Stigma and Myths

What is Stigma in mental illness?

• A cluster of negative attitudes and beliefs that motivate fear, rejection, avoidance, and discrimination against people who have mental illnesses.

Myth

My depression is permanent and will never get better.

True or False?

False.

Depression symptoms, even if severe, usually imporve with psychological counseling, antidepressant medications, or a combination of the two.

Starting antidepressants means I'll be on them for life.

False.

Duration of antidepressant treatment varies between individuals based ona number of factors that your doctor will consider.

Antidepressants are addictive.

False.

Antidepressants are not considered addictive medications. However, your body can become accustomed to them. If the medication is stopped suddenly, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal. This can be avoided by steadily lowering the dose before stopping it.

Antidepressants have intolerable side effects.

False.

Like most medications, antidepressants can cause side effects. For many people, side effects experinced will improve within weeks of starting an antidepressant. In some cases, there may be some side effects that don't seem to go away but there are many strategies available to manage them.

Antidepressants are more effective than psychology consults.

False.

Psychotherapy such as cognitive behavioral therapy, is actually first line treatment. Psychotherapy with antidepressants together is more effective than antidepressants alone.