Living with Major Depressive Disorder can make everyday tasks difficult to accomplish. Activities such as eating, sleeping, going to work or hanging out with friends can feel daunting and leave an individual with depression feeling exhausted. If you or a loved one is struggling to find energy in your daily life there is hope.
In the past, adults living with major depressive disorder have often succumb to the negative societal stigma associated with depression causing individuals to go without necessary treatment. Thanks to innovative support organizations and clinical research teams, depression has recently become much more accepted and is becoming recognized as a disease or injury similar to that of a broken bone or diabetes. This recent transition has allowed patients to become more comfortable and receive appropriate care.
Clinical research has played a large role in influencing today’s depression stature. Through previous studies, researchers have been able to learn more about the disease and address the following negative connotations and myths associated with adult major depressive disorder.
Myth #1 – Depression is simply the result of an individual going through a tough time.
–Depression is often thought of as a temporary state of being, often following a tough period in an individual’s life. While depression can be caused by a life circumstance, researchers have discovered that it can also be caused by factors such as genetics or a chemical balance occurring in the brain.
Myth #2 – An individual living with depression will seek help on their own if they want it.
-Depression can make an individual feel debilitated, helpless, and drained of any ability to ask for help. If you are worried about a friend or loved one try to encourage them to speak with a professional. If the individual is unable to do so, try asking for their permission to talk to someone on their behalf.
Myth #3 – Talking is enough to treat depression.
-While talking with family or friends about your depression may be enough to assist with daily ups and downs in life, serious depression requires the knowledge and expertise of doctors, counsellors, and psychologists. These professionals will be able to recommend lifestyle strategies to help manage and potentially eliminate your depression.
Myth #4 – Depression needs to be treated with antidepressants.
-Antidepressants are not necessary in all cases of depression. Depending on the severity of an individual’s depression different treatment methods may be recommended. Today there are numerous treatment options for an individual suffering from depression.
Myth #5 – Having depression is a sign of weakness.
-Believing that depression is a sign of weakness is a harmful misconception. Individuals that are embarrassed or ashamed by their depression often have a harder time seeking out the help that they need. Depression can affect all kinds of people at any time during their life. An individual attempting to obtain treatment should be encouraged and looked at no differently than an individual seeking treatment for any other illness.
Depression is not a choice. It is a real illness with real symptoms and is not something that an individual can simply “snap out of”. Treating depression takes time, care, and creating steps towards improving your overall wellbeing.
If you or a loved one is currently living with depression contact us today to see if you qualify for our clinical research study on adult major depressive disorder and finally receive the care you need.
Interested in participating in a Major Depressive Disorder study? Call us at 512-382-6661.