A Reality Check for Mental Health
If you are currently experiencing thoughts of suicide, please reach out for help immediately. Here are some depression and mental health resources that can provide support:
If you are a person who has ever struggled with Depression then you will know that even when people have the best intentions, their understanding and dialogue can be frustrating at best.
Even as a person who has suffered from extreme depression, (yes I took all of the online tests) I can often be judgmental of people with depression. If it resonates as a character flaw in yourself then it is very easy to portray the same opinion of others.
"Just snap out of it!"
Perhaps the most damaging misconception, this phrase reveals a complete misunderstanding of depression. Telling someone to "snap out of it" minimises their struggle and reinforces the harmful belief that depression is their fault. Would you apply the same logic to other emotionally aroused states: 'Just calm down', 'There's nothing to be scared of'? Similarly, amid heartbreak, the phrase 'just forget about them' would be anything but helpful. While those saying 'snap out of it' often mean well, it's important to understand the harm it causes.
“Only Weak People Get Depressed”
This couldn't be further from the truth. Depression doesn't discriminate. It affects people from all walks of life, regardless of their achievements, outward strength, or personality. Winston Churchill, known for his leadership and strength in the face of adversity, battled depression. Jim Carrey, the charismatic actor and comedian, has battled depression for decades. Even Jordan Peterson, the famed clinical psychologist, was unable to avoid its deceptive, controlling power. The truth is, that depression is an illness, not a character flaw. Sadly, those who say 'only weak people get depressed' often don't understand the biological and psychological complexity of this illness.
“Depression Is Just an Excuse for Laziness”
This hurtful misconception stems from a deep misunderstanding of the true nature of depression. It's not a lack of willpower; it's a feeling of complete exhaustion. Imagine your motivation and energy being constantly drained, making even getting out of bed feel like climbing a mountain. The emotional turmoil is so draining that even after hours and hours of sleep, a person with depression can feel more tired. Throw in the constant battle against negative thoughts and feelings and it is an exhausting burden that outsiders seldom see.
“Everyone feels sad sometimes”
While sadness is a natural part of the human experience, depression goes far beyond temporary blues. Imagine a thick fog settling over your life, making everything feel joyless and pointless. It's more than just an emotion; it changes how you think, feel physically, and experience the world. It's the difference between feeling sad after failing an exam versus losing all interest in your studies and questioning your goals entirely. It's entirely normal to feel sad – sad things happen. But being sad when things are going well or you are doing something which you would normally enjoy is a strong sign that something more serious is wrong
If we look at depression from an emotional standpoint then its power can be more clearly understood. A person in any of the altered states of consciousness be it anger, pain, fear or even love has their ability to reason and process information logically reduced. You are effectively in a trance. Depression is no different
I've always found that understanding depression is easier when we think about it in terms of emotions. Remember those times when you were so angry or overwhelmed with grief that you couldn't think straight? Or maybe you fell head over heels in love and all logical reasoning went out the window. Depression, in its own way, can be just as consuming. It's like being trapped in an emotional trance where negativity clouds your every thought. I remember the thoughts that I had on my dark days, one that sticks out is; ‘I am the worst person who ever lived.’ While it might sound ridiculous to an outsider, in the grips of depression, such thoughts can feel undeniably true.
It's this emotional aspect of depression that helps explain why it's so easy for people to believe negative and harmful misconceptions. Combine this with excessive introspection and it’s not difficult for this sneaky state to appear.
In the next part of this series, we'll explore the intricacies of diagnosing depression, exploring the tools doctors use and the far-reaching effects this condition can have on those who experience it.
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