What are myths about depression?

The following are myths about depression and its treatment:

• It is a weakness rather than an illness.
• If the sufferer just tries hard enough, it will go away.
• If you ignore depression in yourself or a loved one, it will go away.
• Highly intelligent or highly accomplished people do not get depressed.
• People with developmental disabilities do not get depressed.
• People with depression are "crazy."
• Depression does not really exist.
• Children, teens, the elderly, or men do not get depressed.
• There are ethnic groups for whom depression does not occur.
• Depression cannot look like (present as) irritability.
• People who tell someone they are thinking about committing suicide are only trying to get attention and would never do it, especially if they have talked about it before.
• People with depression cannot have another mental or medical condition at the same time.
• Psychiatric medications are all addicting.
• Psychiatric medications are never necessary to treat depression.
• Medication is the only effective treatment for depression.
• Children and teens should never be given antidepressant medication.