Depression still remains a taboo and misunderstood subject, despite growing awareness.
One of the most common yet most damaging myths is the belief that depression is “just in your head” or a sign of weakness. This misconception discourages people who are actually suffering from seeking help.
In reality, depression is a complex, medically recognized mental disorder with measurable biological, psychological and social components.
Understanding what depression actually is and how the patient feels is essential to advancing care.
Depression has a biological basis:
Depression is associated with changes in brain chemistry and function.
Imbalances in the ‘happiness hormones’, medically known as neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, affect mood regulation, motivation and emotional processing.
Neuroimaging studies have also shown structural and functional differences in certain brain regions in people with depression, biologically confirming that it is a true mental disorder.
Psychological and emotional factors:
Psychological factors such as trauma, chronic stress, sadness and negative thinking patterns can contribute to the development of depression.
These psychological factors do not make the disease any less real. Just as stress can cause physical illness, emotional distress can cause significant psychological disorders.
Social and ecological influences:
Depression does not occur in isolation. Socio-economic stress, isolation, unstable relationships and lack of support can increase vulnerability.
These external pressures interact with biological predispositions, further emphasizing that depression is shaped by real-life circumstances and not by personal choice.
Depression affects the entire body:
In addition to mood, depression can also cause fatigue, sleep disorders, changes in appetite, loss of concentration and chronic pain. These physical symptoms show that depression affects the entire body, not just your brain.
Depression is a very real, recognized medical condition, and not a defect in character or mentality. Countering the myth that depression is “all in the mind” is critical to encouraging treatment.
Recognizing depression as a real mental health problem brings us closer to support, recovery and care for those affected.
