk" and behavior is identified and replaced with more upbeat
thoughts and a more positive mood. Used alone or with medication, CBT
works for many people.



Myth: Teens Are Unhappy by Nature

Although many teens are moody, argumentative, and intrigued by
"the dark side," prolongued sadness or irritability is not normal for
teens. When unhappiness lasts more than two weeks, it may be a sign of
depression -- which develops in about one in 11 teens. Other signs a
teen may need help include: being constantly sad or irritable even with
friends, taking no pleasure in favorite activities, or a sudden drop in
grades.



Fact: Exercise Is Good Medicine

Very good studies now show that regular, moderately intense
exercise can improve symptoms of depression and work as well as some
medicines for people with mild to moderate depression. Exercising with a
group or a good friend adds social support, another mood booster.



Myth: Depression Is Tough to Treat

The reality is most people who take action to lift their
depression do get better. In a large study by the National Institute of
Mental Health, 70% of people became symptom-free through medications –
though not always with the first drug. Other studies show combining
medication and talk therapy is even more effective.



Fact: It's Not Always Depression

Some life events cause sadness or disappointment, but do not
become clinical depression. Grief is normal after a death, divorce, loss
of a job, or diagnosis with a serious health problem. One clue of a
need for treatment: the sadness is constant every day, most of the day.
When people are weathering difficult times appropriately, they can
usually be distracted or cheered up for short periods of time.



Fact: Hope for Better Days Is Real

In the depths of depression, people may think there's no hope for
a better life. This hopelessness is part of the illness, not a reality.
With treatment, positive thinking gradually replaces negative thoughts.
Sleep and appetite often improve as the depressed mood lifts. And
people who've seen a counselor for talk therapy may be equipped with
better coping skills to deal with the stresses in life that can get you
down.



Thanks...