[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/05\/myths-and-facts-about-depression\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/05\/myths-and-facts-about-depression\/","headline":"Myths and Facts About Depression","name":"Myths and Facts About Depression","description":"Depression is a common mental illness in the United States, but many misconceptions remain. Find out the facts from UPMC.","datePublished":"2020-05-28","dateModified":"2025-11-24","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","name":"UPMC Western Behavioral Health","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/behavioral-health-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/behavioral-health\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/depression-740x493_Type.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/depression-740x493_Type.jpg","height":493,"width":740},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2020\/05\/myths-and-facts-about-depression\/","about":["Health Topics A-Z","Mental Health"],"wordCount":1186,"keywords":["New Here - Mental Health"],"articleBody":"Depression\u00a0is one of the most common mental illnesses both in the United States and across the world. Despite the prevalence of depression, there are still many misconceptions about it. Read on to find out some of the facts about depression.More than 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression, according to the World Health Organization.\u00a0The National Institute of Mental Health\u00a0reported an estimated 21 million American adults had a major depressive episode in 2021.About 1 in 4 women and 1 in 10 men will deal with depression at some point in their lives. So, it is important to separate the facts from fiction to understand how to get the help you need.Myths and Facts About DepressionWhat is depression?Myth:\u00a0Depression is the same as feeling sadness or grief.Fact:\u00a0Depression is a serious mental condition that can cause disability.Whether it\u2019s the death of a loved one or a loss of a job, most people have been sad or experienced grief in their lives. Those feelings tend to fade.Depression is different. People diagnosed with depression experience symptoms that can last for weeks, months, or even years.Depression can affect your mood, making you feel sad, guilty, worthless, tired, irritable, or angry. It can make it more difficult to perform daily tasks like eating, sleeping, or working.If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you should seek treatment.What are the effects of depression?Myth:\u00a0Depression affects everyone in the same way.Fact:\u00a0There are several types of depression, and people experience it differently.Depression is not a one-size-fits-all condition. It can cause different symptoms in people depending on factors like age, gender, or life situation.For many people, depression is a constant problem. For others, depression can develop during life circumstances, such as postpartum depression.Different types of depression include:Major depressive disorder, with or without psychotic features.This is also known as clinical depression and is one of the most common mental disorders in the United States. To identify this type of depression, look for serious symptoms that persist for at least two weeks. However, these symptoms can last longer or come and go.When major depressive disorder has psychotic features, symptoms include hallucinations or delusions.Persistent depressive disorder.This is also known as dysthymia. The symptoms are not as serious as major depressive disorder, but they last longer \u2014 two years or more. It is a chronic form of depression where depressive episodes can happen.Postpartum depression.This type of depression occurs after giving birth. The depression symptoms and feelings last more than just a few days and can include sadness, emptiness, and loneliness. This can affect women\u2019s daily lives and their ability to connect with their child. If women experience these feelings during pregnancy, it is known as perinatal depression.Seasonal affective disorder.Otherwise known as seasonal depression, these symptoms come and go with the seasons. It is a repetitive pattern as people will experience depression symptoms the same time every year. While this often occurs in fall and winter months, it can be in the spring or summer as well.Premenstrual dysphoric disorder.This can affect women who have a menstrual cycle. It is similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS), but the symptoms are much more extreme. And unlike PMS, it can affect your daily life through major emotional distress that gets in the way of work, school, relationships, and more. Symptoms are never only physical and are primarily mood-related, such as anger or anxiety. Physical symptoms can be present as well, such as fatigue or aching.Symptoms appear the week before your period, last about 6 days, and usually end when your period begins. If you don\u2019t have a period, you can still have this disorder \u2014 symptoms often start a week after ovulation.What causes depression?Myth:\u00a0Depression only happens when something bad happens to you.Fact:\u00a0Depression can develop in many different ways.Biological, environmental, genetic, and psychological factors all can cause depression, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.Life events like unemployment, a loved one\u2019s death, or psychological trauma can also cause depression. Other causes for depression include:Family history of depression.Medications (as a side effect).Serious illnesses, such as cancer or heart disease.Substance use, such as drugs or alcohol.Anxiety and depressionMyth:\u00a0Anxiety and depression are the same thing.Fact:\u00a0Anxiety and depression can be related, but they\u2019re two different conditions.Both anxiety disorders and depression can cause similar symptoms, such as irritability. Both can cause problems with sleep, eating, or other activities. But they\u2019re two separate conditions with their own causes and related symptoms.Many people with diagnosed depression also have a history of anxiety, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. But it\u2019s also very possible to experience one without the other.Other mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder and substance use disorder, also can be related to depression. Physical illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and chronic pain also can be risk factors.Who does depression affect?Myth:\u00a0Depression is an adult disease.Fact:\u00a0People of any age can suffer from depression.Although depression often comes during adulthood, millions of children and adolescents suffer from it, too. An estimated 5 million U.S. adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 had a major depressive episode in 2021,\u00a0according to the National Institute of Mental Health.Being proactive with your kids, watching for symptoms, and making sure they understand mental health can help ensure they get help if they need it.How is depression treated?Myth:\u00a0Depression can go away on its own.Fact:\u00a0Treatment is important to help with depression and to avoid complications.Ignoring your symptoms of depression won\u2019t help with the disease. In fact, it can make your condition worse.If left untreated, depression can lead to serious health complications, including sleeping and eating disorders and substance use disorder. It also can lead to suicidal thoughts or actions. More than 48,000 Americans died by suicide in 2021,\u00a0according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How Do I Find Treatment for Depression?Treatment is crucial to avoid more health complications. There are several different treatment options:Therapy: Talking to a professional can help you work through the causes of your depression. Options include one-on-one and group sessions. There are several different types of therapy, including\u00a0cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, interpersonal therapy, or problem-solving therapy.Medications: This is often done in conjunction with therapy. Medications that treat depression include antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and anti-psychotic medicine.Brain stimulation: If medication and therapy don\u2019t work, another option is a brain stimulation exercise called\u00a0electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)\u00a0or repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). These therapies deliver electric current to specific parts of your brain.If you or a loved one is suffering from depression, don\u2019t wait. Contact UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital at\u00a0412-624-1000\u00a0or toll free at\u00a01-877-624-4100.Editor's Note: This video was originally published on May 28, 2020, and was last reviewed on February 4, 2025.SourcesNational Institute of Mental Health. Major Depression.  World Health Organization. Depressive Disorder (Depression).  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. FastStats \u2014 Depression.  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