| MYTH:
Depression isn't really an illness. |
| |
FACT:
The brain is an organ of the body that can
get sick just like the heart, liver or
kidneys. Chemicals in the brain,
called neurotransmitters, regulate how
people think, feel and act. The brain can
get sick if these chemicals are out of
balance or get disrupted, and the illness
called clinical depression can result. |
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|
| MYTH:
All people who have depression appear to be
sad. |
| |
FACT: There are
many different symptoms associated with
depression; sadness is only one of them.
Some people have chronic anger,worry, panic,
or anxiety. Many hide their feelings of
despair and smile to mask their pain. |
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|
| MYTH:
People with depression are weak and should
be able to snap themselves out of it. |
| |
FACT: Depression
doesn't have anything to do with a person's
character or willpower. It is an
illness that people can't talk themselves
out of, just like people can't talk
themselves out of having diabetes or heart
disease. Treatment is the best way to stop
depression. |
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|
| MYTH:
Something bad has to happen to people in
order for them to get depression. |
| |
FACT: Depression
can happen at any time, even when a person's
life is going well. Stressful
events can trigger or exacerbate depression,
but anyone can get depression regardless of
age, race, economic status, or environment.
One in four Americans will have a depressive
illness at some time in their lives. |
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|
| MYTH:
Most people with depression can't be helped. |
| |
FACT: Depression
can be effectively treated in 90 percent of
cases with a combination of medication and
therapy. Unfortunately, only 1 in 3
people with depression will get help. |
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|
| MYTH:
Depression is something to be ashamed of and
you shouldn't talk about it with others. |
| |
FACT: People
aren't ashamed of having other illnesses,
like heart disease or diabetes; they
shouldn't be embarrassed about having
depression either. If depression is
discussed more openly, more people will
recognize symptoms, understand treatment
options, and realize it's a serious illness.
Shame and stigma are the main reasons people
don't get the help they need. |
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|
| MYTH:
Depression isn't really serious. |
| |
FACT: Depression
is a serious illness that can be deadly.
Experts estimate that at least 70 percent of
suicides are a result of untreated
depression. Untreated depression in adults
can also lead to unemployment, financial
problems, divorce, or substance abuse. In
young people, it can cause problems at home,
in school, and with friendships. |
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|
| MYTH:
Asking someone, "Have you ever felt so badly
that you've thought about suicide?" will
plant the idea in a person's head and
possibly cause a suicide attempt. |
| |
FACT: Suicidal
thoughts (in varying degrees) can be a
symptom of depression. Most people,
when asked, will be truthful about their
feelings and will be relieved to know
someone cares enough to ask and assist them
in getting help. Asking people about
suicidal thoughts or plans can help save
lives. |
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|
| MYTH:
Suicides usually happen without warning. |
| |
FACT: Studies
show that about 80 percent of people who
attempt or complete suicide will either hint
at it or directly tell a friend or relative
about plans for suicide. They may
also make statements about feeling hopeless,
helpless or worthless. Warning signs may
also include: suddenly becoming happier or
calmer, visiting or calling loved ones to
say goodbye, self-destructive behaviors,
setting affairs in order, or giving things
away. |
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|
| MYTH:
You should keep quiet about a suicide plan,
if someone asks you to keep it a secret. |
| |
FACT: Never keep
a suicide plan a secret. When young
people are concerned about a friend or
relative, they should tell an adult. Adults
who are concerned about a friend or family
member should build a support system and
guide the person to a medical professional
for a depression evaluation and suicide
assessment. |