We often talk to you about issues surrounding mental health because we have a team of health and social services professionals who are ready to intervene in many contexts. In what follows, we address an issue that concerns our society, namely the persistent taboo surrounding the use of medication for the treatment of certain mental health problems, particularly depression.
The paradox between physical and psychological health
When faced with a health problem that affects our physical condition, such as an infection or cardiovascular disease, we generally do not hesitate to take the necessary steps to treat or control it. For example, we fight our problem by taking the appropriate medication.
However, when it comes to mental health problems, too many people still associate taking medication, such as antidepressants, with a sign of weakness. Moreover, the simple fact of admitting that one suffers from a psychological problem is also perceived as a sign of weakness. Indeed, the ills that such a problem causes can interfere with the performance of daily activities, although they remain invisible to the eyes of others, which contributes to their lack of understanding among the population.
In all mental illnesses, depression is unquestionably the most common. In fact, it affects up to 12% of men and up to 26% of women at least once in their lives. Suffering from it is far from being a sign of weakness, since anyone can be affected by depression during their lifetime. Nevertheless, some people are considered to be at increased risk of suffering from depression. These include those who are experiencing a traumatic event, those who have chronic illnesses or disabilities, or those who are under intense stress (financial stress, job loss, etc.).
The importance of effective management of mental health disorders
There are several types of mental health problems and types of depression. In all cases, it is sometimes mistakenly believed that these problems will go away on their own, without anything being done about them. It is a myth that is still too widespread… Depression must be treated, since we know that it can affect a person’s day-to-day functioning, in addition to having the potential to lead to various physical health problems.
In the case of depression, action must be taken quickly. In fact, it is considered that the more quickly the problem is treated, the greater the chances that the person will completely recover from his or her depressive symptoms. Otherwise, or in the absence of treatment, the risk of recurrence increases considerably and the effects of depression may even lead to the appearance of suicidal thoughts. The important thing to remember is that it is always better to intervene as soon as possible!
The treatment of depression often includes taking antidepressants. These are designed to correct the imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain, which are at the root of depressive symptoms. This management must be done under the close supervision of a doctor, since it is estimated that two-thirds of people must try several medications to find the one that is best for them. It goes without saying that this difficulty in finding the right balance in medication encourages the prejudices and taboos that surround it.
Psychotherapy: a necessary support
Beyond taking medication, people who suffer from depression, or other mental health disorders, must also rely on psychotherapy, particularly to identify the aspects of their daily life that contributed to the onset of the depressive state. The intervention of a psychologist can also help the person to better accept taking medication and to break down the taboos that surround him or her.
At Clinique GO™, we have a team of psychologists and other professionals who are qualified to intervene in mental health. Our psychological services are offered through online consultation. Don’t let persistent taboos within society prevent you from seeking the help you need if you believe you are facing a mental health problem, such as depression. There is no shame in wanting to take the necessary steps to take care of your health.
Approuvé par Francis Desjardins
