Between the coronavirus pandemic and the arrival of Halloween, there’s a lot of talk about masks these days. However, one mask that often goes unnoticed is that of undiagnosed mental health issues—specifically depression. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding depression is still very real. Despite it being a quite common mental health issue in the United States, it’s not always socially acceptable to talk about openly and in plain terms. Yet, it’s important to break the silence about depression and improve general awareness of the realities it creates.
Depression doesn’t always mean a mopey disposition.
People of all ages, backgrounds, and lifestyles can experience depression, but it doesn’t look the same for everyone. A sad or low mood isn’t necessary for a diagnosis of depression. A depressed mood or an inability to experience pleasure must be present, which means that many people may suffer from depression without knowing what’s wrong.
Children and teens experience depression too.
One of the most frequently overlooked populations when it comes to mood disorders like depression is minors. There’s a frequent misconception that children aren’t capable of being depressed or that teens are just naturally moody. Often, childhood depression manifests behaviors typically characterized as defiant or disruptive. Irritability, refusal to participate in activities, poor sleep and eating habits, and trouble at school are all possible signs of depression in both children and adults.
Men are less likely to seek treatment for depression.
While mental health is stigmatized across all populations, men are less likely to seek treatment for depression due to common stereotypes. For example, the attitude that real men don’t cry or that depression is just a sign of weakness can make seeking treatment an uphill battle.
Approaching mental healthcare can be challenging, especially if you’ve never seen a therapist or psychiatrist before. MeMD makes the process easier with teletherapy services available over the web. Take the first step toward managing your mental health and wellness by setting up an appointment with one of our licensed professionals today.
