Two articles were brought to my attention, both discussing mental health/depression myths.

http://lifehacker.com/the-misconceptions-about-mental-illness-we-need-to-unle-1711647132

“Mental Health Problems Last Forever”

“Only Violent or Unstable People Have Mental Health Problems”

“You Can’t Handle Relationships”

“You Can Just Snap Out of It”

“Treatment Is a Waste of Time” or worse, “Only weaklings seek counseling.”

All of these are misunderstandings of one kind or another.  Have Mental health problems dogged me most of my life? Yes.  Has counseling changed how it affects me? Another yes.  Too often people fall back on Hollywood stereo types instead of checking their facts.  Are some treatments a waste of time? Sure and some are more unhealthy than the PTSD.  This doesn’t mean that all treatments are a waste of time.  Counseling made a huge difference in my life, but not all counselors are good ones.  There are testimonials of those with PTSD dogs and the difference it makes in their lives.  Meditation works for some people.  Distractions work for others.  I will agree that there is no treatment that is one size fits all.  Trying different ways to heal and usually a combination of different methods improve day to day living.  Mental health issues do not doom a person to a life of loneliness.  Relationships are challenging and also rewarding. I laugh when someone implies I could just snap out of the situation I am in.  It would be amazing but so doesn’t work.  However, I am willing to work on becoming healthier and finding new ways to cope and build on thriving.

Article two focused specifically on depression.

http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/the-5-myths-depression-you-should-stop-believing.html

1. Depression can’t be treated

2. The only way to treat depression is through medication

3. If I’m depressed, there’s something flawed inside me

4. My family can’t help me through depression

5. My spouse cannot help me through depression

Do you see the similarities between the two articles?  Depression can be treated.  A variety of approaches can make a significant difference.  Some spouses and families can and do help, others are why a person is depressed to begin with.  Depression is not a flaw, sometimes it is a better response to anger than raging at people.  I use depression to help control my feelings of intense rage that is a symptom of PTSD.  Both articles came with in a few days of each other.  Part of my purpose of this blog is to educate others, share multiple points of view, and encourage anyone facing emotional/mental issues that there is hope for improving how you live.  I changed my life tremendously by daring to try.  Cheering you on from my computer.