Hidden Truth about Myth & Reality

Neelam Lashari

Islamabad: Depression is a silent killer of your happiness, peace, and well-being. It’s not easy to cope with it, as it will tear you apart internally, slowly and very secretly. Depression is a mood disorder that can suddenly swing your mood. It may cause a lack of interest, an inability to concentrate, a low energy level, and low self-esteem.

Though depression is curable, and little care can easily save a life. But sadly, the lack of awareness about depression has given space to countless myths, and people believe them.

Sometimes, it may result in a decreased appetite or unexplainable sadness. Depression is enough to ruin one’s mood or life.  Unfortunately, it is considered a stigma. Especially in Asian countries, it is not taken seriously, as many people do not consider it an illness.

On the other hand, the lack of awareness about depression has left behind many unbearable wounds and untold stories. Stories that people may relate to and face in their daily lives, but still, they are not strong enough to deal with them.

Though depression is curable, a little care can easily save a life. But sadly, the lack of awareness about depression has given space to countless myths, and people believe them.

One of the common myths about depression is that it is the result of some sad event in life. It is a common phenomenon that may be a career, relationship failure, or some other loss that causes depression.

Though depression is curable, and little care can easily save a life. But sadly, the lack of awareness about depression has given space to countless myths, and people believe them.

But the reality is that a person can feel sadness and loneliness without any reason. There are two types of risk factors for depression. One is a genetic depression that cannot be curable. Moreover, other depressions can be caused by lifestyle. It can be changed with care and support.

Another common myth about depression is that it is always inherited. Though it is inherited, in some cases, one can deal with it by maintaining a healthy and happy lifestyle. Seeing a mental health professional, exposure to more sunlight, and the support of a company can lead a person to live a depression-free life.

The interesting myth about depression is that it only hits women, as they are considered weak in hiding their emotions. On the other hand, men always have strong build-ups, and they are always taught to never cry as it may show them weak. But one or two out of ten men develop depression and sometimes men went to the extreme by taking their lives, unlike women.

Depression is not considered an illness. But it is a severe illness like cancer or asthma. It is a brain disorder that may occur due to psychological, emotional, or biological factors. It badly affects the daily life of a person through behavior, feelings, acts, and the way a person thinks.

Depression is not considered an illness. But it is a severe illness like cancer or asthma. It is a brain disorder that may occur due to psychological, emotional, or biological factors. It badly affects the daily life of a person through behavior, feelings, acts, and the way a person thinks.

A further myth about depression is that it is only about one’s thinking and it does not have anything to do with reality. But unfortunately, it is a reality, and its common symptoms include headache, insomnia, fatigue, chest pain, and neck and back pain. It also includes digestive issues, Muscle and joint aches, weight loss, appetite changes, and agitation.

Countless other myths are related to depression. But the need of the time is to accept it and to take it seriously like many other diseases. Just remember a healthy and happy lifestyle can help us as a nation get through depression. Otherwise, we will only see sad people behind happy faces.

The writer is the director of research and evaluation at GSA. She is an author and a bilingual poet.

The article is the writer’s personal opinion.