Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. According to a data from the National Center for Health Statistics, more than 8% of adults reported having depression. Despite its prevalence, so much is still misunderstood about this condition.

Here are 4 common depression misconceptions you need to stop believing.

Depression is the same as feeling sad

We all feel sad from time to time. But like other emotions, sadness is temporary and quickly fades a away. Depression doesn’t go away with time or encouragement from family or friends. In most cases, it can last from a few weeks to a few years. In addition to loneliness, people with depression also feel tense, anxious, empty or hopeless.

Depression is not the same as feeling sad. It’s not like the person is just having a bad day. It is not something that can be fixed by a tub of ice cream or a day at the spa. Depression is a medical condition that requires treatment and support.

It’s all in your head

Some people will tell a depressed person to stop thinking about it or just snap out of it. Unfortunately, it’s much more complicated than that.

Depression is a mental heath disorder. It affects how a person think, feel, and act. It can cause a person to feel sad, hopeless, lose interest in activities once enjoyed or withdraw from loved ones. It is a serious medical disorder that requires treatment to manage or overcome.

Only women get depressed

Women are twice as likely to be depressed. This is why people tend to assume that depression only affects women.

Women are much more subjected to fluctuating hormone levels compared to men. Hormonal fluctuations associated with childbirth and menopause increase the prevalence of depression.

If you have a family member with depression, you will have it too

Your genetic makeup makes you more susceptible to developing depression. But please keep in mind that you only inherit genes that predispose you to the condition. You do not inherit depression.

Just because a parent or a member of the family has experienced it, it doesn’t mean that you will too.