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You wouldn't hide it if you were diagnosed with cancer, diabetes, or any number of physical illnesses, so why is there such stigma around mental health? For millions of Americans diagnosed with depression every year, that taboo can be just as fatal as physical illnesses like cancer.
Harmful Stigmas of Depression
Being open about
depression not only makes treatment more acceptable, but it also raises awareness for others. Mental illness can be effectively treated with options like therapy and medications. Many patients feel shame in this, though, which keeps them from finding a program that works. The prevailing thought that you can "get over it" by trying to cheer up isn't the case. Like other illnesses, depression needs treatment from medical professionals. It's not something that someone can "think" themselves out of. Guilt is often a symptom, and feeling like a burden to loved ones is an isolating experience. The taboo surrounding it makes sufferers retreat even more and damages the already fragile self confidence.This is harmful for several reasons. Studies show that the longer someone suffers from depression symptoms, the less likely they are to get treated. Eventually, these years and months can lead to suicide. Even if suicide attempts never happen, other serious health effects still exist. Sleep patterns, poor
appetite, inadequate hygiene, and low self-esteem are all affected by depression.Treatment and care plans include therapies (talk therapy, psychoanalysis, and group therapy are a few) as well as a
medication regimen and lifestyle changes are common. Patients can be on this plan short- or long-term, depending on the prognosis and symptoms.Keeping
depression (and other mental illness) in the closet is a pattern that must be broken. It's not a character defect. While it's likely not a conscious choice, making an effort to be more aware of these stigmas can help break the harmful cycle.
