Out of the Darkness and into the Light: Removing the Shame of Mental Illness
By Peggy Downes, MA, Collin County LIVING WELL Magazine
For many years, mental illness has been misunderstood and feared by countless people. Years ago, cancer was treated very similarly, with people whispering the phrase “the Big C” when referring to friends or family who had become ill or died from cancer. Now public events to raise awareness and funding for curing cancer are commonplace, with little to no negative connotation for the participants or patients. Some progress has been made in this regard for mental illness, due to scientific advancements and imaging, better resources for education, and more people who suffer from a variety of mental illnesses being willing to step forward from the shadows. While this stigma has become less rigid, it remains far from being eliminated. The more people understand something, the less afraid they are to talk about it, and learn more and seek treatment when needed.
Approximately one in 10 people will suffer from depression at some point during their lifetime. The early 30s is the average age for the disorder. Depression is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for people between the ages of 15 and 45. Health care costs for an individual with depression are nearly twice as high as a healthy individual, or $22,960 compared to $11,365.
While this illness is very treatable, there are a number of myths that seem to hinder people in seeking help. First of all, it is important to know that sadness does not necessarily lead to depression. Responding to upsetting life events such as death or a job loss with grieving is normal, and does not mean one will develop depressive illness. In fact, long-term issues with unresolved anger are much more likely to result in a person becoming depressed. Remarkably, the emotion of sadness is not even one of the symptoms described by some people suffering from depression, as low mood may not be recognized as sadness.
Additionally, all depressive symptoms are not mental or mood related. Other common symptoms reported are a lack of energy, inability to concentrate, sleep disturbances, headache, slow movement, change in normal appetite and body aches and pains. Primary care physicians regularly treat people who visit their offices with these complaints, and are often the first professional to make the diagnosis of depression.
Another misconception is that only women become depressed, and that this is only related to hormonal issues or PMS. Men also suffer from depression, but are significantly less likely to seek help, and more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs, and to successfully complete a suicide.
A concern that the only treatment for depression is medications, which need to be taken forever, is a final hurdle in people seeking help for their illness. There are numerous other options for treatment that can also offer relief and remission for mild to moderate depression, such as talk therapy (including such techniques as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution-focused therapy), full spectrum light therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), as well as a wide variety of medication options. Medications are generally only needed for a limited time, typically nine- to -12 months. While some people may need to take medications for a longer period of time, this is not the norm.
It is very common for family or friends to notice changes in a person, even when the person may not recognize it themselves. If you suspect that you, or a loved one, are suffering from a mental illness such as depression or anxiety, do not hesitate to reach out for help. Many options are available for treatment, and there is no need to continue to suffer. Leave the shadow of mental illness behind.
Author Peggy Downes, MA, is the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Coordinator at Solace Counseling. Call Solace Counseling at 214-522-4640 for more information, or visit our website at www.solacecounseling.com.
