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The Myths of Depression
(Published in Orlando's Lifestyle Magazine August 2003)
By Gail W. Mock, Psy.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Many myths surround depression. “It’s a sign of weakness.” “You can just snap out of it.” “You just need to buck up.” “You just need to stay busy.” In reality, there are numerous factors that contribute to depression. Recovery is multi-faceted as well. Although there are several types of depression, in this article we will address clinical depression -- also known as major depressive disorder.
Depression is a whole body experience, affecting not only how we feel emotionally (sad, irritable, vulnerable, insecure, inadequate, or guilty, etc) but also how we feel physically (decreased energy, tiredness and fatigue, changes in sleep, appetite or weight, etc.) Depression affects how effectively we think about things and how we perceive the world around us. Depressed individuals often have difficulty making decisions or problem-solving. They may also experience short-term memory or concentration problems. Depressed people often report loss of interest or pleasure, including for things they were once passionate --hobbies, social activities, sex, etc. Although some depressive symptoms are more commonly reported, no depressed individual will report every symptom. An individual’s experience of depression is as individual as they are.
Historically women report symptoms of depression twice as frequently as men. This may be due, in part, because it is more socially acceptable for women to verbalize their feelings. However, that is likely only part of the answer. For some men, it may be extremely difficult to recognize and acknowledge feelings of depression. In the June 16, 2003, Newsweek article Michael C Miller, MD, reported on “depressive equivalents” in men. Researchers believe that men who are unable to acknowledge their depression may unknowingly attempt to seek relief from those uncomfortable feelings through such ‘depressive equivalents’ as drugs, alcohol, recklessness or violent behavior.
Factors that contribute to feelings of depression include: genetics (if a family member has struggled with depression, it may suggest that a person is biologically predisposed to depression), experiencing a loss or traumatic event, ineffective coping with stress, etc. Although there may be some common factors, recovery from depression differs from one individual to another as well. People are generally not able to ‘pull themselves up by the bootstraps’ or ‘will’ themselves to feel better. A certain number of individuals will eventually recover from depression without any type of treatment. Improving general self-care is likely to lessen symptoms of depression – getting adequate sleep and exercise, eating healthily and consuming alcohol in moderation, engaging in activities and interacting with others, etc.
Many individuals find participation in counseling beneficial. For some, medication is indicated – although participating in counseling while taking medication is generally considered the most effective form of treatment. If you have experienced some of these symptoms nearly every day for at least two weeks, consultation with a professional may be helpful. A professional can best determine if you are struggling with depression and recommend an appropriate course of treatment.
For more information on depression: National Depressive and Manic Depressive Association