This video describes seven myths of depression (Major Depressive Disorder).
Myth number one is that depression is expected, everyone gets it from time to time, and it's not a real disorder. One reason this myth was started and continues is because of the normal emotion or feeling of sadness. The terms depression and sadness become confused. Sadness is normal and experienced by everyone at some time, however, depression is not just a strong feeling of sadness.
Myth number two is that depression is always triggered by stress. Major depressive episodes that occur in major depressive disorder can be triggered by stress but they're not always triggered by stress.
Myth number three is that depression isn't dangerous or serious. Depression is quite serious. Even if you take away the risk of suicide and self-harm, depression still has a lot of consequences. It affects relationships, career, self-esteem, and how productive somebody can be.
Myth number four is that you can't be depressed and anxious at the same time. Not only can somebody be depressed and anxious at the same time, it's actually remarkably common.
Myth number five is that people with depression simply need to snap out of it. Someone can't just snap out of a major depressive episode or from depressive feelings. It simply has nothing to do with this disorder.
Myth number six is that talking about depression will make the symptoms worse. We know that mental health counseling mental health talk therapy tends to be quite effective for major depressive disorder, so talking about it in that context is usually helpful.
Myth number seven is that depression will go away by itself. Even though some depressive episodes may end without treatment, mental health treatment tends to reduce the duration of major depressive episodes. Treatment is the most effective way to reduce the symptoms of depression, not “toughing it out” or “waiting it out.”