Photo Credit: lculig / iStockPhoto.com
5. Depression Is Due to A "Chemical Imbalance"
The phrase “chemical imbalance” is mentioned often when people discuss depression, bipolar, and other mental health disorders. Just browse through any online comment section for proof of this.
These statements are usually well meaning but far from a complete conceptualization of depression. This myth rises from the improvements people can find from taking medication for depression.
The “chemical” people are referring to in the “chemical imbalance” is probably serotonin. A group of medications known as SSRIs — selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors — work by allowing more serotonin to be present in the brain.
More serotonin is related to improved moods, sleep, and energy levels. The problem is no one knows how much serotonin is in the brain before medication is started or what makes it imbalanced. Plus, if it were all due to a chemical imbalance, beginning a medication would resolve all depression.
You used to like your job; you would wake up in the morning excited and optimistic about the day ahead; but now you're wondering, "Am I overworked?"
