Myth #1: Depression is just a state of mind – “Snap out of it”

No one chooses to be depressed. Some people mistakenly believe that it happens when you allow yourself to wallow in your grief or sadness. They may think it can be cured with positive thoughts or a change in attitude. It is also wrongly thought that depression is mere sadness and it shows a weakness of character, over-sensitivity and self-pity. However, depression is a complex mental health disorder with social, psychological and biological origins. Depression can be treated in a variety of ways such as mindfulness, cognitive behaviour therapy or medication. It is not something that can simply be “snapped out of” – depression can affect someone once in their lives or several times through depressive episodes.

Myth #2: Taking anti-depressants means you are out of control

Depression is treatable and requiring medication (typically for moderate - severe depression) is simply a method of being in control of your disorder. Taking medicine for a mental health disorder is equivalent to taking medication for a physical health issue. Taking the step to see a doctor for medication can be a difficult and scary step to take but ultimately it is a brave thing to do.

Anti-depressants are thought to work by increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and noradrenaline which are linked to mood and emotion. There is a chemical imbalance, and this may be a simple solution to the symptoms of depression in some cases. Therefore, they work best paired counselling/therapy to help identify and address the root cause. 

Myth #3: Anti-depressants lead to addiction

Anti-depressants do not lead to addiction. However, users should be wary when they stop taking them and a staggering approach should be taken. It is important to not stop taking antidepressants suddenly. A doctor must always be consulted when deciding to stop taking medication. The dose should be reduced gradually over several weeks – or longer (depending on how long they have been taken for). This simply helps with withdrawal symptoms. But it is possible to stop taking them when need be.

Anti-depressants may be a long-term option for many people, but this depends on the severity of the depression and treatment plan. If prescribed or undertaking therapy alongside the medication, coping mechanisms can be learnt and developed. These will help in dealing with the depressive symptoms and may lessen the need for medication over time. However, in some cases anti-depressants over a long period of time may be the best case. The best treatments vary from person to person.

A need for anti-depressants should not be stigmatised.

Myth #4: Anti-depressants will change your personality

Anti-depressants change brain chemistry – this may seem scary and it is understandable to fear feeling like a different person when taking them.

However, it is helpful to recognise that anti-depressants are designed to only change certain chemicals in your brain. They are more likely to make you feel like yourself again prior to the depression. They will help to relieve your symptoms of depression rather than alter your underlying personality – they do not have the capability to do this.

If someone is not happy with their medication, they should contact their doctor.

Myth #5: Keeping busy cures depression

Again, this statement is false. For some, keeping busy can be a distraction from their symptoms, and being active can make time pass quicker.

When depressed you can get into thought loops that reinforce negative emotions. Directing your thoughts elsewhere, by keeping busy can certainly alleviate your symptoms but is not in itself a cure. however, for some it can make things feel worse. It is possible to feel worse while trying to remain busy – it differs from person to person.

Myth #6: Depression is caused by trauma or a sad life event

At some point everyone will experience sadness and pain in their lives. This does not automatically mean the sadness felt is depression. However, it does increase susceptibility towards depression. Events such as bereavement raise your risk of depression but facing a negative incident does not directly correlate to depression.

Depression can cause completely unexplained feelings of hopelessness, lethargy and sadness. Someone may also experience suicidal thoughts and tendencies. These episodes can last for prolonged periods or come in episodes. Depression can come on suddenly and inexplicitly throughout life – even at a point where someone feels they are thriving in their life.

Myth #7: Talking about depression will only make it worse

It is a common misconception that deconstructing one’s feelings may result in feeling worse and bring attention to negative thoughts and experiences, but this is incorrect.

Being alone with one's thoughts can be much more harmful than addressing them. People often find talking about their experiences lightens the load they are carrying every day. Furthermore, a possible root cause to the depression could be addressed by unloading the emotions held.

It may help to talk to a reliable, supportive and non-judgemental person – whether that is a friend, family member, doctor or therapist.

Sometimes the fear of talking about depression is emphasised by those who are not depressed. This is due to the stigma that still surrounds depression. People may fear the answers they could hear, although by having more knowledge about depression and knowing what to say to someone who is depressed you help massively rather than ignoring the issue.

Myth #8: If your parents have depression, so will you

It is true that if depression runs in your family you are more likely to experience it. However, it is not directly linked.

Experts do not think genetics are significant in determining risk of depression. So no, if your parents have depression is does not mean you will too.

It is wise to be aware of family history but it’s not wise to worry about family history which is out of your control.