Notes

Depression is sometimes called the
“invisible” disease because you
cannot see it through a microscope
or medical body scan. How do you
fight against an invisible problem?
I would think it would be hard.
Plus, it is scary to imagine some
disease lurking in your brain
without being able to operate on it!
Although being diagnosed with
depression can be scary and
daunting, there are some specific
myths about depression that all of
us must cast aside in order to
stand against depression and win.
1. Depression can’t be treated
This myth is one that you
absolutely cannot believe.
Depression is a challenge, not a
death sentence. In fact, as soon as
you embrace the possibility that
you may be experiencing
depression, the better your
chances are of learning to manage
your depression. As a
psychotherapist, and as someone
that has dealt with depression
personally, it is a battle that can be
won. I have personally witnessed
many clients of mine overcome the
grip of depression and reclaim
their life. Put it to the test: talk to
any therapist, psychologist and/or
even your doctor, and you will
hear the same thing: depression is
treatable and you CAN overcome it.
Do not delay another day. Face it
and fight it head on.
2. The only way to treat
depression is through medication
Medication can be great for
depression. It can definitely relieve
many of the symptoms you may be
experiencing, but it is definitely
not the only way to treat
depression. Actually, my experience
has shown that only using
medication is good for a while, but
it does not remedy depression
outright. For example, think of a
brand new car. This brand new car
is wonderful in all aspects. It
smells wonderful, it shines
beautifully, and it runs crappy.
Why? Because it has a bad tire.
One, and only one bad tire, can
ruin a brand new car. It is the
same with depression. You are the
new car, but this depression is
causing you to run bad. Medication
will help fix that tire for a
temporary time, but it will not fix
the tire for good. There are many
therapies used in psychotherapy
that can help, in addition with
medication, to relieve depression.
Believe it or not, therapists are
specifically trained to help
reconfigure the way you see
yourself, the world, your
experiences and even your
memories so that any depressive
ghosts no longer attach themselves
to your life.
3. If I’m depressed, there’s
something flawed inside me
It is a quirky statement to say that
because you’re depressed, you are
internally flawed. If you use that
same logic and apply it to people
who are physically ill, would you
say they are flawed too? Sure, they
are physically sick, but it does not
mean that there is something
embarrassing, shameful or
dishonorable about them, does it?
Yes, some people contribute to
sicknesses because of diet, or bad
habits, like smoking, but it does
not mean that anyone that is sick is
an alien invader of the human race
and must be ostracized from
society. Some people get sick for
unknown reasons and sometimes
we just don’t know why certain
illnesses pop up in our lives. It
does not mean you are broken,
despicable or unworthy! Having the
challenge of depression simply
means you have a fight in front of
you and that it’s time to lace up
the gloves. When you get a cold or
a stomach flu, you do things to
make it better, right? It is exactly
the same with depression. Do
something to make it better.
Thinking that you are flawed has
nothing to do with being depressed
and getting out from under its
grip.
4. My family can’t help me
through depression
This is probably one of the biggest
myths about depression. Actually,
the opposite of this myth is true.
Without your family’s help and
support, depression can get worse.
Studies on the relationship between
depression and family have shown
that the support and
communication with family can
increase self-esteem, a sense of
belonging and reciprocal positive
interactions. This benefit can only
be achieved by having your family
learn about your depression and
ways in which they can be your
greatest entourage and support
team. There is nothing in the world
as valuable and as powerful as the
support and love from family.
There are several reasons why
family is a great weapon against
depression. First, family can
demonstrate that there is variety,
spice and purpose to life. Second,
family can send positive messages
to you about life and about you.
Positive interactions with family
members will help you feel
supported, loved and will increase
your ability to take care of
yourself. Third, family can help you
feel like you are connected and
that you belong to a group of
beings bigger than yourself. More
is better in fighting something like
depression!
5. My spouse cannot help me
through depression
If you happen to be married, or in
a committed relationship, then
depression could try to stick its
ugly hands into the relationship
and really cause some havoc.
However, you and your partner
could unite and fight depression
together, instead of allowing it to
become a wedge. Actually, studies
show that a person can improve
simply by being in a relationship
where both are working towards
actively fighting against depression.
On the other hand, improvement is
not as good if the depressed
individual is going to counseling
alone or is fighting depression
alone. Again, two are better than
one when it comes to depression.
Get open about your challenge and
get specific recommendations from
a licensed therapist on how to turn
the tide of your relationship before
depression has a firm grip on it.