Why do (some) people think depression is something someone can just 'snap out of' (or that religion can fix)?

Question

I have depression, quite severe, and, though I oughtn't to be, I am still surprised by the number of people who tell me to snap out of it, or tell me I shouldn't be depressed. Or tell me to 'find god' and I'll be okay.

Without my medications I become quite suicidal. Not to mention I must carry Xanax when I leave my house, as panic attacks occur frequently in social situations.

I am interested in reading opinions from everyone, including people who feel this way (but please don't be rude or nasty).

[Also a hint: Best answer goes to someone who writes educated well-thought answers, but not necessarily someone who agrees with me.]

Answer 1

Educated? not really.
a close family member to me is depressed and although I know better not to tell her that, I do wonder why is she not capable of "snapping out of it" or as I always think to myself: why can't you will yourself better?

By no means am I going to the defence of those who tell you that...God knows there is enough awareness out there to know that mental illness is not a conscious decision that you can turn on and off.

But still, from where I am standing, and because I have control over my mood it is hard to comprehend why you wouldn't as well.

Answer 2

I do agree that depression is not something you can just 'snap out of' or religion (I am religious) can fix.

I think some people say those things about depression because usually they have not been through it or don't understand it. I have been told that depression can be caused by a chemical in-balance in the brain which can usually be fixed with medication.

I am the same way as you when I don't take my medications I do have thoughts of suicide and wanting to just end it all.

I have had depression since I was around 13 years old I am now 24. My depression was triggered when my Grandfather died when I was 13 and I was very close to him.

Answer 3

I think when people hear that someone has a problem, they try to relate their own feelings to deciede how they can help you. In their case, perhaps they have been down and they just snapped out of it. This doesn't mean they know or understand what serious depression is. Depression isn't a wound on the outside that can be seen and judged how serious it really is. Without an understanding, or experience of what true depression really is, perhaps this is the best answer they can come up with. Beleive me, I have heard this before from people. For me depression seems to shrink my world down to minutes, and in those minutes, my world is very small. I am not reaching out for help, I am not seeking god, I am trying to make it to the next minute, and trying to find a personal reason to do it. Not because god says i should or my friends say i should or want me to. Oddly enough, I have noticed when dealing with depression, many people like to try to guilt me out of depression. What an odd way to try to help. Hope this helps, sorry for rambling.

Answer 4

They are ignorant and uneducated. Many people fail to accept that depression is a chemical imbalance in some situations. There are normal depressions everyone goes through and then there are severe depressions which can be passed on genetically. Diseases such as bipolar and schizophrenia are often not taken as seriously as ailments such as diabetes or cancer. The reason is that people often cannot see the effects of an illness and because their mind works quite well, they assume everyone else's does also. Do yourself a favor and do not even talk to those people ever again. They are not as intelligent as you are.

Answer 5

I often wonder the same thing. I also suffer from depression. It drives me absolutely crazy that people think that we are just putting on a show to get attention. Depression is nothing like that. People should realize that if you are letting people in to see your feelings you are showing that you need help. They should be thankfukl you can trust them enough to show your weaknesses/thoughts/feelings to them. I open up hoping for people to listen. All I want is support from friends and gfamily and all I get is stop thinking that way. I am trying you know. I dont want to feel this way. Why would I? Depression is a horrible feeling and way to live.

Answer 6

Thsoe who think depression is something to 'snap out of' haven't been there and probably are not going to be sympathetic. I wouldn't listen to them.
I assume you are on medications at the advice of a doctor and it is he or she that you should listen to. Do not pay any notice to those who tell you 'god' will solve all; maybe it works for them... and fine if it does.... but religion is based on faith. In many cases, mental health isn't.
I've been depressed before and, looking back on it, I maybe should have sought help, but I didn't. I just muddled along quite miserably and eventually, in time, did come out of it (for now; I realize that it may likely reoccur). But it was not a 'snap'. It was awful, uncomfortable, and somtimes on the edge of sanity.
I wish you well. Stay true to yourself and learn to help yourself despite external judgement.

Answer 7

Hey, some people also believe in the tooth fairy. Others are neanderthals and can't think beyond their own narrow view of the world.

Mental illnesses are among the least-understood medical conditions. The general public is simply not well-educated about mental illnesses and it's not helped by morons like Tom Cruise weighing in with their ignorant opinions.

Answer 8

People can be ignorant to what they don't understand. Most, who can relate, have endured the experience, and have the ability to express the topic on depression in whole in detailed descriptive. I would have to assume like a lot of other issues, it is far easier to stereo-type differences, rather than reaching out and getting involved. The manner we react to circumstances, are all unique in their own way, not always positive, and sometimes disappointments filter through, but for those who do take time to care...how fortunate it is! That's my opinion, thanks for asking.

Answer 9

People are scared of what they do not understand.Also there are no easy answers for some one with depression.It is a reflex to quip in such ways.

There is also a certain Stigma that go's with mental illness, it again relates to what people do not understand.

As far as God etc.To these people it is the answer to everything.I have noticed the religious do not seem to know to much but God.

Answer 10

depression is a serious medical illness. this is not something that is just made up in the head. over 20 million adult american suffer from this illness. there are some self-help that you can try (apart from your medication) like being with someone you trust and are comfortable with, setting realistic goals and assuming a reasonable amount of responsibilty, getting into social activities or mild exercise that makes you feel better. people who tell you about the spiritual side of getting help is probably borne out of the idea that we should talk to and confide in someone whom we trully trust, who will never ever betray that trust. someone whom we can unload our unseen burdens to. someone who will listens patiently and never judges us. someone whom we can be as we are in all our frailties, doubts, weakness, uncleanness,and shame and still loves us and wants to help us. someone who is bigger than ourselves. we can see that picture perfectly fitted to God. depression is real and i'd say it is insanity to say "find God and you'll be ok". but as you go deeper in personal and intimate communication to the One who is trustworthy and whom you're comfortable with, you'll be amazed. day by day...feeling better takes time.

Answer 11

if someone has never been in a situation that you have been in, they can never understand that situation fully, or in most cases, even partially. try explaining snow to a native jamaican. you could show them pictures, movies, or even open the freezer and throw some frost on the ground, but they'll never get it. people who have never experienced any kind of mental trauma can never understand what it's like to not be able to "just get over" things. the best thing (ideally) would be for people to be able to accept that we are all as different inside as we are outside, and that we all have different ways of living, thinking, and dealing with life and the world around us.