Myths & Misconceptions

Some think that depression is the first step on a short trip to the "loony bin". Although some depressed people require hospitalisation, most people are successfully treated at home.

Some people think antidepressants change personalities. The press may refer to "happy pills" or imply that antidepressants are a trendy way to change personality. This is not true. The normal personality is overwhelmed by the illness itself. Treatment removes the depression and allows the normal personality to emerge again.

There are some people who like the depressed person better than the healthy one. If a depressed person is spending more time with these individuals instead of you, don’t take it personally. Be aware of the situation and help those who are not aware.

When the diagnosis has been made, some problems may remain.

Have we made the right diagnosis?

Depression is often not recognized by health professionals. We don't know all the reasons for this - maybe a lack of time, or maybe depression was masked by other conditions or complaints. Perhaps the symptoms were too vague to be recognised as depression. Whatever the reason, depression can be missed even by the professionals.

Depressed people very often don't tell the whole story to their family physician.