Depression means you're sad (and other lies we're told)

Uncovering Your Truth - Part Two

f you’ve been diagnosed with (or suspect you may have) depression, you might be surprised to learn just how many of the things you’ve been told about depression just aren’t true. Unfortunately, many myths about depression exist that can get in the way of getting adequate support when you’re depressed. 

When you’re working on healing something like depression, you might be frustrated to find yourself feeling short-tempered or unable to relax. But did you know those might be symptoms of depression too? We’re uncovering some of the biggest myths about depression today so you can get the support you crave but, spoiler alert: they might really surprise you! 

Before you begin, remember that our professionals are always here to help

Myth: If you’re not sad, it isn’t depression 

Often depicted as a gray cloud, a sad person, or even Eeyore, your symptoms being synonymous with sad listlessness is one of the biggest myths about depression. But that’s not the reality for everyone who thinks they may need some support but doesn’t think it’s depression. 

Fact: Depression has many expressions (and many types!) 

Depression is a chameleon in many ways, and support, when you’re depressed, should be too. There are more than half a dozen different types of depression recognized in most clinical settings.

Navigating each type to identify your own is already a lot and we haven’t even gotten to the most important bit: each type may express itself differently depending on who is going through it. It’s okay—and even encouraged—to expect your needs to adapt and change through those expressions. 

Other symptoms of depression 

How you feel when you’re depressed will vary often. You may be sad, angry, frustrated, overworked, or even just utterly blank. From day to day, and even moment to moment, you’ll experience depression through the lens of your life. It will dress up in the filters of your mood, your schedule, your care routine, and even the community you build around yourself. 

Some symptoms of depression may show up in your

Sleep: being unable to sleep (insomnia), or constantly exhausted and unable to leave your bed for too long. 

Mood: feeling detached from your emotions or circumstances, or completely overwhelmed by them. 

Productivity: feeling like you must do everything, or utterly frozen when you try to do anything at all. 

Body: your body may change in size or shape, or even strength. 

Self-esteem: feelings of worthlessness or feeling convinced the entire world is relying on you alone. 

Focus: So focused you fail to connect with other things, or are unable to complete tasks. 

Both ends of the spectrum can represent a mood disorder and indicate that it’s time to get support for depression and whatever else may be going on in your life. 

Myth: Medication will change who you are 

There is a lot of fear surrounding medication that can sometimes support depression treatment like SSRIs. These medications work by changing the way your mind engages with and responds to your happy chemicals so it makes sense why this myth got a foothold in the minds of those grappling with their treatment options. 

Fact: Medication is not the boss of you.

Even though a medication may change the way you feel your depression and introduce some new (and admittedly sometimes not super fun) side effects, it cannot and will not alter the core of you. You are indelibly, beautifully, wonderfully you, and these medications are designed to strip back the filters of falseness that depression has created. 

You will still be you, even with the support of medication from a licensed mental health professional if that’s what you decide to explore. 

Myth: Only women get depression. 

Of the myths about depression we are talking about today, this one is by far the most dangerous for all of us. Due to stigma and limited conversations regarding mental health across the broader population, it continues to be perpetuated that only women will experience depression. 

Fact: Depression can affect anyone, at any time. 

This section contains statistics that may be triggering. Please read with your safety in mind.

Men and even children can and do experience depression. In fact, did you know that men can also experience prenatal and postpartum depression? While most medical research favors men, mental health research goes the other way. Studies and literature so seldomly explore the experience of men that their mental health needs may go unnoticed. 

According to the APA, 9% of men feel depressed daily in the US and over 30% of men have been depressed at some point in their lives. Despite this, less than a quarter of those men are receiving mental health support for these feelings. Men make up the highest percentage of any demographic to complete suicide. 

Additionally, children and teens experience depression at a rapidly rising rate. Having lived through a globally traumatic event, young children are experiencing the world in difficult and surprising ways that can feel intense. If your child is showing signs of depression (we listed some above, but you can find more information here), please reach out to a licensed therapist to seek support developed just for them.

No matter what you’re feeling, Luna Joy can help you find support in 13 states when you’re depressed, struggling with anxiety, and more. Reach out today! 

care@hellolunajoy.com