Four common myths about depression
Depression is a psychological condition marked by prolonged
periods of lethargy, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, which often manifest
in loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping, and suicidal
ideation.
As of 2012, the World Health Organization announced that
more than 350 million people from all over the world are suffering from
depression. Sadly, many have very little understanding of the disease, which
does not help in curbing its prevalence.
MediCard, a leading HMO in the Philippines, hopes to dispel
several myths about depression, in the hopes of creating a more positive and helpful
environment for people who are suffering from the condition.
Depression is nothing but “the blues.” Most people dismiss
other people’s symptoms with the classic “You’re just having a bad day” or
“Just shake it off,” and it certainly does not help. For one, it trivializes
depression, an actual illness caused by an imbalance of a person’s endorphins
and neurotransmitters. For another, such remarks prevent the person from
seeking professional help, until their emotions spiral downward even further.
Just pop some pills and it will go away. Depression is a
complex psychological disorder that results from any number of causes, such as
abuse, loss of a loved one, family history, or a serious illness. Seeking a
prescription from a doctor to allow you to “pop some antidepressants” only
addresses the biochemical aspect of depression. But an effective approach to
the condition considers all its facets, and may constitute non-medication-based
solutions, such as behavior therapy, or lifestyle change.
You can self-diagnose and self-medicate. The Internet has
spawned a lot of self-tests with titles like “Are you depressed? Take this
10-step quiz!” and online medical references that list down possible treatments
for different diseases. But effectively diagnosing depression requires a
comprehensive and objective examination by a professional. By doing it
yourself, you run the risk of misinterpreting your symptoms, and possibly make
it worse by delaying proper treatment.
Don’t talk about it so it doesn't get worse. Related to Myth
#3, many hesitate from talking about their symptoms of depression with other
people, in fear of stigma, but also of making it worse. Key to addressing the
condition, however, is a strong support system of family and friends, which
will not be available if those suffering from depression kept it to themselves.
To learn more about depression from the standpoint of a
medical professional, consult your doctor today, or visit www.medicardphils.com.
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