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5 Common Misconceptions About Depression
We’ve all heard the common health-related misconceptions or myths-- chocolate causes acne, carrots will improve your night vision, and cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis. Subscribing to these particular myths is relatively harmless, but other health-related misconceptions can have far more serious consequences. This is the case for depression—the myths surrounding it can prevent people from getting the help they need.
This is the case for depression—the myths surrounding it can prevent people from getting the help they need. Because untreated depression can have a serious physical and psychological impact, it’s imperative to have the right information in order to make the best decisions for yourself and for your health. Here are 5 common misconceptions about depression, and the facts behind them:
Depression Myth #1: You Can Just "Get Over It"
Depression can make someone feel like they aren’t strong enough, determined enough, or smart enough to just feel better.
Dr. William Sauvé , Regional Medical Director for Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Centers in Virginia, says that the “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mentality comes from the misguided feeling of “People believing that they should be able to "make themselves" feel better. People feel ashamed of depression because they can't believe they can't snap themselves out of it — and that's part of the illness. The myth is caused by the illness and perpetuated by those who haven't had depression.”
Depression Myth #2: Sadness & Depression Are The Same Thing
Everyone gets sad sometimes, and life events such as losing a loved one or a job can lead to a period of grief. However, depression isn‘t just sadness. Instead, it’s a number of persistent symptoms, including:
-Fatigue or decreased energy
-Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
-Insomnia
-Changes in weight from decreased or increased appetite
-Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
-Loss of interest in activities
One key to differentiating between a natural response to an upsetting event and depression is the severity of symptoms and how long the symptoms have been ongoing. If you have any concerns that you may be experiencing depression, reach out to a medical professional for help.
Depression Myth #3: Antidepressants Work For Everyone
Some people with depression do experience remission with antidepressants, but that isn’t always the case. If you’ve felt that your antidepressants aren’t working as well as you’d like, you’re not alone. Statistically, most people are less likely to get relief from each successive antidepressant that they try. For others, the side effects can be difficult to handle.
Dr. Misty Borst, Medical Director for the Greenbrook TMS NeuroHealth Center in
Columbia, says among prescription medications, “A common issue is sexual side effects. If people are having sexual side effects, they generally don’t end up staying on the medication. Another one is weight concerns, which can be difficult to tolerate. Patients also often tell me on antidepressants they feel kind of fuzzy or off—they feel “not right” in a way they’re very aware of.” If your prescription medication isn’t working or is causing you unwanted side effects,
Greenbrook TMS therapy is a non-medication option for depression treatment.
Depression Myth #4: Depression Is Only Caused By Traumatic Life Events
For some, depression can be linked to a trauma such as abuse, loss, or hardship. For others, there are risk factors that can increase the likelihood of a person developing depression, including:
-Chronic medical illness, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease
-Disability
-Social Isolation
-Personal or family history of depression
-Use of certain medications
-Brain disease
-Misuse of alcohol or drugs
-Stressful life events such as loss of a spouse, divorce, or taking care of someone with a chronic illness
But the perception that something bad “must have” happened in order for someone to have depression leads to some people feeling guilty that they’re struggling with their mental health even if nothing is really wrong in their lives. In some cultures, there’s also a stigma that someone with depression must have “done something to deserve it.” The truth is that depression can affect anyone and does not discriminate across gender, racial, or socioeconomic lines.
Depression Myth #5: Depression Is Laying In Bed All Day & Not Functioning
If depression manifested itself exactly how it’s depicted in movies and television shows, no one would ever see people who have depression. They would only stay at home in bed, sleeping all day and unable to accomplish anything.
The truth is that a lot of people –doctors, engineers, retail workers, teachers—have depression and still continue to go to work everyday and function even though they’re finding little joy in it and are lacking the same energy that others have.
So-called “high functioning depression” is a colloquialism for depression that doesn’t preclude a person from being a high achiever. This kind of depression often goes unnoticed and undiagnosed, sometimes leading to tragedy for those who seemingly “have it all.” This is why it’s critical to recognize the signs of depression in ourselves and others.
If you’ve heard any of these depression myths, know that you’re not alone and that it’s possible to get the help that you need. If you’ve been struggling with depression and medication hasn’t helped, we can help. Schedule your free consultation today.
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Starting any medical treatment for the first time can leave you with questions, especially if you’re looking forward to the benefits it may bring. It’s no different when you’re preparing for your nasal esketamine treatment. Your previous mental health treatments may have consisted solely of taking antidepressants at home or visiting a therapist’s office for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), so nasal esketamine is probably a new treatment experience for you. If you're wondering what it's like to start nasal esketamine and get ready for your first session, keep reading. Getting Started with the Nasal Esketamine Treatment As with any new treatment, you’ll first talk to your primary care provider or psychiatrist about whether nasal esketamine is a good fit for you. Alternatively, you can schedule your esketamine nasal spray consultation with a treatment center (such as Greenbrook) that has certification by the FDA’s Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). At Greenbrook's REMS-certified nasal esketamine treatment centers, our Greenbrook-affiliated psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners will review your medical history and also conduct our own assessment to help determine whether nasal esketamine treatment is right for you. Certain conditions, including blood vessel disease and a history of psychosis, may make treatment a risk for you. Make sure you discuss all previous and present conditions with your doctor or nasal esketamine provider before beginning treatment. If the medication is deemed a good fit, you’ll receive your prescription from the Greenbrook-affiliated provider. Your Greenbrook Care Team will put together a personalized care plan for the weeks and months to follow. Keep in mind that you will need to take a standard (oral) antidepressant along with your nasal esketamine treatment. There are two important regulations to note when it comes to preparing for treatment: Each treatment is followed by a mandatory two-hour observation period. This means you will need to plan to stay at the center for at least two hours following your self-administration of the esketamine nasal spray. You cannot drive during the rest of the day after treatment and must arrange for transportation. These regulations are mandatory. It may be helpful to sit down and plan out several weeks’ worth of transportation once you know your treatment schedule. In addition, if you’re wondering what to bring for the treatment, we recommend entertainment such as an audiobook or playlist of favorite songs and a pair of headphones. You may want them during the two-hour observation period. What to Expect During Nasal Esketamine Treatment On the day of treatment, you’ll need to stop eating any food two hours before your appointment and stop drinking all fluids 30 minutes before you come in. Your Greenbrook Care Team will confirm that you are prepared for the two-hour observation period and that you have a ride home. You’ll get the opportunity to practice using a “trainer sprayer” that mimics the real nasal esketamine sprayer but does not release any medication. The Care Team will encourage you to use the restroom and set up your preferred environment in your private treatment bay or room. Some patients like reduced lighting, for example, while others don’t request light adjustments. You’ll complete a depression scale before each treatment session. Your Greenbrook provider will confirm that the dose kit is yours, show you how to administer it, and then hand it to you. Each sprayer contained 28mg of Spravato esketamine nasal spray. Patients usually start with two sprayers (56mg) and soon increase to 84mg (three sprayers) per treatment. But, your dosage maybe vary. Should you be left with a metallic taste by the spray, the Care Team will offer suckers to help make the flavor dissipate. After your dose, you’ll be encouraged to lie back in your comfortable recliner. While most patients enjoy a quiet setting, Greenbrook is prepared to accommodate patients with a more animated reaction to the medication. You may feel sleepy, dizzy, mildly dissociated, and/or nauseated during treatment. Greenbrook's Care Team is readily available if you need assistance. How to Prepare for after your Nasal Esketamine Treatment Most side effects begin to wane in the second hour of observation, but if you’re wondering, “Is it safe to drive immediately after nasal esketamine treatment?” the answer is a resounding no. In addition to the mandatory ride home, you will need to block off time to rest and let side effects fully dissipate. This extended rest period is especially important in the first weeks of treatment when you’ll have treatment twice a week. Do not drive or operate machinery of any kind until the day after treatment. Just take it easy, relax, and take care of yourself. If you’re unsure what activities you can do or should avoid during this time, talk to your Care Team for more information. While side effects tend to dissipate completely after a good night’s sleep, many nasal esketamine patients begin feeling relief from depression symptoms within hours of their treatment. Other Tips in Preparing for Your Nasal Esketamine Treatment At Greenbrook, we make every effort to schedule your treatment in the afternoons or whenever it is most convenient for you. We encourage you to see each treatment session as an opportunity to relax and take care of your mental health. If you have any questions or concerns, talk to your doctor or the Greenbrook Care Team. At Greenbrook, we’ll help you feel at ease when preparing for each treatment session. Schedule A Free Consultation To get started with nasal esketamine, schedule your free consultation today.
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