Pop Culture has mislabeled and misrepresented depression for years. There are many high-profile movies and TV shows that have come out that try to tackle the issue, and ultimately drop the ball. One of these films is Silver Linings Playbook starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.
Silver Linings Playbook took a deep dive into what it’s like to live with mental health issues, but it completely misrepresented depression. The movie revolved around Bradley Cooper’s character trying to get back together with his wife, who suffers from depression. According to the film, companionship is the simple answer to mental illness. While companionship is a huge help to those who are lonely, the movie makes it seem like a catch-all.
Pop culture has glamorized and glorified what it means to have a mental illness. Most movies, as well as TV shows, depict that there is an emotional attachment to depression. Movies also imply that there is an easy fix for depression. Pop culture makes depression look beautiful; as if you should be staring out of the windows or crying gracefully. They show depression as being sad or upset, causing these emotions to build up and eventually leading to some sort of breakdown. However, that is not the case for the majority of people that actually suffer from depression.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Depression
While depression does not look the same in everyone, here are some of the common symptoms of depression in individuals:
- Desire to withdraw from social events
- Irritability
- Hopelessness and helplessness
- Imposter syndrome: you are just going through the motions
- Indecisiveness
- Difficulty concentrating
- Low self-esteem
- Fatigue
- Prolonged sadness
- Feelings of being overwhelmed
- A feeling of being stuck
- Crying for no reason
- Not sleeping or sleeping too much
Depression is something that millions of people suffer from every year
Depression in pop culture is depicted with thoughts of suicide. In some cases, people that suffer from severe depression may suffer from suicidal thoughts. However, you do not have to have suicidal thoughts to be depressed. Also, pop culture misses the mark by portraying depressed characters as low-functioning and struggling in their everyday lives. There are plenty of successful and high-functioning people that suffer from depression.
Many of those who suffer from depression are responsible for their career, bills, other commitments, and other people. These commitments can play a role in how depression is brought on, but those who suffer from it try to function well enough to take care of their responsibilities.
Depression Treatment Can Reduce Common Signs & Symptoms
The unfortunate truth is that there is no simple fix for depression. Companionship may not be the answer for every individual that suffers from the illness. Many of those who suffer from depression take prescription medication to help with their fight against it. Some people are on those medications for the rest of their lives.
Depression is also heavily combated with counseling. The most common treatment for depression is the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (“CBT”). At PsycHealth Services, your therapist will begin to identify and modify your unhelpful thoughts. You will focus on the ones that encourage negative feelings and prevent you from living your life. Not only is this helpful for a healthy and lasting change, but you will begin to understand the mechanics of how your brain processes emotions. We will also give you tools to cope with negative thoughts, so you can continue living out your life.
Depression is Real
Depression in pop culture is portrayed as some beautiful thing that can be rectified by meeting one of the basic human needs. This is simply not the case. Depression is scary, dirty, tragic, sad, and all around you. Depression should not be glamorized or romanticized.
At PsycHealth Services, we understand the signs and symptoms that high-functioning women and men experience. In the first few sessions, we will take time to really get to know you and better understand your background, lifestyle, interests, and relationships. Many areas of your life can be affected when dealing with depression. At PsycHealth Services, we want to set you up for success in addressing them. Addressing these issues may include your sleep habits, diet, exercise habits, and self-care routines.
In Counseling, we may also address how to normalize depression. It can be easy to tear yourself down when you are struggling; however, many individuals like yourself are going through similar struggles and it is okay to get help. In therapy, you will receive the guidance and support you need. Then, we can begin to branch out and see where you can gain support in your everyday life.
Overall, it’s great to see mental illness more accepted and discussed in movies and pop culture. It is essential to know the facts behind the disease and not just what Hollywood shows.
Begin Online Depression Counseling in Chicago, IL and Depression Treatment in Hinsdale, IL at PsycHealth Services
You do not have to live with the shame or guilt of depression. Counseling can help you understand what you are going through and normalize the experience. Our therapy office in Hinsdale, IL has skilled counselors who specialize in depression treatment for women and men. To start your counseling journey, follow these simple steps:
- Contact PsycHealth Services
- Meet with one of our caring depression therapists
- Start working through your depression and receive the support you need
Other Therapy services at PsycHealth Services
At PsycHealth Services, we offer a wide range of Counseling that help couples, parents, teens, and those looking to attain better mental health. Services you may be interested in include therapy for teens, counseling for parents, Therapy for weight management, anxiety treatment, depression counseling, stress therapy, and postpartum depression treatment. Additionally, we offer online therapy and in-person therapy in Hinsdale, IL. Get started today and begin your therapy journey in Oak Brook, Westchester, Hinsdale, Western Springs, Westmont, or anywhere in the state of Illinois.
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