What Depression Isn't
Anyone who has experienced depression, or witnessed somebody close to them go through it would know that it can be quite difficult to describe. Sometimes it can consist of quizzical paradoxes, other times it can feel like a whirlwind of emotions and sometimes it can feel completely numb. There are a number of resources available regarding common symptoms, precedents and treatment options for depression. However with the stigma surrounding depression and mental illness in general being so prevalent and damaging in today’s society, it is equally important to understand what depression isn't.
Depression … ISN’T Sadness
Sadness is a normal human emotion. It’s a normal response to difficult, hurtful or disappointing events. Depression on the other hand is a mental illness that is characterized by a range of symptoms, not just sadness. Depression can impact ones thinking, emotions and behaviours in all aspects of life in long-lasting and significant ways. While we are usually able to recognise what the cause of our sadness is and tend to feel better once we’ve moved on from it, depression does not necessarily require a trigger and usually takes a long time to recover from.
ISN’T Fake
Depression is a mental illness, it is recognised in the DSM-5 and has a social, psychological and neurological basis to it. In fact, people who experience depression actually have physical differences in their brain as well as changes in their neurotransmitters. Just like any other physical illness it has a number of symptoms, causes and treatment options - they just may not be as clear.
ISN’T Weakness
Depression does not discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, culture, socioeconomic status, circumstance or perceived mental strength. It can even affect people who – from an outsiders perspective – have ‘no reason to be depressed’. In fact quite the opposite is true; people who experience depression are actually quite resilient. Working towards improving; understanding and enhancing ones mental health is an act of strength in itself.
ISN’T Obvious
‘But you don’t look depressed’ … the truth is, depression looks different on everyone. While some people are open books and wear their emotions on their sleeve, other people have an excellent poker face but might break down once they are alone. It’s important to remember not to judge a book by its cover and to take any claim of depression or symptoms of depression seriously.
ISN’T Something you can just ‘get over’
‘You’ll get over it’ may be one of the most frustrating pieces of advice someone experiencing depression can be given. Telling someone experiencing depression to ‘just get over it’ is just as helpful as telling someone with high blood pressure to ‘just lower it’. Both usually require the use of strategies, interventions, professional assistance and patience. While you may be able to overcome both, there is a process involved - if people could just snap out of it, they would.
ISN’T Forever
It’s easy to feel as if these feelings will never go away, it’s easy to feel as if you’ve tried all you can but there is just no way out of this. You’re not alone if you’ve had these thoughts, in fact they are very common when it comes to depression however the truth is depression is very treatable and a number of people do recover from it.
It is important to remember that everyone’s experience is different and that triggers, symptoms and the severity of depression will differ from individual to individual. If you believe that you may be suffering from a depressive disorder make an appointment with a doctor who will be able to help evaluate this. If you need help now please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia wide) or if you are in immediate danger call 000.