Understanding Depression – Where Are We Still Getting It Wrong?

Written by: Angela Derrick, Ph.D. & Susan McClanahan, Ph.D.

Date Posted: February 13, 2025 3:59 am

Understanding Depression – Where Are We Still Getting It Wrong?

Myths About Depression

Our understanding of depression has advanced significantly, but misconceptions and gaps in our knowledge persist, which begs the question, where are we still getting it so wrong? Once considered entirely in our heads, we now know that depression can also manifest in our bodies. Suffering from depression is not a matter of simply “feeling blue.” It is a complex condition that affects our bodies and minds in ways that are often misunderstood, especially by those who have never experienced it.  Here are some common areas where we might still be getting it wrong:

Myth: Seasonal Depression (SAD) Only Happens in the Winter

Reality: SpringSource’s co-founder, Dr. Angela Derrick, notes, “Many of my clients have told me that they feel their worst in the springtime and that this is confusing for them.  They are under the impression that seasonal affective disorder only occurs in the winter.  They are validated and relieved when I tell them that “summer-pattern SAD” is a phenomenon currently being studied, that it is not so unusual after all and that there might be identified reasons for their shift in mood.” ⁠

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Seasonal Affective Disorder in people with summer-pattern SAD may have reduced melatonin levels and worsening sleep quality because of hotter temperatures, longer daylight hours, and shorter nights. These sleep disruptions can lead to depression, but more studies are needed.

Myth: Depression is Just a Chemical Imbalance

Reality: Depression is complex, and focusing solely on chemical imbalances oversimplifies the condition. According to Harvard Health, research suggests that depression doesn’t spring from simply having too much or too little of certain brain chemicals. Instead, there are many possible causes of depression, including faulty mood regulation by the brain, genetic vulnerability, and stressful life events. It’s believed that several of these forces interact to bring on depression. Furthermore, while chemicals are involved in this process, it is not a simple matter of one chemical being too low and another too high. Rather, countless chemical reactions can be involved and responsible for moods, perceptions, and how we experience life.

Myth: Depression is a Sign of Personal Weakness or a Lack of Willpower

Reality: This particular untruth can hurt our hearts and cause internalized shame. Depression is a medical condition, not a character flaw. Oftentimes, individuals who suffer from depression have persistent thoughts questioning what is wrong with them and why everyone else has it together. At the same time, they struggle with the simplest of life tasks. Taking a shower, planning meals for the day, and just getting out of bed can be next to impossible for those suffering. To an onlooker, especially someone who has no experience with clinical depression, this can look like laziness or lack of willpower. This unearned stigmatization can prevent people from seeking help. Perpetuating harmful stereotypes is unhelpful and will likely prolong suffering.

Myth: Depression is Separate from Life Experiences

Reality: Trauma, including childhood adversity, is a significant risk factor for depression. A holistic approach often involves addressing unresolved emotional wounds, family of origin issues, and parts therapy. Coping mechanisms that helped us survive dysfunctional, chaotic, or violent upbringings can now be causing harm to our mental health as adults.

Unexpressed grief and trauma play a significant role in fueling adult anxiety and depression. It might sound good to say or believe that all of that was in the past–let’s just leave it there. Unfortunately, that is not a strategy for maintaining mental health and recovering from depression.

We want to stress that recovery strategies that include dealing with past hurts and traumas are not about placing blame on caregivers, situations, or ourselves. They are about detangling a faulty blueprint that continues to cause us distress in our adult lives. People and situations out of our control may have impacted our mental health through absolutely no fault of our own. The good news is we have the power inside of ourselves and with the help of professionals when needed to find recovery.

A quick note on adolescents and young adults suffering from depression: we want to emphasize that the earlier the intervention, the better. While not all cases can be prevented, addressing risk factors (e.g., stress management, early intervention, fostering supportive environments) can reduce the likelihood or severity of depression. Depression is highly treatable, and there are skills we can learn to help combat the mental suffering that accompanies this illness. It is never too early or too late to start this journey!

Myth: All Depressions Are the Same

Reality: Depressions vary widely in their presentations, including:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): also called clinical depression, and includes symptoms that last at least two weeks and interfere with daily life.
• Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): is a chronic depression lasting 2 years or more with symptoms that may fluctuate in intensity.
• Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression): is characterized by fluctuating episodes of depression with periods of high energy, impulsivity, and euphoria that can be intense (mania) or less severe (hypomania).
• Postpartum Depression (PPD): not just the “baby blues,” this is a very real disorder that can seriously affect the mother and impact the bonding between mother and child. Lesser known is that men can also suffer, though they are rarely diagnosed. It’s called paternal postpartum depression and, according to the National Library of Medicine, affects around 1 in 10 new fathers.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): depending on where you live, winter presents a unique set of challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. Depression linked to seasonal changes is associated with a lack of sunlight and disruptions in circadian rhythm. If you already suffer another form of depression, SAD can worsen symptoms and require a combination of therapy and light exposure.
• Psychotic Depression: also known as depressive psychosis, is a major depressive episode with psychotic symptoms like hallucinations or delusions and often includes paranoia and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.
• Atypical Depression: is a form of depression with unusual symptoms such as increased appetite, weight gain, sleeping too much (hypersomnia), and intense sensitivity to rejection. A response to positive events may cause an elevation in mood, but it is usually temporary.
• Situational Depression (Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood): this form of depression is triggered by a specific stressful life event such as a job loss, divorce, or trauma-related issue. It is usually temporary but can become severe.
• Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD): generally diagnosed in children and adolescents and is characterized by severe temper outbursts and chronic irritability.

Myth: Depression is “All in the Head”

Reality: we find this myth particularly pernicious as it causes undo shame and a feeling of helplessness in the sufferer. How many times has depression been presented to a general practitioner during a routine check-up only to be told (especially if you are a woman or gender non-conforming) that you need to exercise more, lose weight, or otherwise embrace a “healthier” lifestyle, which essentially puts the entire burden of fault on the depressive’s shoulders? We know cases where sufferers have shut down and stopped seeking help or talking about symptoms for fear of being blamed again and given advice that doesn’t work.

We are grateful that these messages are being challenged more and more as society’s understanding of mental health increases. Yet the myths persist. Depression is not just in our head; it often manifests physically (e.g., chronic pain, fatigue, gastrointestinal issues) and can be linked to or exacerbate other health conditions.

Myth: Antidepressants are the Universal Solution

Reality: While medication helps many people, it is not universally effective. Even if necessary and efficacious, it is still just one piece of the pie of total recovery. Other equally important pieces include psychotherapy, behavioral changes, recovery groups, community involvement, and social connectedness, to name a few. Our support systems are crucial to recovery, and these take time and the help of others to build. We recommend treating yourself with gentleness, self-compassion, and approval as you embrace this process.

Myth: Depression Looks the Same Across Cultures

Reality: symptoms and coping mechanisms can vary across the world. For example, in some cultures, depression may manifest as physical complaints rather than emotional distress. When seeking help for depression, it is essential to find a therapist who is the right fit and can meet you where you are culturally. There may be many experiential differences to those of Western society, and to be successful in treatment, your lived experience must be taken into account.

Myth: Depression is Solely a Personal Issue

Reality: economic instability, systemic inequality, and lack of access to mental health resources can significantly impact rates of depression and access to treatment. Women suffer at greater rates due to experiencing more life stressors and gender inequality. Researchers have long been interested in the relationship between income and mood, but more studies are needed. The research that does exist has noted that income inequality increases the risk of depression. Read more about income, income inequality, and gender drivers for depression here.

Ways to Support a Loved One Who Suffers from Depression

Some of the best ways you can support a loved one with depression may be counter-intuitive, especially in a culture that has overvalued rugged individualism, perfectionism, and competition. Still, we do know it is best to go against the grain if recovery is to be achieved. Here are some practical steps:

• Listen without judgment. Offer space for them to talk, check in regularly, and above all, don’t try to “fix” their feelings. You can employ validating statements such as “That sounds really difficult. I am here for you.”
• If they are open to it, gently suggest therapy, offer logistical help, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
• Focus on gentle encouragement and avoid pushing too hard. If they are open to it, engage in manageable activities together.
• Be patient and understand that depression isn’t something they can “snap out of.” Avoid toxic positivity. Saying things like “Cheer up” or the most dreaded “Others have it worse” increases shame and sadness in the sufferer. If a pep talk could have fixed depression, it would have a long time ago. Instead, say, “I know this is hard, and I am here with you.” There is no way to overstate how helpful it can be to express “I am here for you.”
• Keep an eye out for warning signs. If they talk about self-harm or suicide, encourage them to reach out to their therapist or establish a relationship with a mental health professional. Call a crisis hotline or emergency services if necessary—resources are linked below.
• Supporting someone with depression can be emotionally draining, so make sure to cultivate healthy boundaries and get any additional support needed. Seeking help from a qualified therapist or participating in a support group can help with burden sharing and rejuvenation. SpringSource has qualified therapists, and a new IOP group is being formed. Resources and contact information are linked below.

Recovery often takes time and may involve setbacks. It’s a gradual process that requires patience and ongoing support. Advancing understanding of depression requires continued research, reducing stigma, and fostering an integrative approach that incorporates biology, psychology, culture, and environment. Open discussions, better access to mental health care, and empathy can pave the way for a deeper and more adequate understanding of depression.

Depression Resources

Nami Chicago Mental Health Resource and Suicide/Crisis Lifeline

Chicago Department of Public Health–Mental Health Crisis Resources

Mayo Clinic–Depression: Supporting a family member or friend

Nami Mental Health Resources for Kids, Teen, and Young Adults

SpringSource Hybrid Adult IOP Program–treating depression, anxiety, mood, and eating disorders

Summer-Pattern SAD

If you or someone you love is contemplating suicide, seek help immediately. For help 24/7, dial 988 for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. To find a therapist near you, visit the Psychology Today Therapy Directory.

About SpringSource Psychological Center

At SpringSource, we are experienced in treating all forms of depression. Our therapists are skilled in CBT and many other evidence-based therapies utilized in depression therapy. We understand that the path to healing varies, and we focus on compassionately addressing each individual’s unique needs. We are available for in-person and virtual appointments in our downtown Chicago and Northbrook, IL offices. Call or email us today at 224-202-6260 and info@springsourcecenter.com to learn more and set up your free initial consultation. We would love to hear from you.