Dispel Myths And Get Help For Depression

You know you’re depressed, yet you hold back on getting the help for depression you need because of the negative things you’ve heard about depression, many of which are myths. These myths are not based on any factual information, but they can do a lot of damage by preventing you from getting treatment. Have you found yourself thinking about any of these myths?

Depression Myth #1: I’m Perfectly Fine

It’s possible you think you’re ok, yet you probably don’t realize that you’ve been carrying the burden of depression. This is especially true if you’ve been undiagnosed for years and you’ve just come to expect those feelings to be “normal” for you. Granted, depression is a common mental illness that affects millions of Americans. However, that doesn’t mean that you should accept having to bear this burden every day.

Depression Myth #2: It’s My Problem

 Actually, it’s not!  You believe that depression only affects you, but there is a much larger circle of people that your depression touches. For example:

  • Immediate family members, such as parents or siblings, who see you struggle with depression each day.
  • Your employer, because you may have missed days at work, or even become angry and lashed out at others.
  • Friends, who care about you but have been pushed away.

Depression doesn’t just affect you, it impacts everyone around you as well.

Depression Myth #3: I Need to Just Deal with It

 No, you shouldn’t! There is a common misperception that depression is something that you need to handle on your own. Consider this a “suck it up and deal with it” mentality that in reality doesn’t work. You can push them down, try to ignore them, even numb them with alcohol and drugs, but those feelings remain. Over time, if left unaddressed, they can get worse.

Depression Myth #4: If I Have Depression That Means I’m Weak

 No one likes being labeled, but knowing that you have depression is the first step towards overcoming it. Having depression doesn’t mean you are weak. On the contrary, you need to be a strong person to wake up every day and continue to push forward in life, even though there is a great weight dragging you down. Why not take the opportunity to get help for depression and cut loose from this burden for good?

Depression Myth #5: Therapy Won’t Help

 How do you know unless you try? Individual counseling for depression can help you:

  • Get to the root cause of your depression.
  • Determine what triggers your depressive thoughts.
  • By creating an emotionally safe place for you to be vulnerable, open, and not be judged.
  • Learn new and healthier ways of coping with depression.

Although it will be difficult to look back into the past and relive some painful experiences, therapy plays a very important role in helping you heal from depression.

Depression Myth #6: I’ll Never Get over My Depression

 Just because you suffer from depression now doesn’t mean that the rest of your life has been set in stone. With the support of family, peers, and professional counseling, you can address the symptoms that you are experiencing and get help for depression. You will also learn how to prevent your depression from returning in the future or what to do if it does return.

Depression is a common mental health condition and knowing that you suffer from it can be demoralizing. However, that doesn’t mean you are in this alone, that you are somehow weak, or that there isn’t a path forward. By being able to accept help for depression, understand your past, and be open to learning new skills, you have the possibility of leading a life with a more positive outlook. Don’t let these depression myths hold you back!

Denise Kautzer is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Certified Public Accountant whose practice is located in St. Paul, MN. You can view her website at www.denisekautzer.com or contact her at denise@denisekautzer.com.

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