Think You Might Be Depressed?
posted in CBT · Thursday 25th October, 2018
There are many reasons why people are put off getting the support they need if they feel depressed. However, suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 45 in the UK. Below are some myths that put people off getting support.
The Myths about Depression
It’s a sign of weakness.
Depression is an illness that can affect anyone no matter whats going on in their life. It’s a complex illness with psychological, social and biological factors involved. No one chooses to be depressed.
It only happens after major life events
Depression can occur for no apparent reason and if there is a reason it doesn’t have to be a major life event. Moving home, being away from others, feeling lonely, losing someone, a relationship breakdown or breakup or anything upsetting can bring on depression.
Real men don’t get depressed
All humans have emotions for a reason. If men weren’t supposed to show emotions, they wouldn’t be biologically programmed with them. Cultural rules sometimes go against what humans should and shouldn’t do. If men weren’t supposed to show emotion, then why is suicide the biggest killer of men under the age of 45? Men do get depressed and it’s important get help.
If you take anti depressants, it will all go away
Unfortunately antidepressants are not magic pills. They can lift your mood so that some of the symptoms are lessened. NICE guidelines (The government body that gives guidelines on the best form of treatments) recommend that antidepressants should be used along with talking treatments such as CBT.
If your parents have depression, so will you.
It is true that depression can be inherited but it doesn’t mean that you will become depressed. Furthermore, just because depression isn’t in your family history, doesn’t mean that you won’t become depressed.
Talking about things will make it worse
Can it be worse than bottling things up? If you feel able to, try and talk to someone you trust about what you are going through so they can support you. If you talk about how you feel with a professional, they can work through your emotions, break things down and help you to move forward.
You will be on medication all your life.
Depression affects people in different ways and so if you take medication, it will be regularly reviewed by your GP. Some people may only need antidepressants for a short time, others may prefer to have them longer term. This is something you can talk about with your GP.
If you are feeling depressed and are experiencing suicidal thoughts, it's important you seek help straight away. You can contact your GP for an emergency appointment today. You can go to A&E, or call the Samaritans on 116 123. If you live in the Manchester/ Wigan area you can go to The Sanctuary. There are more organisations who can help listed here
If you are feeling depressed and you are ready to work through things, why not give me a call on 0161 8831156
