Do you sometimes feel a heavy burden on your heart, a deep sadness, and loneliness that comes for no reason? But do you keep it to yourself, without talking to anyone about it, for fear of "What will others think?", "Will they call me crazy?", "Will my friends and family ostracize me?"? Actually, you are not the only one who thinks like that. Today we are talking about this depression, or what we medically call Major Depressive Disorder , and the "stigma" that comes with it, which is sometimes more painful than the disease itself.
What are the biggest misconceptions about depression in society?
To break the stigma surrounding depression, we need to first understand the misconceptions that exist in society. Even though there is a lot of talk about mental health these days, there are still some misconceptions that people have. Let's take a look at what they are and what the truth is.
| Misconception | The Reality |
|---|---|
| "This is something that will be resolved once you make up your mind. Please try to be happy instead of being so sad." | Depression is not something that a person chooses to do. It is a medical condition that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain's neurotransmitters and requires proper treatment. Telling someone to "get over it" only makes them feel worse. It's like telling someone with a broken leg to "keep running." |
| "He's smiling a lot and talking to everyone. Where is he depressed?" | Often, people who suffer from depression put on a "smiling mask" to hide the unbearable pain they are feeling inside. They don't want to be a burden to others. Therefore, what appears on the outside is not always the truth. |
| "This is all a drama for attention. Things done in the hope of sympathy." | The deep emotional pain, emptiness, and despair that come with depression are not worth any attention. What they really need is not attention, but understanding, acceptance, and the right help. |
Why is this social stigma dangerous?
The biggest harm caused by this "shame" or "stigma" is that the person who needs help is afraid to ask for it . A thousand questions come to mind, such as "Will they call me crazy?", "Will my job be affected?", "Will my friends and family distance themselves from me?". Because of this fear, even if the condition can be completely cured with treatment, they avoid that opportunity and suffer in silence.
What's even more dangerous is that sometimes you think negatively about yourself. That is, you turn these misconceptions from society into your own beliefs. You start thinking things like, "I don't deserve help," "I'm useless because of this disease," "I'm a burden to my family." We call this internalized stigma . This completely destroys your self-esteem.
Let's change the way we look at depression!
Now let's think a little differently. Imagine, what do you do when you find out that a friend of yours has Diabetes Mellitus or Heart Disease? Do you isolate him? No, right? You tell him, "Be careful," "Take your medicine on time," "We are with you." We look at someone who is fighting cancer with great respect, with the feeling, "You are very brave."
In fact, fighting Major Depressive Disorder day by day is also a courageous and strong act. It takes a lot of strength for someone struggling with this disease to get out of bed every morning, to do the work of the day, to smile and talk to people.
Depression is not a weakness. Embracing it, seeking help, and moving forward in life is true strength and courage.
Therefore, we need to extend the same respect and understanding we give to those with chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer to those with mental illnesses like depression.
But, there is good news!
With all of this, the good news is that this situation is slowly changing. People are talking about mental health more openly than ever before. Especially with the COVID-19 pandemic, many people around the world have felt the impact of conditions like depression and anxiety. As a result, the idea that mental health is as important as physical health is becoming more and more prevalent in society.
How can you contribute to this change?
You too can play a big role in the fight to eliminate this social stigma.
### If you are suffering from this condition:
- Understand that you are not alone: This is not just your problem. Millions of people in Sri Lanka and around the world live with this condition.
- Talk to someone you trust: it could be your best friend, your partner, your parents, your sibling. Sharing your burdens can be a great relief.
- Get professional help: This is the most important and essential thing . Depression is a disease that can be well controlled and cured with treatment. So, do not be shy or afraid to meet your doctor . He will provide you with the necessary medication, counseling, and other guidance.
### If a friend or family member of yours suffers from this condition:
- Be a good listener: Before you give advice or preach, listen carefully to what they have to say, without any judgment.
- Don't say things like, "It's just the thought of it that makes you sick" or "Make up your mind": instead, say things like, "I'm with you," "How can you help me?", "I'm here if you need to talk." Your support is a great source of strength for them.
- Encourage them to seek medical advice: If they find it difficult to go to a doctor on their own, help them do so. If necessary, help them make an appointment and go with them on that day.
Take-Home Message
- Depression is not a weakness or a choice; it is a real medical condition that requires treatment.
- Even though someone may appear happy and strong on the outside, they may be suffering a great deal of emotional pain on the inside.
- Don't delay seeking help out of fear of stigma and embarrassment. Talking to your doctor is the best first step.
- Living with depression is a courageous act. You are strong and courageous, just like those with chronic illnesses like diabetes or heart disease.
- By talking openly about this, sharing accurate information, and supporting each other, we can break this social stigma.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න