Why depression is not a real illness

    Origin of Stereotype Depression is a complex illness that is characterized by a persistent low mood, loss of interest in activities, isolation, apathy and repeated negative/intrusive thoughts (Stuart, 2006). The stereotype that depression is not ‘real’ and that it is all made up by the sufferer can be traced back to a variety of sources that encourage misinformation and stigma. By applying a systems lens, we looked at different micro, mezzo, and macro influences that feed into the stereotype that depression is not a real mental illness. For one, the media portrayal of mental illness contributes largely to the current and historical view of mental illnesses; people with mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are typically represented in a negative and violent way and are used to create a dramatic story. The media tend to distort images of mental illness that often emphasize criminality and unpredictability (Stuart, 2006). In this way, audiences are taught that mental illness equates to dramatic, erratic and dangerous behavior. Depression then seems mild to audiences in comparison with these other mental illnesses, which contributes to bias and prejudice that it is easy to “snap out of it”. Depression is rarely shown in the media but commonly co-occurs as a symptom of other mental illnesses; however it is barely acknowledged in media and pop culture (Stuart, 2006). Missing representation and negative media portrayals can impair self-esteem, hinder help-seeking behaviors and medication adherence, and overall recovery (Stuart, 2006). Another origin of the stereotype that depression is not a real illness can be attributed to capitalist narratives and views that create a lack of understanding and empathy. As mentioned before, depression is a complex illness that comes about from a variety of factors such as upbringing, environment, parental influences, school systems and so much more. This belief is rooted in capitalism, which promotes the idea that external things such as wealth, status, and luxuries mean that you are happy (Schimelpfening, 2020). Capitalism and Western influences have instilled the belief that our worth is tied to how much we have, which can create inner turmoil, especially if you come from a low socioeconomic background (Schimelpfening, 2020). Therefore, the narrative that if you have all of your basic needs met and more, you cannot be depressed and that you must be making it all up, decreasing understanding of the illness overall (Schimelpfening, 2020). Often, people with depression are seen as attention seekers, which enforces the narrative that there must be something wrong with the person. Societal beliefs like these perpetuate harmful narratives, another one being that many people can go through similar devastating life events resulting in some people being able to cope and others not. Again, this enforces prejudices that people must be making it all up, pointing to a lack of knowledge on the subject of mental illness, which originates from the failure of school systems to educate children. Prejudice, lack of awareness and empathy, media, and cultural influence all contribute to the stereotype that depression is not a real illness. Statistics (youth focused) - Jasman Canada’s youth mental health rate is the third highest among industrialized nations; only 1 out of 5 children and youth who need mental health services actually receive them (CMHA, 2020).Mental illness is caused by a complex interplay of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors (“Mental Health Commission,” 2011). In any given year, 1 in 5 people in Canada will experience a mental health problem or illness (CMHA, 2020). The mortality rate due to suicide is increasing, especially among men and youth, with the rate among men being four times higher than the rate of women (CMHA, 2020).