In 2022, the Chinese mental health survey showed that the lifetime prevalence of depression in Chinese adults was 6.8%, with major depression at 3.4%. Currently, the number of people with depression in China is 95 million, with approximately 280,000 suicides per year, 40% of which are associated with depression. The “2023 China Mental Health Blue Book” indicates that mental health issues among students, a focus of societal concern, are increasingly prominent and trending towards younger ages. The report reveals a 40% detection rate of depression in high school students, 30% in middle school students, and 10% in primary school students. According to the World Health Organization, over 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. The WHO predicts that by 2030, depression will become the leading global disease burden. It is evident that depression has become a significant public health issue that cannot be ignored. However, there are many misconceptions and prejudices surrounding this condition.
Recently, in a public lecture hosted by Souyuan Education, Teacher Li Huibing delved into the major misconceptions about depression and revealed the underlying reasons, providing valuable insights to the public.
Teacher Li mentioned that various data indicate that depression is not distant from us, yet the majority of people have never truly understood depression. The causes of depression are not simply “overthinking,” and sometimes even the patients themselves cannot comprehend it. Leslie Cheung, in his final message to the world, asked: “I’ve done nothing wrong my whole life. Why is it like this?”
Common misconceptions about depression are mainly manifested in several aspects:
1: Twisted view of depression as a disease
We either do not regard depression as a problem or deliberately avoid acknowledging it. Post-occurrence, extreme panic and disbelief or reluctance to face the issue, even if confronted, and a desperate desire to solve the problem are common reactions observed in the majority of parents facing depression. These two starkly different responses are distorted views of the disease. In China, over 70% of depression patients do not receive timely treatment. Fearing discrimination, pity, or differentiation, they pretend to turn a blind eye, dodge the issue, refuse to seek help, leading to a worsening situation. “How can someone perfectly fine suddenly be depressed?” is a common sigh among those diagnosed. Especially, many parents of teenagers would often say, “At such a young age, how can there be depression?” “Being too sensitive, seeking attention, making a fuss out of nothing.”
The fear and shame associated with depression can entangle children in feelings of “I’m not good enough” and “It’s my fault,” plunging them into helpless isolation.
2: Parents’ misconceptions when depression is diagnosed
“You should be more positive and optimistic,” “Let it go,” “Never tell a depressed person not to overthink.” These are the least helpful words. “Parents cannot see the pain in their children’s hearts,” they often say, “You are well-fed and watered now, much better off than I was when young, so what’s bothering you?” or claim, “This is not a big deal.” A few sentences can render children speechless. When parents finally become aware of their children’s issues and hope the children will open up to talk, the children’s hearts have already closed off.
Adolescence is a high-risk period for depression, closely tied to the physiological and psychological stress of teenagers during this period. At this stage, children’s brains are still not fully developed, and when caught in an emotional storm, bombarded by various negative feelings, they may not find appropriate ways to express themselves, confide, release, or manage. Hence, they resort to actions to express themselves—feeling low, staying silent, neglecting studies, skipping school, or experiencing anxiety and restlessness, exploding over trivial matters, becoming thunderous.Frequent complaints suggest that today’s children are better off than ours was, but this generation, though seemingly free from material concerns and worries, faces much more complex challenges and pressures: indulgence in academics, brutal competition, incessant internal competition, excessive parental attention, lack of self-exploration.
3: Viewing depression as a sign of mental weakness
Some individuals see depression as a symbol of mental weakness. Teacher Li Huibing refutes this notion, emphasizing that depression is a multifaceted disease influenced by biological, psychological, social, and other factors, unrelated to individual mental strength. On the contrary, many depression patients often have a strong sense of responsibility and self-demand. Their suffering often stems from inescapable negative emotions and thought patterns. Therefore, attributing depression to mental weakness is not only a misunderstanding and discrimination against patients but may also exacerbate their psychological burden.
Analysis of Underlying Reasons
Delving deeper, Teacher Li believes that depression is not merely an emotional issue but a complex interplay of multiple factors and events. Its onset is not unfounded but a result of various intertwined factors.
1. Genetic factors play a significant role. For instance, if a family member has had depression, the individual’s risk of illness may increase accordingly.
2. Biological factors, least understood by many parents, involve neurotransmitter imbalances in the brain, akin to misaligned machine parts causing emotional regulation disorders that trigger depression. Nobody intentionally chooses to be unhappy; the individual truly cannot control it.
3. Psychological factors are relatively crucial. Individuals with sensitive, introverted personalities, akin to Lin Daiyu, are more prone to sinking into the quagmire of depression when facing pressure and setbacks.
4. Environmental influences are significant inducements. The core revolves around the results of the psychological reactions post-incidents. Major life events such as sudden loss of a loved one can deliver a severe blow; unemployment can lead to economic hardship and self-doubt, potentially sparking depression.
5. Health issues are closely linked to depression. For instance, individuals with certain ailments might have their nervous systems’ regular functions impacted, triggering depressive symptoms.
6. Drug factors can also cause effects, which is why individuals with physical illnesses or prolonged unrecovered illnesses (multiple physical and psychological impacts) may induce effects. Some drug side effects can lead to low moods, akin to ripples on a calm lake caused by a stone dropping in.
7. Psychological trauma, the most challenging to heal. Particularly, childhood experiences pose latent risks. For instance, children subjected to abuse or neglect may already harbor deep emotional scars, some of whom never break free from it.
8. Societal factors must not be underestimated. Feelings of loneliness shadow one everywhere; social isolation makes one feel disconnected from the world; financial difficulties plunge one into life’s troubles; work pressure burdens one heavily, making it hard to breathe.
9. Cognitive factors are equally crucial. Negative thinking patterns and poor self-awareness, like a fog, will leave one lost in the forest of negative emotions.
The emergence of depression is a complex and multifaceted process influenced by various factors. Understanding these reasons can help us better prevent and handle depression.
Finally, Teacher Li Huibing calls on all sectors of society to enhance awareness and advocacy for depression, increase public understanding of depression, eliminate discrimination and prejudices against depression patients. Additionally, he encourages patients to seek professional help promptly and overcome the distress of depression through scientifically effective treatment, allowing them to regain the beauty and hope of life.
