Mood Disorders
Myths vs. Reality
Myth: Depression is just a feeling; you can snap out of it if you try hard enough
Reality: Depression is a mood disorder that affects many people. When a person exhibits symptoms for at least two weeks, they can be diagnosed with depression and need to get help.
Myth: Depression only occurs when bad things happen
Reality: Depression is caused by things more than sadness. Common causes include life trauma, genetics, chemical imbalances, or a shortage of serotonin that causes messages to be sent but not received.
Myth: Post partum depression is an excuxe women use for being bad mothers
Reality: Post partum depression occurs within a year after a mother has given birth. The mother has intense worries about the baby, and fears that she will harm the child. They are afraid of being a bad mother, which is why they keep their distance.
Myth: There is nothing you can do to treat depression
Reality: Depression can be treated with medication. Common medications include Prozac and SSRI's that help to increase your serotonin levels. There is also the option of psychotherapy that you can go to.
Myth: Antidepressants and lithium can help anybody with a mood disorder
Lithium is used specifically for people suffering with Bipolar disorder. Antidepressants and Lithium also do not work on everyone, but when they work, they are very successful.
Bipolar Disorder
Changes from moods of mania to depression
Depression
People feel alone and frustrated when suffering from depression
Post partum Disorder
A mother suffering from this disorder will keep her distance from the baby
Myth: There are no outward signs of depression
Reality: There are many signs that can hint at a person who might be suffering from depression. Common signs include a lack in interest of hobbies, change in eating habits, lack of focus, and difficulty making decisions.
Myth: Having mania is fun
Reality: Mania is a lot more than just being really hyperactive and focused. It is an uncontrollable disorder that can spiral into bad situations, such as excessive shopping or hallucinations. Symptoms can include extreme agitation, rapid speech, and a decreased need for sleep.
Myth: No one hallucinates while suffering from a mood disorder
Reality: People with both depression and mania can have symptoms of hallucinations. These hallucinations are accompanied with confused speech and delusions.
Myth: Everyone who has bipolar disorder experiences the disorder in the same way
Reality: There are two different types of bipolar disorder, bipolar 1 and bipolar 2. Bipolar 1 has long periods of mania with short periods of depression, and bipolar 2 has long periods of depression with short periods of mania.
Myth: Only people suffering from depression are suicidal
Reality: People with mood disorders can be suicidal, but there are also people without these disorders that can be as well. These people have thoughts about harming themselves and may try to harm themselves.