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Exercise and a healthy diet can help manage depression.
Fact ✅
While not standalone cures, regular physical activity and balanced nutrition can improve mood and overall well-being.
You can “snap out” of depression if you try hard enough.
Myth ❌
Depression isn’t about willpower; it involves brain chemistry, stress, and many emotional and social factors that require proper support and treatment.
You can still be highly successful while struggling with depression.
Fact ✅
Many successful individuals manage depression, demonstrating that the condition doesn’t preclude achievement.
If someone is laughing and joking, they can’t be depressed.
Myth ❌
People with depression can have moments of happiness or humour, masking their internal struggles.
Depression and sadness are the same thing.
Myth ❌
Sadness is a temporary emotion, whereas depression is a persistent mood disorder that affects daily life.
People with depression are always crying or visibly upset.
Myth ❌
Many people with depression hide their emotions or feel numb rather than visibly sad.
Therapy alone can be just as effective as medication for some people with depression.
Fact ✅
Psychological therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, can be as effective as medication for many individuals.
Medication can help some people, but they don’t work for everyone.
Fact ✅
Antidepressant medication effectiveness varies; some people benefit significantly, while others may require alternative treatments like talk therapy or Brain Stimulation Therapy.
People with depression always know they have it.
Myth ❌
Some don’t recognise the symptoms or assume it’s just stress, tiredness, or personality changes.
Alcohol is a stimulant that boosts mood and can help with depression.
Myth ❌
Alcohol is a depressant; it sedates the central nervous system and can worsen depression.
Depression is always caused by a traumatic event.
Myth ❌
While trauma can trigger depression, it can also arise without a clear external cause due to genetic/biological or personality factors.
If depression runs in your family, you will definitely get it too.
Myth ❌
A family history increases the risk but doesn’t guarantee one will develop depression; environmental and personal factors also play roles.
Social media can contribute to depression in some people.
Fact ✅
Excessive social media use has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness and depression in some individuals.
Depression can make people more irritable or angry, not just sad.
Fact ✅
Especially in teenagers, frustration, withdrawal, or anger can be signs of depression.
Depression can cause physical symptoms like headaches, stomach pain, and fatigue.
Fact ✅
Depression affects the whole body, including chronic pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Sleeping too much or too little can be a sign of depression.
Fact ✅
Disrupted sleep patterns, including insomnia and hypersomnia, are common symptoms of depression.
Depression rates are higher in urban areas than in rural areas in Australia.
Fact ✅
Studies indicate that 26.1% of young adults in urban areas report depression and/or anxiety, slightly higher than the 24.9% in rural areas.
Untreated depression will eventually go away on its own as you grow out of it.
Myth ❌
Untreated depression can persist for months or years and may worsen without intervention.
People with depression should be left alone until they feel better.
Myth ❌
Isolation can make depression worse; support and connection are crucial for recovery.
Young adults in Australia are less susceptible to mental disorders.
Myth ❌
Young adults have a higher prevalence of mental disorders, with 38.8% of individuals aged 16–24 years experiencing a mental disorder in a 12-month period.
Depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Myth ❌
While brain chemistry is a factor, depression is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Depression can cause memory and concentration problems.
Fact ✅
Cognitive impairments, such as difficulty concentrating and memory issues, are common in depression.
Women are more likely to use substances to cope with depression.
Myth ❌
More men than women turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for depression, often exhibiting irritability or engaging in reckless behaviour. This can mask underlying mental health issues.
Women are more likely to experience depression than men in Australia.
Fact ✅
On average, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 8 men will experience major depressive disorder during their lifetime.
Antidepressants permanently alter your personality.
Myth ❌
Antidepressants aim to balance mood-related chemicals without changing one’s core personality.