Long before we had names or diagnoses for specific disorders, mental health illnesses were already present in the past. Hysteria, shell shock, insanity, and demonic possession have all been used as labels for the disorders we now recognize as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and bipolar disorder.
While today we advance in our knowledge and treatment of mental health illnesses, in the past, they treated people with mental health illnesses as someone who’s crazy, possessed by demons, and a witch. They used torture as a treatment for mental health illnesses.
Although we are far from understanding the whole concept of mental health illnesses, we made a great leap from old beliefs. But some people need more understanding about mental health illnesses like depression.
Especially on social media, mental health illnesses are viewed as a personality trait by lots of people. For example, people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are seen as people who like to clean.
People downplayed mental illnesses as something that characterizes a person.
Here are the reasons why depression is not a personality trait.
- Your depression does not define your character.
When you struggle with depression, you feel melancholic and cannot do your task. But it doesn’t mean that you are not a happy person. It doesn’t represent that you are a lazy person.
- Your depression is a life-threatening health condition.
When you have clinical depression, suicidal thoughts are always present. You cannot just decide to leave your depression at home just because people are uncomfortable with it. It is a medical condition that needs treatment.
- Depression comes in different forms.
There are different kinds of depression like persistent depressive disorder or dysthymia, postpartum depression, psychotic depression, seasonal affective disorder, and major depression.
Depression is a brain and mental disorder. It cannot be described as just a negative personality trait. Not only that, but this disorder is a potentially dangerous condition that needs treatment.
Often, people with depression turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their situation. If this happens, guide your loved ones to get the help they need before it’s too late.
Mallard Lake Detox Center near Dallas, Texas, offers guidance to people with Dual Diagnosis Disorders. Not only that, but we ensure the safety and fast recovery of our patients.
If you have questions, our helpline is 24/7 – all you need to do is call us.