Understanding depression: myths, facts and how to get help

shutterstock_offset_2168265459.jpg

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. According to a national survey from Gallup, nearly three in 10 adults are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives, and about 18 percent of adults are currently suffering from depression. Additionally, 15.4 percent of children aged 12–17 suffered a major depressive episode in the past year.

Despite depression being fairly common, there are many misconceptions about what it is and how it affects people. Because of the stigma surrounding mental illness, many people with depression are not diagnosed or do not seek proper treatment.

Common depression-related myths and facts

Let’s break down some of the biggest myths and truths about depression.

Myth #1: Depression and sadness are the same.

Fact: Feeling sad after a difficult situation, like ending a relationship, losing your job or saying goodbye to a loved one is perfectly normal, but it isn’t the same as being depressed. Though depression can cause feelings of sadness, it also leads to a loss of interest in activities and can decrease your ability to function every day. In order for sadness to become depression, you have to experience it for a prolonged period — at least two weeks for an initial diagnosis, but depression can last months or even years if it goes untreated.

Myth #2: You can’t be depressed if you have a great life.

Fact: Depression can affect anyone at any time, even those who appear to have it all: a nice house, a stable job, a loving family. There are several different factors that can play a role in depression, including brain chemistry, genetics, personality and environmental factors. Depression can also run in families, and people who have low self-esteem or become easily stressed can be more at-risk for becoming depressed.

Myth #3: The only way to treat depression is with medication — for the rest of your life.

Fact: There are several ways to treat depression, including different types of therapy, medication or a combination of the two. Antidepressants typically address issues with brain chemistry, and talk therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help those with depression sort through problems and recognize distorted thinking. Once symptoms have improved, some people can taper off medication or space out therapy appointments until they’re no longer needed.

Taking care of your mental health

You typically see your primary care provider (PCP) for an annual checkup and when you get sick. But you can talk to your primary care provider about your mental health, too. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as addressing your physical health.

If you can recognize a few of the key symptoms of depression — prolonged sadness, loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed, loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness, or difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions — talk to your primary care provider. They can help you better understand what may be causing your symptoms and discuss potential treatment options.

If you don’t have a primary care provider, log in to myWellmark to find one.

myWellmark can help you get started

Depression is treatable, and most people start feeling better in a few weeks with the right treatment plan. Before scheduling an appointment with a mental health provider, make sure they accept your health insurance.

Before receiving care, log in to myWellmark to review your coverage manual and see what types of therapy and how many sessions your benefits cover. You can also see an estimate of how much your visits will cost.

Or, if you prefer virtual care, you can see a mental health provider from the comfort of your home. Virtual visits are available day or night and offer support for a variety of mental health conditions. Schedule a virtual visit today.