Here is part 2 of our new series of articles looking at specific mental illnesses and busting preconceived notions about said illness. We continue with a look at depression.

MYTH 1: Someone with depression is just being lazy and not facing real life

Many individuals around the world live with depression. It is a very real illness that can affect a person in different ways both physically and emotionally. Saying that a person is just being lazy when they are depressed is another way to enforce stigma, which can further isolate someone who might be struggling.

MYTH 2: Children cannot be depressed

Children and teenagers can be diagnosed with depression. It is not an adult-only illness. According to data shared by Kids Help Phone in 2022, 28% of children and teens who texted the helpline were inquiring about depression, and of these who either texted or called in about depression, 60% were in the age group of 14-17 years old, with 13% for the 5-13 age category. Depression can affect anyone.

MYTH 3: A person with depression can “snap out of it”

Depression is not something that can be turned on and off. If it could be turned off willingly, then nobody would suffer from depression! There are various treatments for depression such as talk therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and certain medications. Each person is different, so one treatment for an individual may not be as effective for another. That is why oftentimes multiple treatments are combined to increase chances of success.

MYTH 4: There is just one type of depression

According to the Soho Center for Mental Health Counseling, depression takes different forms. Some types of depression include major depression, persistent depressive disorder, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and postpartum depression. Depression has complex facets that can manifest in different ways.

MYTH 5: It looks obvious when someone is depressed

Some people show external characteristics of depression but there are many people who hide their depression so well that many people are surprised when they learn they are depressed. A few years ago, we published an article on “Smiling Depression”, which is often seen by those who have depression but do not display the typical symptoms associated with it. Click here to read more. 

Did you know that we have support groups for family, friends, and people living with depression? Click here for details.

Find help: amiquebec.org/depression.

–Gabrielle Lesage
From Share&Care Winter 2025

Visit amiquebec.org/sources for references