Mental depression is a condition that affects many. However, lots of people may not want to talk about it. This guide will go over seven reasons why.
Mental health is an issue that is being discussed increasingly over time. The stigma as it stands has weakened. This can be due to the fact that there are more people understanding the issue of depression and how it affects others.
For more information on depression and how to get treated, visit the Absolute Awakenings website at https://absoluteawakenings.com/. Let’s begin with the list below.
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People may feel a sense of shame
When it comes to our struggles, we may not talk about it at all. Because we may feel ashamed or even fear being judged for it. As mentioned before, the mental health stigma has weakened considerably given the increased awareness and more people speaking up.
While the stigma still exists for now, it’s not as prevalent. Know that if you are depressed, you are not alone. You can talk to someone who you can trust and confide in.
However, at the end of the day, talking to a mental health professional will be your best bet.
They may not be ready to talk about it
For some, they may have been diagnosed with depression. The diagnosis and revelation may be fresh in their mind. So they might not be ready to talk about it until later.
When they do, they may open up to only a few people. This includes their family members and the professionals working with them during their treatment. It may be a challenging thing to do at first.
You are welcome to speak up on your depression whenever you are comfortable. Give yourself enough space and time to treat your depression. At the same time, think about what you want to say to people who are willing to listen to you.
If you want to open up about your depression, it may be wise to do it slowly. Start with your closest family members and friends. Then you can branch out to others who are willing to listen to you.
People don’t want to be viewed as ‘weak’
The stigma has embedded this distorted view of mental illness. Specifically, any kind of revelation of it would be translated as ‘weak’ or ‘helpless’. This could not be farther from the truth.
If anything, revealing that you have depression should be viewed as a sign of strength. You have the courage to share your story and talk about the depression problem itself. With more people encouraging others to open up, talking about depression is perhaps the strongest thing a person can do.
It takes courage to talk about something that may be difficult. Especially when it comes to their struggles with depression and what may have caused it. There are many stories to be told about depression and how it began for them.
Each person’s struggle with depression is different. Yet, they face their fears and they are strong enough to share their story with others. Especially if they are speaking with fellow depression fighters.
The common bond can be formed between so many people. Depression may be the one thing they could have in common with each other. Beyond that, they can support each other and share ideas on how they have been able to treat it and share with others.
If you are battling depression, know that you are not alone. You have family members that will support you. You’ll have other people at your side who will be willing to be part of a support system that is much stronger than you realize.
They are unsure of what to do
This circles back to those who have been diagnosed with it by a professional. At that point, they may be feeling like they’re stuck in neutral when they need to go forward. You may want to ask your mental health professional regarding what your next steps are after being diagnosed with depression.
The next step would be to have a treatment plan in place as recommended by a mental health professional. This will include regular therapy and medication. You may need to take medication on a daily basis while attending therapy once or even multiple times each week.
It’s OK to worry about getting stuck. Yet, you will need to move forward with a treatment plan as soon as possible.
People are afraid of not being taken seriously
It’s unfortunate that people will try to speak up only to fall on deaf ears. Someone may even tell a lie and it would be believable. Unfortunately, it may be hard to distinguish what should be taken seriously these days.
However, depression is an issue that needs to be taken seriously. Thus, it should be discussed more often. If you are willing to lend an ear to someone, do so.
Again, if you want to talk about your depression with people you are comfortable with, take the steps in doing that. You will be heard by the people you know you will trust. That alone will be enough for you to be taken seriously.
There may be a misunderstanding
People may not understand what depression really is. Or what it might entail. Therefore, there is a lack of understanding or they may inadvertently misunderstand the concept.
It’s important to ask questions about depression if you are not so aware about it. Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as possible. Also, clarify anything about depression when you are explaining it to someone.
The need for more awareness
Because no one seems to be talking about depression, it’s important to bring more awareness to it. Talking about it more often than not will do this. The more people are aware that depression is a serious thing, the more it will be discussed.
Now is our chance to bring the issue of mental depression to the table. At the same time, we encourage those dealing with it to speak up if and when necessary.