http://hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/10202
Despite being one of the most common mental disorders,
depression is often misunderstood. These myths and misconceptions
may contribute to the stigma attached to depression, discouraging
those affected to talk about their symptoms or seek help and
treatment.
Here is a list of myths and commonly held misconceptions about
depression, and the corresponding facts.
MYTH: Depression is rare and will not happen to
me.
FACT: Depression can happen to anyone, regardless of sex,
race or age. It affects 121 million people worldwide1
and is one of the most common mental health problems. The World
Health Organization estimates that 5 10% of people may need help
for depression at any time and as many as 8 20% of people carry the
risk of developing depression during their
lifetime2.
MYTH: Depression is about feeling sad.
FACT: Depression is more than feeling sad. Persistent
feelings of sadness is one of the symptoms of depression. However,
depression also involves physical symptoms such as changes in
appetite and quality of sleep, emotional symptoms such as feelings
of worthlessness and changes in behaviour such as the loss of
interest in our usual activities. For people experiencing
depression, these symptoms continue for more than two weeks.
See the full list of depression symptoms
here.
MYTH: Depression is a sign of weakness.
FACT: Depression is unrelated to the strength of someone s
character; it is a serious medical condition like asthma or
diabetes. Depression is often triggered by major life events that
may be challenging to cope with, e.g., the loss of a loved one,
loss of job, etc.
MYTH: Depression is temporary and will go away by
itself.
FACT: Depression will not go away by itself. It is a
medical condition that requires treatment and support. In fact, the
symptoms of depression are likely to get worse if left untreated.
Thus, it is important to seek help early to prevent depressive
symptoms from getting worse.
MYTH: Depression cannot be treated.
FACT: Depression is among the most treatable of all mental
health conditions. The World Health Organization reported that 60-
80% of individuals positively respond to a combination of
medication and psychotherapy treatments3. Nevertheless,
it is important to understand that treatment for depression takes
time and that recovery may take many months.
MYTH: Depression can only be treated by
medication.
FACT: Medication is only one of the available options for
treatment of depression. Depression may also be treated using
psychological intervention or counselling, lifestyle changes etc.
The treatment needs of each individual may be different. Some
people may find medication most effective, for others psychological
intervention may be most helpful; a combination of treatments may
work best for others. Thus, it is best to approach a mental health
professional to find out more about different types of treatment
and to develop an individualised support plan.
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/health-article/340
In some people, depression can be so severe that it dominates
their lives, preventing them from coping as they used to, and
losing interest in things that they used to enjoy. Depression of
this degree is an illness and needs treatment.
Depression is a medical illness. It is not due to moral weakness
or a character flaw. It cannot be willed or wished away.
Major depression is manifested by a combination
of symptoms that affect our work, interests and feelings towards
family and friends. These disabling episodes can occur twice or
several times in a lifetime.
Dysthymia is a less severe type of depression.
People with dysthymia have long-term depressive symptoms and it
prevents them from functioning at an optimal level.
Certain characteristic symptoms can give you or your family a
clue that you are depressed:
Some types of depression run in families, indicating hereditary
or genetic factors in the transmission of depressive disorders. In
some families, major depression seems to occur generation after
generation.
Studies have also suggested some biological component in
depression. It may be associated with having too little or too much
chemicals in the brain. Certain medications have mood altering
properties. Antidepressant medication act by altering and
normalizing the biochemical imbalances in the brain.
Life events such as loss of a job, retirement, divorce, death of
a loved one or moving to a new house can precipitate a depressive
illness. Social circumstances also play a part. If we are alone,
have few or no friends, suffer from a chronic illness, then we may
be more vulnerable to depression.
People with life threatening or long-term physical illness such
as cancer, stroke, arthritis or heart disease are also more
vulnerable to depression. Personality may also play a part in
depression. Some of us are more vulnerable than others because of
the individual make-up or early life experiences.
Very often, a combination of genetic, psychological and
environmental factors is involved in the onset of depression.
The good news is that whatever the cause, depression is
treatable.
Treatment for depression is well established. 85% of people with
major depression have fairly good treatment outcome. Treatment
consists of drug (antidepressant medication) and non-drug therapy.
Usually, a combined treatment is best: medication to gain
relatively quick relief and psychotherapy to learn more effective
ways to deal with life stresses.
http://www.hpb.gov.sg/HOPPortal/article?id=10210
Depression is more than feeling down
or being sad. Depression may affect your work, interest in
activities and quality of life. It is not a sign of weakness and it
does not just 'go away'. Depression can happen to anyone.
Depression is a medical condition
that affects how you think and behave, and the way you feel and
function. It is one of the most common mental health problems and
is faced by over 121 million people worldwide1. In
Singapore, an estimated 5.6% of the population are affected by
depression during their lifetime2.
Learn more about myths and common misconceptions about
depression.
Depression is different from normal sadness as it interferes
with your day-to-day life making it hard for you to work, rest and
have fun. People with depression experience five (5) or more of the
following symptoms almost every day, for two weeks or longer:
Feel down? Got
the blues? Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy? Take
our quiz to find out if you may be experiencing symptoms of
depression.
Challenging life events can increase your risk of depression
especially when you find it difficult to cope with them. Some of
the life stressors that can increase the risk of depression may
include:
Learn more about stressors and get some tips to help you cope with
the stressors in your life.
The risk for depression can be reduced by adopting a healthy
lifestyle and maintaining your mental well-being. Having a positive
mental well-being will help you manage life challenges, solve
problems and achieve your goals, thereby reducing the overall
vulnerability to mental health problems.
Learn more about stressors and get some tips to help you cope with
the stressors in your life.
Of the various mental disorders, depression is one of the most
treatable. The World Health Organization estimates that treatment
is effective for 60-80% of those affected1.
Depression can be managed using a range of different strategies
including medication, counselling or psychological intervention and
lifestyle changes. Treatment plans may differ, depending on the
individual's symptoms and personal and medical history. As
depression presents a range of symptoms that relate to our physical
functioning, thinking, feelings and behavior, a combination of
strategies are often employed to address these different
aspects.
Medications used to treat depression are known as
antidepressants. They help to regulate mood and can only be
prescribed by a doctor. On average, antidepressants require three
to four weeks of regular dosages before the full treatment benefit
will be experienced. Even when used regularly, antidepressants are
not addictive.
Counselling or psychological intervention can also help
individuals cope with life stressors and reduce the symptoms of
depression. These sessions focus on teaching positive styles of
thinking, managing our emotions and how to deal with the symptoms
of depression and day-to-day challenges. Counselling and
psychological interventions may also equip people with the
knowledge and skills to optimise their mental well-being, identify
the early warning signs of depression and prevent further periods
of depression.
There are many treatment and support options available for
people who may be suffering from depression. It is recommended that
you seek help once the symptoms begin to interfere with one or more
aspects of your life (e.g. withdrawal from friends and social
activities, decreased ability to concentrate and make decisions at
work etc).
Depression is highly treatable and is most effectively managed
through early detection and treatment. The earlier you seek
treatment the more effective the treatment will be. Thus, it is
preferable to approach your general practitioner once you
experience symptoms that concern you, even if you are unsure. If
you think that someone close to you may be showing signs of
depression, you could speak to the person and encourage him or her
to see a doctor.
With early detection and help, you can beat the blues.
Here's a list of mental health support services available in
Singapore.