Page 18 - Seniorstoday August-2023 Issue
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to managing and preventing the adverse
outcomes of depression.
Misconception #10: The best way to help
someone with depression is to cheer
them up.
Telling someone with depression to simply
look on the bright side, to cheer up or to
snap out of it is not helpful. It’s important
to understand that depression is complex.
among men. Cultural stigma around The best way to help someone is to steer
masculinity can hinder open discussions them in the direction of proper treatment.
about mental health, making it essential
to break these gender barriers and Misconception #11: Antidepressants will
encourage men to seek support. Mental change your personality
health treatment is crucial for everyone, Antidepressants are designed to change
regardless of gender. Depression does not specific brain chemicals and can help
care about your gender and neither should relieve depression symptoms without
you. altering your personality. They are safe
and effective and are often the reason
Misconception #8: Genetics guarantees for making many people feel more like
that you will get depression themselves again. However, its important
Having a family member with depression to note that combining medication with
may increase your likelihood of getting talk therapy is often the most effective
it, but it’s not a guarantee. Many people approach for treating depression. Itt does
with depression have no family history of take time and trial and error to find the
the condition and some who do have it in right medication and dosage.
their genes don’t ever get it. While genetics
play a role, your family history is not Misconception #12: Keeping busy cures
your destiny. Monitoring early symptoms depression
and taking proactive steps, like avoiding Some people believe that staying busy will
substance abuse, stressors and seeking help you avoid depressive episodes, while
professional treatment, can be beneficial if this might work for a while but without
you do have a family history of depression. proper help depression does not go away.
Misconception #9: Having depression Misconception #13: There has to be a
isn’t something to worry about reason you’re depressed
Depression is a serious condition with Depression can result from a combination
serious consequences, especially if it of life challenges, traumatic events,
is left untreated. It most definitely is genetics and brain chemistry. There can
something to worry about and can catapult be a reason for you developing depression
into other serious conditions. Seeking and it can occur out of the blue as well. It
proper treatment and support is crucial all depends on each person. There is no
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