Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
Myths and Facts About Depression
Myths and Facts About Depression
Overview
People's ideas about depression have changed over the years. New technology and new research show that depression is a disease, just like asthma or heart failure.
Here are some myths and facts about depression.
Myths and facts about depression
|
Myth
|
Fact
|
|
"Depression isn't real."
"It's something in your head."
"It's being lazy."
|
Depression is a disease of the brain. Experts believe that certain brain chemicals go out of balance to cause the disease. No single thing causes this. Many things, including your genes, stressful events, illness, and medicines, can cause the imbalance.
|
|
"Depression always will get better by itself."
"You usually can wait it out."
"Treatment doesn't really work."
|
A few people get over depression on their own, but most people need treatment. Most people with depression can be treated, and they return to their work and home routines. Without treatment, depression can last for months or even years.
|
|
"Children cannot get depression."
|
Depression can develop in any age group, ethnic group, economic group, and gender.
|
|
"Depression only happens if something bad happens to you. For example, you only get it after a bad divorce or losing your job."
|
Depression may start after something bad happens, but other things also may trigger it. Medicines, hormone problems, childbirth, and using alcohol and drugs all can trigger depression. Sometimes it happens for no clear reason.
|
|
"If you can't get over depression, you're weak."
|
Depression is a disease. It is a problem with your brain chemistry, not your character. You can't force yourself to get over it any more than you can make asthma or a heart attack go away.
|
|
"Only people who are very depressed or who think about suicide need medicine."
|
Many people with depression are helped by medicine. Medicine can improve or get rid of the symptoms of depression.
|
Current as of: July 31, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.
© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.
Related Links
Depression: Supporting Someone Who Is Depressed
Depression
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>