Why do so many people think depression is a "fake" illness?

Question

I have suffered for over 10 years now and can attest to it being very real!

RT that is not always the case, not everyone can pull themselves out of it, I don't use my depression for any benifet.

Thank you Maryanne I am actually on synthroid as well, but for a large nodule, no problems with my levels.

Answer 1

People who say that have never had depression and think being a bit down is the same thing.It is very real and horrendous.I hope people who are lucky enough to not experience it remain that way cos you wouldnt wish it on your worst enemy

Answer 2

Hi

I suffered with depression for years and was told by family and so-called friends to "get my act together" "pull your socks up," "there is nothing wrong with you, it is all in your head, you are just lazy." etc., etc., I think you get my drift.

Some people are ignorant of what they do not understand and lack empathy and compassion for other people. There is a saying, "There for the grace of God go I." Depression can affect anybody at anytime and has no known causes. Those who have never had depression can think themselves lucky, then again... one day it may decend on them for what goes around always comes around.

Some people think depression is a sign of mental weakness, meaning that those who have depression or have suffered with depression are mentally weak people. I had one Church Minister tell me that my depression was a mental weakness and that I was possessed by the devil, that my depression was Satan's doing.

I think the word 'depression' is still a stigma in our society today of which goes back to the dark ages when people were locked up in mental institutions and had horrendous things done to them. Basically when it comes to the mind some people are scared. Why? Because depression cannot be seen in the same way that physical illness can and this makes some people feel uncomfortable. Again, it is just ignorance. Some people like to live their whole life in ignorance... Ignorance may be bliss but ignorance is blind.

Here in Britain the government has finally woken up to the fact that depression is a mental illness and as such has decided to plough money into further research and resources. Sadly though I feel that it will be a long time yet for society to change its attitude.

Remember this, the only person who is qualified to give you a medical diagnosis is your Doctor. If your Doctor diagnoses you with clinical depression then you are ill. Those who may tell you otherwise are not medically qualified to give a diagnosis and have done no research whatsoever into what depression is.

Surround yourself with positive thinking people who care about you as they can offer you the emotional support that you need.

Blessings and Love x

Answer 3

Most people don't know what it's like to be depressed. Most people ignore the difficulties of life. Those people are the ones that are self-centered and think that they're better than everyone else. Those people are the ones that hurt more when they're sad. Depressed people usually expect things to turn out badly so they don't hurt as bad when something bad happens.

Answer 4

Have you had your thyroid tested. I was depressed and mentally suicidal for 7 years. (I don't think I would have ever done it, but had it totally planned). ONE MONTH after I began Synthroid for my Hypo-thyroid-ism, the depression was gone. (doses are 50-100-150 mgs. I started at 50 and had to move to 100 to stop the symptoms.

It is a very simple blood test. Please consider having it done.
Believe it or not fluoride in our toothpaste can contribute to our thyroid gland not working correctly. At the same time have all of your hormone levels tested. Out of balance (estrogen) Hormones can easily cause depression.

Answer 5

Usually because they've never been really depressed and I do mean DEPRESSED. A friend of mine used to tell me "Just get up and do something and you'll feel better". That would probably work if I was just sad. For those who suffer from depression.......we know for damm sure it's real.

Answer 6

I agree. I have had too many people tell me that "we all get depressed now and then -- just suck it up". I have been considered a weak person because I can't just shake off my depression.

Depression is a real illness and if I didn't have constant counseling and take medication, I'm not so sure I would even be alive now.

Answer 7

Many people feel that being depressed is a choice we make and we can decide if we wanted to, to snap out of it and be happy. Also people want to discredit or deny the realism of things they do not understand. When a person says depression is a fake illness, most likely he or she is just afraid of the unknown. In some cases people may even feel the symptoms theirselves but want to deny that anything could be "wrong" with them.

Answer 8

Nobody can fully understand an illness unless they have direct experience and none of us ask to have it, we all want to escape it and be happy. There are enough millions with it to be understood and helped. A lot of the time it's the same kind of people who don't understand and laugh at it who are the causes of it in the first place.

Answer 9

Depression is something people cause upon themselves - intentionally or unintentionally either way it is caused by you and you alone.

No one can change depression ONLY you.

Depression doesn't have to be a life-long process with the correct therapist and honesty per session - you can and will overcome this.

Make a positive sheet - write down everything which you have accomplished and are proud of - then hang it up as a reminder of everything you have accomplished.

Just like anyone can be happy - anyone can cause depressive moments upon themselves.

Answer 10

Mainly because so many people do use it as an excuse. Are there true cases of depression..I'm sure there is, but its hard to tell. I could say I have been depressed before. clinically depressed. But I pulled myself out of it, through pure sheer will. So when I hear about people with mental illnesses using it as an excuse, I just use my own personal experience with it to judge them. I was diagnosed bipolar. I live a normal life now, without medications or therapy. If i can do it, anyone can.