Disproving The Myth That "Depression Is Fake"

Mental and behavioral health can be as important as physical health. However, mental health is often stigmatized, and myths about mental health may still exist. For example, a common myth about depression is that it is fake or not a mental health condition. In some cases, this myth may be used to invalidate or put someone down for having a mental illness. Damage may be caused if individuals experiencing depression are told to "get over it" or "go outside" when depression has lasting impacts on the brain and health and is a real and severe condition. The myth incorrectly blames someone for an illness, suggesting they are at fault exhibiting symptoms of depression. By implying that a person should be able to deal with their so-called problems, the myth presents an obstacle for people looking for treatment that addresses their concerns. 

Challenging myths about depression may be the first step to absolving them from society and support mental health and its services. Education about mental health conditions can be beneficial in helping those who do not understand why depression has a significant impact on over 300 million people worldwide.  This figure includes children, teenagers, and adults.

What to know about depression

Furthermore, depression can alter brain chemistry and parts of the brain integral to managing emotions, perceptions, memory, and more. Depression can impact children, teens, and adults. However, depression is a treatable mental health condition, so recovery may be possible in many cases. 

What causes depression?

There is not one singular cause of depression. However, multiple risk factors and circumstances are linked to an increased risk of depression, and other mood disorders. Environmental, psychological, and hereditary factors are connected to the condition, as are traumatic events. 

A family history of mental illness increases one's risk of depression. Having another mental illness or behavioral health disorder, such as an eating disorder, substance use disorder, somatic symptom disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can also contribute to a higher risk of depression in individuals. 

PTSD involves experiencing distressing symptoms following a traumatic event and is often linked with anxiety and depression. It may also be common for substance use disorders to co-occur with depression, as an individual may turn to substance use to cope with overwhelming symptoms. Behavioral health treatment often addresses both substance use concerns and mental illness, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

Depression affects women at more significant rates than men, possibly due to hormonal and biological factors in those assigned females at birth. However, women may be more likely to seek mental health treatment due to mental health stigmas around men and emotions. Forms of depression specific to those with internal reproductive organs include premenstrual dysphoric disorder, perinatal depression, and perimenopausal depression. 

What are the symptoms of depression?

Symptoms of major depression may vary among individuals. Anxiety, extreme fluctuations in weight, digestive problems, insomnia, and a lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities are commonly experienced symptoms by individuals with depression. Likewise, people with depression may also undergo feelings of hopelessness, concentration ailments, physical pain with no known cause, and thoughts of suicide. 

If you are experiencing thoughts or urges of suicide, call or contact or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text 988 to talk or connect to someone over SMS. They are available 24/7 to offer support. 

What is the treatment for depression?

Like many mental health conditions, depression cannot be cured. However, it is treatable and manageable with support. Effectiveness of treatment depends on how each person responds to an approach , which differs among individuals. However, some treatment methods have been shown to be effective, such as cognitive-behavioral therapyCBT therapy, even if responsiveness depends on the kind of depression, and other factors. Often, depression treatment involves a combination of medication and psychotherapy (also known as talk therapy). If an individual does not find relief from talk therapy or medication, they may choose to explore other treatment options, such as:

• Brain stimulation therapy 

• Electroconvulsive therapy

• Ketamine treatments 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 

• Family or couples therapy (if applicable)

• Trauma therapy (in the case of trauma-caused depression) 

• Art therapy

CBT focuses on challenging unhelpful thought patterns to influence one's mood and behaviors. Behavioral health counseling can be beneficial for learning to cope with mental health conditions and concerns. One can learn skills and techniques to incorporate healthy coping skills into their life.

Behavioral health involves the connection between an individual's body and mind. The focus of behavioral health is often on how one's habits impact their mental and physical well-being. Studies show there is a connection between the body and mind. For this reason, common strategies for managing depression include engaging in healthy habits such as following a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and prioritizing sleep.

An individual experiencing depression may also benefit from building a solid support system. Studies have shown the positive impact of social support on recovery from mental health conditions. One's support system may consist of trusted friends, family, an online community, a support group, or others.

What works well for one person may not work for another. Seek medical advice and learn about mental health treatment options from a licensed, trained, accredited doctor. Do not attempt to self-medicate or accept a diagnosis or treatment from someone who is not a licensed medical or mental health professional. 

Common depression myths 

Although there are many studies on depression and how it impacts the brain, it can be frustrating to learn that some people believe depression is a factitious disorder. If someone in your life has participated in these stigmas, you may benefit from learning more about common misconceptions and how to combat them. 

"Depression is just attention-seeking"  

Some individuals may believe that individuals use the label of depression to get attention or special treatment. However, this myth is untrue. Depression is a confirmed diagnosis, and many individuals living with depression withdraw from social settings and activities, which could be seen as the opposite of attention-seeking. Additionally, symptoms of depression may be distressing, overwhelming, and challenging to handle. If you ask someone with depression if they would choose to have their condition, you might get a "no" in response. 

Telling an individual who experiences depression that they are seeking attention may worsen symptoms or cause shame. If they are not currently receiving treatment, they may avoid doing so out of fear that they will not receive support. Recognizing the impact that our words, actions, and knowledge have on others can be essential to supporting someone dealing with a mental health condition like depression. 

"You're just hypersensitive" 

Some individuals may liken symptoms of depression to hypersensitivity or being a "highly sensitive person." However, facts do not support this idea. A mental health condition that impacts the brain chemistry and parts of the brain which control essential functions can go beyond sensitivity. Many celebrities, politicians, and respected community may struggle with depression and still be strong people. 

"Depression always has a cause" 

Many individuals may dismiss depression as fake or believe it is faked due to ignorance about what causes depression. They may wonder what someone has to be depressed about or assume that depression must always have a cause. They may believe that if someone is successful, well-known, or wealthy, they cannot experience depression. However, these ideas do not back up facts. 

Various risk factors can increase one's risk of depression, including biological factors (like brain chemistry), genetics, and environmental factors. One may develop depression even if they have a successful and comfortable life. Being diagnosed with another mental health condition, such as an eating disorder, substance use disorder, somatic symptom disorder, or PTSD, may also contribute to a higher risk of depression. 

How to combat depression myths 

If you encounter people who believe that depression is fake and that those with it are faking depression, you may feel angry, hurt, or upset. Try not to lash out, however. Leave the situation or communicate what you know about up-to-date research if you can. You do not have to educate someone if it feels like that may violate your boundaries. However, it could open their mind to the statistics that exist. 

People may not have knowledge about depression in some cases. For example, some parents struggle to accept that their child has a mental illness and may be surprised when, on a school visit, they learn that their child is exhibiting symptoms of depression. Often, an individual may grow up in a family where they are shamed for having emotions or mental health challenges and may repeat messages they heard from their family. 

Although you might not change someone's mind, opening the door to education could be rewarding. 

What to do if I have depression or someone I love has depression 

If you or someone you know is living with depression, ensure that a solid support system and crisis plan are in place. Having people who support and love you can make the symptoms of depression feel manageable over time. One's support system may consist of trusted friends, families such as parents, an online community, or a support group. For some, pets or animals are part of their support group. 

Supporting someone living with depression 

Supporting someone experiencing challenges with depression may include encouraging them to get professional support if needed. Professional support may include a psychiatrist, therapist, or medical professional. Certain people may be more receptive to accepting professional help, while others may have reservations. 

In cases of depression, an individual might feel that a suggestion of counseling or therapy means something is inherently wrong with them. Try to be encouraging, open-minded, and validating. Do not participate in mental health stigmas by repeating mental health myths. 

How to support children or teens with depression 

Often, counseling is available for children and teens. Since millions of children and teens experience depression each year, certain specialists are often educated on the symptoms that can come with younger age brackets. Medication and certain types of psychotherapy may be recommended. Support your children by validating their experiences and educating them about the effects of their condition. 

Can online therapy treat symptoms of depression?

Online counseling has shown effectiveness in treating the symptoms associated with depression. In the above study, researchers delivered an online form of CBT to a group of over 7,000 participants experiencing challenges with depression and anxiety. After treatment and follow-up, 46 to 51% of participants sustained reduced symptoms.

In addition to its efficacy, online therapy may have other benefits. Some people experiencing depression may find it hard to engage in basic hygiene practices, dress in clean clothes, or leave the house. With online platforms like BetterHelp, you can schedule an appointment with an empathetic and licensed therapist from your bedroom at all hours, and the therapist will get back to you as soon as they can. Online therapy is often more affordable than traditional in-person therapy, which may be optimal for people whose depression is linked to financial s