Four common myths about depression

PRESS RELEASE


Depression is a psychological condition marked by prolonged periods of lethargy, sadness, anxiety, and hopelessness, which often manifest in loss of appetite, fatigue, insomnia, excessive sleeping, and suicidal ideation.


As of 2012, the World Health Organization announced that more than 350 million people from all over the world are suffering from depression. Sadly, many have very little understanding of the disease, which does not help in curbing its prevalence.

MediCard, a leading HMO in the Philippines, hopes to dispel several myths about depression, in the hopes of creating a more positive and helpful environment for people who are suffering from the condition.

Depression is nothing but “the blues.” Most people dismiss other people’s symptoms with the classic “You’re just having a bad day” or “Just shake it off,” and it certainly does not help. For one, it trivializes depression, an actual illness caused by an imbalance of a person’s endorphins and neurotransmitters. For another, such remarks prevent the person from seeking professional help, until their emotions spiral downward even further.

Just pop some pills and it will go away. Depression is a complex psychological disorder that results from any number of causes, such as abuse, loss of a loved one, family history, or a serious illness. Seeking a prescription from a doctor to allow you to “pop some antidepressants” only addresses the biochemical aspect of depression. But an effective approach to the condition considers all its facets, and may constitute non-medication-based solutions, such as behavior therapy, or lifestyle change.


You can self-diagnose and self-medicate. The Internet has spawned a lot of self-tests with titles like “Are you depressed? Take this 10-step quiz!” and online medical references that list down possible treatments for different diseases. But effectively diagnosing depression requires a comprehensive and objective examination by a professional. By doing it yourself, you run the risk of misinterpreting your symptoms, and possibly make it worse by delaying proper treatment.

Don’t talk about it so it doesn’t get worse. Related to Myth #3, many hesitate from talking about their symptoms of depression with other people, in fear of stigma, but also of making it worse. Key to addressing the condition, however, is a strong support system of family and friends, which will not be available if those suffering from depression kept it to themselves.
 

To learn more about depression from the standpoint of a medical professional, consult your doctor today, or visit www.medicardphils.com.

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3 comments

  1. I have a different health card but I agree with those debunked myths about depression. I was once depressed as well to the point that it affected my health. Glad I consulted a doctor. I was stressed way back in college due to culture shock. Fortunately, I didn't take pills. And lastly, glad I shared my depression to my mom as she's the one who accompanied me to the doctor. :)

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  2. i was once been a victim of this, times wherein the world falls upon me.... i even remember living a note to my sister stating that soon i'll be gone forever, it's like killing myself...... so sad recounting those days..... it was hard, and it took me years to overcome it, thanks to my family and friends and co- employee ( before i used to be a cake decorator) who never stop comforting me back then.......all we need is love......and somebody who will always there ready to listen.....

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  3. thank you for sharing this ms rochelle i learned from it i should fight depression for we only live once and we should live it to the fullest

    ReplyDelete

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