How to Educate Others About Depression

Depression is a hard illness to overcome on your own. It's especially made harder when those around you believe in the myths about depression. It can make the recovery process more difficult and, if you've ever dealt with depression, you know how hard it already is. Educating people is the only way to combat all the myths out there about depression.

Things You'll Need

• Pen or Pencil
• Paper

Instructions

1. Know the myths. Common myths about depression includes statements such as depression is not a real medical illness or that there's nothing that can be done about it. None are true. Depression is an illness that can affect men and women of any age and it is very difficult to live with if you don't seek help.

2. Debunk the myths. Print off this list or write it down and then underneath each myth write what the fact is.

   Myth: Depression is not a real medical illness.
   Fact: Depression is a serious mental illness that is recognized by the medical profession and is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), published by the American Psychiatric Association.

   Myth: Even if depression is a medical illness, there's nothing that can be done about it.
   Fact: Wrong. There are plenty of treatments for depression--therapy, medication, counseling, group counseling, to name a few.

   Myth: Depression is no different from getting the "blues".
   Fact: The "blues" only last for a short amount of time and are usually present after some kind of tragic event in a person's life. Depression lasts longer and is not necessary attributed to a specific event. It's symptoms are also worse then the "blues".

   Myth: Depression only affects women.
   Fact: Wrong. Depression affects everyone.

   Myth: It's all in your head.
   Fact: Part of this is true as depression has been linked to low levels of certain hormones in the brain, but depression also affects your entire body. Due to this, you can't think your way out of depression; your body and soul must also be treated.

   Myth: Depression is something that strong people can "snap out of" by
   thinking positively or by overworking.
   Fact: Again, depression is not something you can think yourself out of, nor should you ignore depression by overworking (this will worsen your symptoms as it will delay your seeking professional help). Thinking positively does help in the fight against depression but it will not cure depression.

   Myth: Antidepressants will change your personality.
   Fact: In some ways it will. Antidepressants are used to balance the hormone levels in your brain and body and thus, have a positive effect on fighting depression. When you start to heal from depression, your personality will change in a positive way (you'll talk more, you'll go out more) but antidepressants will not change who you truly are.

   Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
   Fact: Completely untrue. Talking about depression is one of the best forms of therapy.

3. Make copies of this list and give it to your family and friends. If you are not yet comfortable talking about your depression, this is a great way to start educating others about it (and yourself).

4. Talk about your depression with others. The best way for someone to understand depression is if they know first-hand what it is like. Having someone explain it to them in their own words (instead of a lot of medical jargon) and provide first-hand experiences, makes it easier for that person to put themselves in your shoes.

5. Refer your family and friends to websites that provide information on depression or ask them to talk to their doctor. As more research is done on depression, more information becomes available to medical professionals and the general public. It's recommend that those suffering from depression keep abreast of any new developments, information and break-troughs.

Tips & Warnings

• Never give up. It may take some time for those who do not suffer from depression to fully understand the illness, but don't let that delay you from getting better.

• Never let someone else's beliefs about depression prevent you from getting the help you need. Continue to focus on yourself and your recovery.

Resources

• DSM-IV
• WebMD: Guide to Depression