Myths vs. reality-Mood Disorders
By: Sarah Savarese
"Depression is just a feeling; you can snap out of it if you try hard enough."
Depression is a mental disorder out of a person's control. After 2 weeks of symptoms, the person should go to a psychiatrist to seek further help.
"Depression only occurs when bad things happen."
Yes depression can be caused by life traumas, but also from genetics, chemical imbalances (low level of serotonin).
"Postpartum depression is an excuse women use for being bad mothers."
Women develop this disorder because they fear they will harm the baby or they are very worrisome of the baby and have thoughts of suicide.
"There's nothing you can do to treat depression."
Depression can be treated either by going to therapy, receiving medication (prozac)-which generally increase their level of serotonin.
"Antidepressants and Lithium can help everybody with a mood disorder."
For some, it only works for 65% of them. They can either have no effect or they could worsen the symptoms.
"There are no outwards signs of depression."
There is a change in eating and sleeping patterns, have a negligence of personal appearance, lack of interest in hobbies and are unable to focus.
"Having mania is fun."
Mania although is a time of great energy and can complete tasks, is very self destructive and can harm yourself, as for the risk taking, or hurt others.
"No one hallucinates while suffering from a mood disorder."
Actually, most people with severe cases of their mood disorder do. Most hallucinate about the worst outcomes or fears that have coming true and happening in that moment.
"Everyone who has bipolar disorder experiences the disorder in the same way."
There are two types of bipolar; 1 and 2. Bipolar 1 is when people stay relatively in manic mood, and dip into depression rarely, and bipolar 2 is when people are relatively in depression, but can dip into manic mood.
"Only people suffering from depression are suicidal."
Depending on the situation or life of the person, they can feel suicidal. Whether it is from excessive amounts of stress or anxiety.