Depression, like most mental health challenges, is often misunderstood. From thinking it’s simply being sad to believing treatment doesn’t work, misconceptions can be dangerous and prevent people from getting support.
Rogers Behavioral Health’s Dr. Tyler Rickers, DO, psychiatrist, Depression Recovery residential treatment for adults, debunks six common myths and explains what we should know about recognizing depression and getting help.
What are common myths about depression?
Myth #1: Depression, sadness, and a bad mood are the same thing.
Fact: You can be sad due to a life event, which is natural, just like when something good or positive happens and you feel happy. All of us feel sadness and happiness at times. Just because a person is in a bad mood or sad doesn’t mean they’re depressed. Depression involves changes in our biochemistry. A person with depression experiences more intense and longer-lasting feelings of sadness, along with feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
Myth #2: You can tell a person is depressed because they’re crying all the time.
Fact: A lot of people who are depressed are so numb, they don’t cry at all. They’re not functioning in life like they used to. Crying doesn’t necessarily mean that a person is depressed. You can certainly be depressed without crying.
Myth #3 People who are depressed are lazy and need to pull themselves out of it.
Fact: There’s no evidence that people who struggle with depression are lazy. In fact, some of the most highly productive people in the world have struggled with depression. Depression isn’t about laziness and it’s not about someone being able to suck it up and get better. It takes more than that. No one can simply will themselves to be better.
Myth #4: Depression affects mostly women.
Fact: Depression may be more recognized in women, in part because men can be more hesitant to seek treatment. They try and tough it out and think it will get better on its own. Stigma causes men to think they’re weak if they get help. That’s a pretty harmful myth and keeps men from seeking support.
Myth #5: Treatment means I’ll be on medication for the rest of my life.
Fact: That’s simply not the case. There are many ways to treat depression including psychotherapy, addressing underlying medical conditions or deficiencies, and getting people moving and doing things. Medications are helpful and can play a role in treatment, but it doesn’t mean a person will need to take them for the rest of their life.
Myth #6: Depression treatment doesn’t work.
I’ve been doing this work for 25 years, and I can tell you that depression treatment does make a difference. I’ve seen young men come into our program who haven’t wanted to get treatment, but once they begin talking about how they’re feeling and start doing things again, they start to feel better. When we see someone here at Rogers, we take the time to figure out what’s going on medically and mentally. We listen to them. We try to understand what their stressors are. And we do so with a lot of compassion and empathy. Sometimes just having a routine and some support can help people.
When should someone seek help for depression?
I encourage seeking help for depression sooner rather than later, especially if you’re:
- Feeling down
- Experiencing decreased energy
- Having difficulty concentrating
- Unable to go to work or school
- Not doing daily activities like showering, eating, or brushing your teeth
- Withdrawing from friends and family
- Not doing activities you used to enjoy doing
- Having suicidal thoughts or feeling like life isn’t worth living
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, or ashamed
How can I offer support to someone who is struggling with depression?
If you think someone you love might be depressed, encourage them to talk about it. Really listen to what they’re saying, and don’t be quick to offer advice. Oftentimes, when people are depressed, they’re told, “This is what you need to do” or “You should try this or that.” Instead, ask how you can provide support and encourage them to get help for their mental health.
This work is rewarding because I get to see people get better. And it’s not just me. I have a team of people including therapists, behavior specialists, and experiential therapists who provide a lot of support and encouragement.
Rogers offers depression and mood disorder treatment
Our depression treatment works. We can help you overcome a range of depressive and other mood disorders, including:
- Depression, bipolar disorder, and other mood disorders
- Emotional dysregulation (female adolescent treatment at our Nashotah Center)
- Disruptive mood regulation disorder (DMDD)
Call 833-308-5887 for a free, confidential screening.
Common misconceptions include believing depression is simply sadness, that people with depression are lazy, that you can always tell when someone is depressed, and that treatment doesn’t work.
Sadness is a natural emotional response to life events, while depression can involve more intense and longer-lasting symptoms that affect how a person feels and functions.
No. Depression isn’t a sign of laziness or something a person can simply overcome through willpower. It can affect energy, motivation, and the ability to manage everyday activities.
Treatment can include psychotherapy, medication, addressing underlying medical concerns, and building routines and activities that support recovery.
Consider seeking help when symptoms such as low mood, decreased energy, difficulty concentrating, withdrawing from others, loss of interest, feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, or difficulty with daily activities begin affecting your life.
