Depression is a severe illness that manifests not only with a low mood but also with many other symptoms.
MYTH 1: Depression is not an illness. It is just laziness, lack of discipline, or looseness
In reality, depression is a disease caused by an imbalance of certain substances that transmit information in the brain: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine, etc. It is as impossible to get rid of depression through sheer willpower as it is to "pull yourself together" and cure hypertension or diabetes
MYTH 2: Depression does not develop without cause
Depression can have several causes, all of which are complex and difficult to understand. In some situations, depression may be clearly associated with a stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, job loss, moving, etc. In other cases, these states may occur for no apparent reason. The person experiences a painful feeling of confusion and unreasonableness of their condition, even though all aspects of life seem to be going well. Causes are conditionally divided into those dependent and independent of the person. Independent factors include genetic predisposition and adverse environmental influences. It is believed that risk factors related to lifestyle can be eliminated, but the extent depends greatly on the individual's capabilities and support from loved ones
MYTH 3: I can handle it myself
Just as it is impossible to handle appendicitis alone or run on a broken leg, it is impossible to cope with depression independently.
The longer depression is left untreated, the more likely it will become chronic, other somatic diseases will join, and the quality of life will worsen
In a painful state, one can lose a job, spoil relationships with loved ones, further intensifying depression symptoms. Medication treatment combined with psychotherapy can help avoid this
MYTH 4: Antidepressants cause addiction, "zombify," or "turn into a vegetable"
Antidepressants do not alter consciousness or perception of reality. They are not "happy pills." They do not cause addiction. Taking an antidepressant to eliminate a chemical imbalance in the brain is no different from taking medication for diabetes or hypothyroidism
MYTH 5: My family and friends will think I am crazy if they find out I went to a psychiatrist and take antidepressants
Firstly, having depression is not a sign of insanity, and taking antidepressants does not mean you have lost your mind. Deciding to take antidepressants is a rational decision that will help you overcome psychological and medical problems such as depression, anxiety, apathy, weakness, poor sleep and appetite, and difficulties with concentration and memory. It is up to you to decide whether to inform anyone about your treatment. Your visit to a psychiatrist and medical records are confidential information
MYTH 6: When seeing a psychiatrist, you will be put on a registry
Such practice indeed existed decades ago. Nowadays, you can consult at a private medical center. You can clarify your condition without the slightest risk of being put on a registry
MYTH 7: Antidepressants didn't help me before
Remember that antidepressants are not like headache pills with a quick effect.
Some people think antidepressants should only be taken on bad days. The prescribed medication must be taken daily
Your antidepressant dose or treatment duration may have been insufficient. Some patients stop taking it without waiting for improvement. It takes 2-3 weeks for a doctor to decide to increase the dose or change to another antidepressant if the initial treatment is ineffective. Due to individual sensitivity, sometimes different medications need to be tried to find the optimal one. Treating depression sometimes requires patience!
MYTH 8: Antidepressants negatively affect sexual desire
Depression itself, as a medical problem, can cause sexual dysfunction. Therefore, patients often notice that their sexual life improves after starting treatment due to overall improvement in their condition. If a sexual side effect develops, there are two options: wait, as this side effect may pass on its own, or switch to another medication. All sexual side effects disappear within a few days
MYTH 9: Antidepressants cause weight gain
The doctor carefully selects medication that does not have this side effect. Modern antidepressants do not cause weight gain. Weight gain may be a symptom of your depression. Complete recovery from depression can help you lose weight
MYTH 10: Antidepressants only help with depression. They are not prescribed for anxiety
The same mechanisms are involved in the occurrence of anxiety and depression. Antidepressants have significantly fewer side effects compared to tranquilizers and do not cause addiction. Worldwide, anxiety treatment starts with antidepressants
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