Myths About Depression and Mental Illness

Written mid May 2014

Ooooohhh this could be so long!  There are many myths and misconceptions about depression and other mental illnesses that I feel need to be addressed by someone.  As you read this you could be asking yourself if you do something to perpetuate some of these myths?  Part of the problem is what you or others think it is or isn’t.  Breaking barriers are important in the fight towards wellness and awareness in others.  Many of the things I talk about here may seem like common sense, but well, common sense doesn’t seem to be in vogue these days.

Why you are depressed:  LACK OF EFFORT-- I think there is a general attitude (not everyone mind you) among some individuals that peolpe who are depressed aren’t trying very hard to live a good life or making poor lifestyle choices.  In some ways that is true.  Us crazy humans do all kinds of things to undermine our own mental health.  The underlying issue is not lack of effort however.  I find the individuals that suffer from depression are trying extremely hard, probably harder than the average person would to increase their happiness and well being.  It just isn’t working.  The effort to improve their situation or mood is not equal to a normal outcome.  When a normal or happy brain is exposed to exercise, socializing, religion or faith based experiences (church or other activities), good diet and rest, that individual is happier and healthier for it.  A depressed person does not respond the same way.

    I am in no way saying that a depressed person should not try to do these things, on the contrary, they should live as healthy a lifestyle as they can to promote wellness, but it is not the only factor for many people

IT’S JUST DEPRESSION.  IT’S NOT THAT SERIOUS.  --Now before you start yelling “Honey who is the fool that said this to you?”  Relax, thinking about writing this blog post made me realize I used to think this myself.  There came a point in treatment that I had a general laid back attitude about my illness.  Some of that came from not really knowing where to turn or knowing what to do next to improve my prognosis.  I also think there is a point with any chronic illness that you wake up and smell your own sweat and realize you need to take care of yourself (and take a shower) and that you need to take care of the problem.  Depression is a mental illness and needs to be treated as such.  Don’t let anyone tell you it’s not serious, including yourself or that your symptoms aren’t real.  I don’t think I have to say it, but depression can kill you.

YOU DON’T LOOK SICK.--  There is a reason those facebook meme’s about “invisible illnesses” keep circulating.  This is a common misconception and one of the reasons I started this blog.  It is difficult to go around knowing others don’t believe you or just don’t understand what you are going through.  You may also present yourself differently in public than you would when you’re having a bad day at home.  Let’s face it, we have some pride in how we present ourselves.  That does not mean someone isn’t struggling.  I know someone that is coping with several illnesses, physical and mental.  She may show up to the occasional social gathering and be the life of the party.  Later that day however and possibly for several days after she will literally be bed ridden.  We still forget the advice "don't judge a book by it's cover", even if we have heard it a million times!

IF YOUR MEDICATION ISN’T WORKING DON’T TAKE IT.--  I don’t know how common this is but I have come across it.  I have been advised by laypersons to stop taking my medication since it isn’t working all that well.  What many don’t understand is that you are not supposed to go off of your medication without doctor’s advice.  For someone with a sensitivity like me, it is particularly important to taper off of the medication and to have a plan.  The problem is that many that suffer from depression know that their medication is not working perfectly but they also know that no meds at all will make them much much worse.  You have to follow your instincts and really think about going off of medication just like you would if your are thinking about starting medication.

PEOPLE WHO WON’T TAKE MEDICATION FOR MENTAL ILLNESS SHOULD BE FORCED TO.--  I am hoping seeing this thought in print points out what is wrong with this statement.  Patients have rights for a reason.  If someone chooses not to take medication for their condition they probably have good reason.  I particularly understand this since I have battled sensitivity.  For many mentally ill individuals, what the cure does to them is worse than the illness.  I am not saying that I approve of this approach, but I understand it.  Many people do not have proper guidance to navigate the world of taking psychiatric drugs.  I believe we truly have a mental health crisis in America.  And the statement that “we have the best healthcare in the world if you can afford it” definitely applies here!  Those that are very dangerous in prison or a lock down facility is a whole other argument.  Hopefully those individuals are under the care of a good doctor.

There are probably many more myths that I could address here but this is a good start.  What myths do you think there are about depression and mental illness?