According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14.8 million adults in the U.S. suffer from major depression. And yet, even though most of us have some experience with the disease, whether through a friend, a relative, a co-worker, or our own struggles, the disease is still poorly understood.
Many people are ashamed of their depression, or they think that their condition is just sadness, or laziness, which will go away in time. Take this quiz on depression myths to see if you know the truth about depression.
Depression is painful but not a major medical condition.
Myth.
Depression isn't simply a temporary case of "the blues." It's a serious medical condition that can disrupt a person's daily life. Brain imaging research shows that the brains of people with depression function differently than those of non-depressed people. In depressed people, brain areas that regulate mood, behavior, thinking, appetite and sleep seem to function abnormally. Also, important brain chemicals called neurotransmitters appear to be out of balance.
If your parent and grandparent had depression, you'll definitely get it eventually.
Because depression can run in families, scientists suspect that genes play a role. You're three times more likely to develop depression if your parents suffered depression.
But it's NOT inevitable that you'll get the illness, if it runs in the family. Scientists believe an individual's risk of developing depression is determined by a combination of genetic, biochemical, psychological, and environmental factors.
Only emotionally troubled people become depressed.
Depression affects people from all walks of life, not just people with previous emotional troubles. Depression can strike after the loss of a loved one, a physical trauma, or other stressful situations.
Most people with depression never go to a mental health professional.
Fact.
Only 39 percent of people with severe depression see a mental health professional. Many depressed patients remain undiagnosed or undertreated. Some cases of depression are tough to treat, but the vast majority of cases are highly treatable with antidepressants and therapy. The earlier treatment begins, the more effective it is.
Depression is most common in the elderly.
People assume the elderly suffer depression most often. In fact, middle-aged people aged 40 to 59 have the highest rates of depression. Depression is not a normal part of aging. However, ill health, side effects from medication, social isolation, and financial troubles can trigger depression in elderly people.
Depression can cause physical pain.
Depression can cause emotional symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and hopelessness. But it can also cause physical symptoms such as chest pain, nausea, dizziness, sleep problems, exhaustion, and changes in weight and appetite. It can also worsen back and joint pain, and muscle aches.
Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Different types of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, have proven effective in treating depression. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) teaches people new ways of thinking to replace negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to depression. In another approach, interpersonal therapy (IPT) helps people to understand troubled relationships and find ways to work through the difficulties.
Being optimistic can cure depression.
Depression is debilitating, and most people with the disorder will require treatment -- and possibly prescription medication -- to get better. Few can will themselves to feel better through positive thinking.
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