Depression Lies - Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting

Have you ever been lied to? How did you feel after you found out someone wasn’t telling the truth? Did you feel hurt? Betrayed? Did you wonder why you trusted the person to begin with? Well, depression is often like that. It lies. It deceives. And it leaves you feeling uncertain of whether you can trust yourself.

Every year millions of Americans suffer from depression. In fact, the CDC reports 1 in 10 over 18 years of age feel depressed at even given time. And no one is immune. Depression, with its deceptive nature, is not straightforward. There are many factors that contribute to its cause that are specific to an individual’s unique experience. Yet, one thing is for certain, depression creates a wave of feelings such as sadness, despair, and discouragement. It leaves the person experiencing it confused, uncertain, and hopeless at times. Here are a few lies depression causes you to believe.

“You are worthless.”

One of the symptoms of depression is sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite, lack of motivation, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Not being able to do the things you once were able to do can cause you to create a self belief that you are the problem. You “should” have more energy. You “should” be able to “snap back” and “get it together”. Individuals who struggle with depression can’t automatically feel happier and become more motivated. If they could, they would. The truth is you are worthy of feeling better.

“Things are hopeless and won’t get better.”

Untreated depression can cause a person to withdraw or isolate themselves. You may have trouble concentrating, feel restless, on edge, or the opposite, you may feel like you are moving through time so slowly you feel stuck. Depression wants you to believe it will always be this way. There is no way out. The truth is there is help available. How you feel now, won’t be how you always feel if you are able to understand what’s happening to you and get the help you need to feel better. When you feel better, things get better.

“I am a burden to others.”

Over my time working as a therapist, I have encountered many people who have thought this. Depression can make you feel like you don’t matter to those around you or your loved ones would be better off without you. Yet, the truth is you do matter. Those around you love and care about you very much. Your family and friends may not always know the best way to help or what to do. If you are a family member reading this and know someone struggling with depression, the best thing you can do is be there for them without judgment. Don’t let them sit in isolation and connect them with a mental health professional who can help.

woman with depression who feels like a burden

“Nothing matters.”

Depression wants you to believe nothing matters. It makes you feel as though hope is lost. You may even experience suicidal thoughts. The truth is it does matter. Your life matters.

If you find yourself believing any of these lies or know someone who appears to be struggling with depression, seek help. Some lies commonly circulating about depression are, “If you just think happier thoughts or pray more, depression will go away.” I’m not discounting someone’s spiritual belief systems here as I believe they can be powerful and transformative. The truth is sometimes it is not a lack of faith, belief, or happy thoughts which contributes to a person’s depression.

Another lie around depression is, “You should be able to get over it.” I really wish it was that easy, I do. If you struggle with depression, I know you wish it was too. Healing from physical or mental illness does not happen overnight. Healing takes time. The truth is healing is possible.

If you are struggling with depression or know someone who is, don’t believe the lies depression is telling you. Take the first step towards confronting the lies by seeking help. Go to your doctor or mental health professional and be open about what you are struggling with. Lies lose their power when they are exposed. In the same way, the lies of depression lose their ability to keep you stuck when they are talked about and challenged. What you are experiencing isn’t your fault. You don’t have to believe the lies.

About the Author:

Christy Pennison, Alexandria based counselor working with depression

Christy Pennison, LPC-S, specializes in working with individuals of all ages who struggle with depression. She works with a team of highly trained therapists who understand how to help those struggling with difficult emotions find the relief they are seeking. Be Inspired Counseling & Consulting’s mission is to inspire hope for change to help individuals move forward and live fully. Click here to schedule an appointment today.