In the stress-driven modern world, it is only natural for us to feel drained and a bit hopeless while going through some situations. However, if these feelings of hopelessness and sadness tend to linger a bit longer, they may be more than just a small cloud of emotions hovering over you. Studies have shown that people who go through high-stress or traumatic events in their lives tend to be affected by mood disorders.
Depression is one such condition which causes sadness and a major loss of interest among patients for a prolonged period of time. While these conditions can be treated with the help of the right counsellor, many patients may still hesitate. This is due to the numerous myths about depression doctors that are circulating in our society,
In this blog, we will debunk 9 common myths related to consulting a doctor for depression.
1. "Only weak people need a depression doctor."
This question perpetuates the long-term myth that mental issues are just a weakness of will in an individual, which can be extremely harmful for patients going through serious mental health conditions. Asking for help with a mental health condition is not a sign of weakness. Rather, it shows the immense courage a person has built up to speak up for their health.
Acknowledging that they feel like something is off shows how much an individual is aware of themself, and getting help to improve that is a courageous and intelligent step. It is important to remember that mental health issues such as depression do not care about age, gender lifestyle and can happen to everyone, so seeking assistance promptly is the most prudent decision one can make.
2. "You have to be suicidal to see a depression doctor."
This myth about visiting a depression doctor is very similar to the suggestion of going to a doctor after you have become severely ill. Just like medications take longer to affect such cases, once a person has reached the stage where they feel suicidal, they may take longer to recover from their emotional wounds.
It is extremely important to get help from a Depression Doctor in Siliguri before a patient feels like they have hit a “rock bottom.” It is alsoimportant ot remember that depression solely doesn't mean feeling suicidal but rather feeling hopeless, along with other symptoms like fatigue, irritability and persistent sadness.
3. "Depression doctors only prescribe pills."
A very common assumption made by the general public when suggested to visit a psychiatrist for treatment. This image of a doctor who simply ticks off a point in his notepad and writes off a prescription without even blinking an eye is something made popular by the media through books and movies.
However, this is very far from the truth.h, Depression doctors take great care in assessing your symptoms and sometimes can provide you with treatment that doesn't even involve medications. Their main goal is to provide you with a treatment plan that accommodates your necessities, in which, sometimes, medication just plays a singular role.
4. "Once you start treatment, you're stuck forever."
This is another myth that often causes many individuals to avoid going to see a reliable psychiatrist for serious mental health conditions. Myths about depression doctors, keeping their patients hooked and dependent, are simply unwise. The truth is that after a single visitation, many individuals realise just how much attention they require for the treatment of their conditions.
Through the effective strategies introduced by the doctors, individuals can manage their feelings and emotions in a better way and learn healthy coping mechanisms. Patients tend to come back for ongoing support even after they complete their journey of recovery.
5. "Seeing a doctor means you're 'crazy.”
One of the most negatively affecting myths which promotes the stigma around mental health issues. Sleeping in stigma, this myth causes people to think that mental health issues such as depression only happen to those who are “unstable”. However, depression is referred to as a medical issue.
Which means that it's similar to any other chronic condition, which can be bad for the overall functioning of the body, such as diabetes and asthma. Thus, it is essential to realise that just like treatment for any chronic disease, individuals with depression also need proper care as well as treatment to maintain their well-being.
6. "Doctors don’t really care about your emotions."
Similar to the myth about depression doctors prescribing pills, this myth about depression doctors is also popularised by the media. Due to this, many individuals tend to fear that the doctors they visit may be dismissive and cold when they express their feelings and emotions. While this may be true for a small number of doctors, most of them a very open and receptive to your feelings. Due to their experience in empathic listening, they can assess the aspects of your thoughts that have been negatively affecting you, and they also try to understand the human side of your conditions. Their aim is not just to provide treatment but also to build a relationship based on trust with their clients.
7. "Therapy is enough…you don’t need a doctor."
Counselling and talk therapy play a crucial role in treating mental health conditions, especially when it comes to mood disorders such as depression. However, if a case is severe, doctors suggest the use of a combination method including medication. This helps in the treatment of the physical impact of depression caused by underlying medical issues. Through this collaborative effort, depression doctors and medical doctors can form a treatment method which can cater to the recovery of an individual facing a serious issue with depression.
8. "You can’t afford to see a depression doctor."
It is very valid to assume that you can't afford the cost of care from psychiatrists.
However, the price is comparable to that of any other medical care. To accommodate you, the consultation fees are often covered by insurance. Various community programmes provide access to mental healthcare services at a very low cost. If you are seeking mental health care at a low cost, you can research local doctors. This will help you counter the myth about depression doctors.
9. "You’ll be judged for seeking help."
While it may be hard to face the judging and side-eye looks from your neighbours, and gossip from your far relatives, you must remember that society will always “talk” However, doctors are trained to empathise with your situation and not judge your emotions. What matters most is your health and your mental well-being. So, to cope with these feelings, you can connect with your family and friends to ensure you stay positive and receive the right care throughout your counselling.
Conclusion
Seeking help from a doctor while you aren't feeling well is the right path to take, especially when it comes to mental health. Myths about depression-doctors can, however, mislead people and make them feel more victimised. But the key to recovery is getting the right treatment, which combines medication as well as counselling.
