Depression Is Not A Choice: Common Myths About Depression

While some myths can be harmless, there are others that can be very harmful—especially when it comes to mental illness. There are many myths and misconceptions about depression, such as "depression is a choice” or “depression is just feeling sad.” These can have negative effects including creating shame around depression and making it more difficult for some people to seek help.

In this article, we will explore five common myths about depression, as well as how to find support if this is something you’re experiencing.

Exploring common myths about depression

Allowing myths about depression to continue can be harmful by causing some people experiencing depression to believe untrue things about the condition, not seek help, or feel shame and embarrassment about their experience. 

Some people may believe that depression is a choice. They may think that individuals with depression chose to feel the way they do and can just decide to stop feeling depressed if they want to. People with this belief may say things like "just choose to feel happy" when talking with someone experiencing depression. 

However, this is not the case.

Symptoms of depression can include feelings of sadness or hopelessness, loss of interest in usual activities, change in eating or sleeping patterns, fatigue, physical aches and pains, and difficulty concentrating. As the Mayo Clinic states, it is not something a person can just “snap out” of. People with depression can seek treatment and get help, but if this misconception is clouding their perspective, they may believe that help is not an option. 

Myth: Depression can only be caused by events

Depression can have many possible complex causes. Research suggests that factors such as brain chemistry, genetics, life events, medical conditions, and medication can all play a role. 

While a stressful life event such as the loss of a loved one or a challenging medical diagnosis can be a possible cause of depression for some individuals, it is not the only possible cause, nor does it guarantee that a person will experience depression. For instance, imbalanced levels of certain brain chemicals—such as low levels of neurotransmitters including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—may lead to depression, and having a relative with depression may increase one’s risk of depression.

A major life change or traumatic event is only one factor of many that can lead an individual to experience depression.

If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.

Myth: Antidepressants are the only treatment for depression

There are a variety of different treatment options for depression, and medication such as antidepressants is just one of the available options. Treatment options can include various types of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes such as exercise.

According to the American Psychological Association, for depression, therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy, as well as antidepressant medications have been shown to help. With CBT therapy, for example, patients can learn important skills to help them cope with their symptoms.

There is some evidence that suggests that for depression, the combination of therapy and medication may be more effective than either of these treatments on their own; some people may find that a combination of several different types of treatment is most effective in helping them with their symptoms.

Some people may think that depression is just feeling sad, but depression is much more complex than this. Feeling sad is a part of life that everyone can experience at some point. Depression is different: it is more extreme, can last a long time, and can have a range of symptoms beyond feeling sad. 

People with depression may experience fatigue, loss of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, change in eating or sleeping patterns, physical aches and pains, feelings of loneliness, emptiness, worthlessness, anxiety, anger, and irritability. Individuals with depression may also experience suicidal thoughts.

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 and is available 24/7.

Myth: Depression looks the same in everyone

Some people may believe that depression can only look one way, but this is not true. With its range of possible symptoms and possible causes, it can look very different from one person to the next. 

For instance, while some people may experience feelings of worthlessness and loneliness, others may be feeling irritable and angry. Some may find themselves eating too much and sleeping too much, while others may be unable to sleep or eat. Some people may feel restless and agitated, while others may feel numb and empty. 

Depression can be expressed in a lot of different ways. Understanding the various signs and symptoms can make it easier to recognize depression and seek help when needed. 

Help is available

Experiencing depression can be painful and challenging, and some of the myths surrounding it can make it feel even harder at times, but help is available. 

Some individuals experiencing depression may feel very tired and have little energy, so leaving the house may feel challenging. With online therapy through BetterHelp, you can connect with a licensed therapist from wherever is most convenient with an Internet connection, including the comfort of your own home. For some individuals, this may feel easier than traveling to an in-person appointment. 

Research has demonstrated the effectiveness of online therapy for individuals with depression. For instance, one such study examined the effectiveness of an online CBT program for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. The study found that participants experienced significant reductions in symptoms over time, concluding that “digital interventions can support sustained and clinically meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety.”