6 Depression Myths
Depression is becoming less stigmatized as a mental health issue, but there are still misconceptions and assumptions made about it that aren’t helpful when it comes to getting help.
To better understand depression and how to get help for it, we’re going over 6 depression myths and facts.
6 Depression Myths:
1. “It is what it is”
This is the number one biggest myth! Yes, depression isn’t always circumstantial so finding ways to cope with it is necessary at times, but the truth is you don’t have to live with accepting that depression will just be a normal part of life forever. There is help, seeing a therapist (especially one versed in CBT) is proven time and time again to significantly reduce depression.
2. Depression is always circumstantial
As mentioned above, depression is not always due to circumstances “setting it off”. Something like a traumatic event, for example, can make feelings of depression more intense and add to an already existing issue, but this doesn’t mean the depression was necessarily caused by that event.
Instead of trying to find the root of the depression, CBT works to help change the negative thought patterns to help restructure emotions and behaviors, in turn reducing a client’s depression.
Learn more about CBT and the services we offer at Calm Again Counseling.
3. It means I’m “mentally inadequate” if I struggle with it
“Mental strength” isn’t a thing. Sure, resiliency and building tolerance are helpful skills we work on in therapy, but building these skills does not mean you started from a place of inadequacy.
Going to therapy and asking for help from a professional doesn’t mean something is wrong with you or that you’re bad.
You are very normal if you struggle with depression, in fact, more than 264 million people of all ages suffer from it globally.
4. It means I’m ungrateful
Sometimes we can feel guilty for struggling with depression if others view our lives as “perfect” or “we have nothing to be depressed about” (refer back to point 2).
Depression isn’t “choosy”, your life can be great and you can be depressed at the same time. Practicing gratitude can be a helpful tool, but feeling guilty for being depressed won’t help you move forward.
5. Depression is the same for everyone
Our brains and bodies are all unique. That means the way we experience depression is too.
Think about a time you caught a sickness from someone else.
You both may have the same virus, but it’s more than likely your experience of it will be different.
If someone else is having different symptoms than you, it doesn’t mean you don’t or they don’t have it.
6. Meds are the only way I’ll feel better
While medication can be very helpful, it’s only one way to help depression.
Evidence-based therapy (especially CBT) is proven to be extremely effective in helping with depression.
The good news is—it’s our specialty here at Calm Again Counseling!
Watch our video where John talks about depression hacks here:
