The Stigma of Depression

There is a widespread stigma about depression and that can make it more difficult for someone to seek help even if they are aware they are depressed. It can also make it more difficult for family and friends to accept it. It is perhaps easy to understand why there is a stigma about depression. You can't see mental distress in the same way that many physical illness are apparent.

Some people associate depression and other mental distress disorders with weakness and madness, or being abnormal. Some people think it is the same as - or caused by stress - so do not regard it as an illness. It is hard to change strongly held beliefs - all you can do is focus on what depression means to you and do the best you can to get through this difficult time. It can help if you and others who are close to someone with depression.

To describe a person as a depressive also tends to be unhelpful - as though that person is wholly defined by their illness.

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