Myths


 * Top Ten Depression Myth**


 * 1. Depression is not a real medical illness**

Wrong! Depression and even Dysthymia could be considered a serious medical condition and have major affects not only on the indiviudals mood and thoughts but their body too. Research has also show that depression has a genetic and biological causes as well.


 * 2. Even if depression is a medical illness, there’s nothing that can be done about it.**

If this was true, there would be no need for counsellors. Research has proven that 80 percent of individuals that had depressive disorders, improve with treatment. Researchers believe that with new medince introduce the percentage should be incresing.


 * 3. Depression is no different from getting the “blues” – and this is just a normal part of life.**

Saying depression is like getting the "Blues" is like saying the common flu is the same as pneumonia. Blue's last an average of 2-3 days, whereas Depression can last until death.


 * 4. People who think they have depression are just feeling sorry for themselves.**

False! though sitting around constantly feeling sorry for yourself may lead to depression, feeling sorry and depression are two different things.


 * 5. You can will depression away. If you can’t, then you’re weak.**

Saying depression can be willed away is like saying heart disease or cancer can be willed away. Depression is caused by chemical changes in your body. Depression cannot be overcomed just by thinking postive


 * 6. Depression will go away by itself.**

arguable, but extremly rare. Depression can go away for a while but will likely come back in the future if not treated.


 * 7. Depression is a normal part of getting older.**

Though there have been research to say that seniors do generally experince more events that can trigger depression, suchas loss of family member or mental health issues, there has not been scientfic evidence that depression is a normal part of of getting older.


 * 8. Depression only affects women.**

This is obviously untrue. Women are just more likely to report being affected by depression twice as more likely than men.


 * 9. Depression does not affect children or teenagers — their problems are just a part of growing up.**

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, studies show that 1 in 33 children and 1 in 8 adolescents are depressed in any given year


 * 10. If someone in your family suffers from depression, you will inherit it.**

Research shows that if your family has a history of depression, the chances of you inheriting it is more likely, but it's not always the case.