5 MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT DEPRESSION
Depression na psychological disorder wen dey characterised by constant low mood over a period of time, loss of interest for person hobbies and preferred activities, poor concentration, sleep difficulties, and feelings of guilt, hopelessness, and helplessness.
Na serious disorder wen fit range from mild to severe and wen dey require treatment in the form of therapy and/or medication.
But, the plenty beliefs people get about depression, em cause and treatment means say considerable stigma dey if people know about person diagnosis and say person dey receive treatment.
Wetin be some of these myths and misconceptions?
Myth: Depression na sign of weakness or laziness.
Fact: say person get depression nor mean say e dey weak. Anybody fit experience depression at any time. Soldiers, professors, doctors, students, lawyers, accountants, pastors, and more fit all experience depression. Depression na major disorder wen dey caused by imbalance for the neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) of the brain or by major life events like loss of loved one, divorce, financial difficulties, or chronic disease diagnosis.
Myth: Depression na normal part of life.
Fact: While moments of sadness na regular part of life, depression nor be regular part of life . Depression means say person dey experience constant sadness for long period of time even when good things happen or no significant negative event don happen . E dey alright to dey sad from time to time, but the sad moments dey usually pass. If you find yourself say you dey feel very unhappy for a long period of time, abeg follow professional talk.
Myth: Depression nor real, na your head e dey .
Fact: Depression na serious condition wen fit lead to loss of life if dem leave am unmanaged. person wen dey depressed nor fit decide to stop to dey sad or to just ignore the disorder. Just because say we nor fit easily see the physical signs of depression nor mean say e go reduce em effect on the lives of people wen dey struggle with this disorder. Depression also get physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and sleeping difficulties wen go contribute to general feeling of sickness .
Myth: shebi depression na the same thing as feeling sad?
Fact: even though people dey use these terms together , feeling sad and feeling depressed na two different things. Feelings of sadness nor dey last for long period of time but depression fit last for months and even years. Sadness go commot by em self but depression dey require professional help. Plus, feeling sad na just one of the key symptoms wen dey characterise this disorder.
Myth: Depression dey affect only women.
Fact: Depression nor dey discriminate. Men, women, the young, and the old all dem dey l experience depression. Statistical data shows say the commonness dey higher among women than among men. This one nor be because less men dey experience depression, but because men dey less likely to talk about am, get diagnosis, and receive treatment for the disorder. Men fit also report different symptoms like feeling angry, physical aches and pains, and memory problems.
Conclusion
Myths na false beliefs wen we dey hold about something when dey happen. These myths fit contribute to stigma and prevent people with depression make dem nor speak up about the disorder or seek help. Depression nor be badge of permanent mental ill health. E fit dey managed for variety of ways such as through psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and medical treatments wen e dey necessary.
