Why do (some) people think depression is something someone can just 'snap out of!
Question:
Why do (some) people think depression is something someone can just 'snap out of' (or that religion can fix)?
I have depression, quite severe, and, though I oughtn't to be, I am still surprised by the number of people who tell me to snap out of it, or tell me I shouldn't be depressed. Or tell me to 'find god' and I'll be okay.
Without my medications I become quite suicidal. Not to mention I must carry Xanax when I leave my house, as panic attacks occur frequently in social situations.
I am interested in reading opinions from everyone, including people who feel this way (but please don't be rude or nasty).
[Also a hint: Best answer goes to someone who writes educated well-thought answers, but not necessarily someone who agrees with me.]
Answers:
Educated? not really.
a close family member to me is depressed and although I know better not to tell her that, I do wonder why is she not capable of "snapping out of it" or as I always think to myself: why can't you will yourself better?
By no means am I going to the defence of those who tell you that...God knows there is enough awareness out there to know that mental illness is not a conscious decision that you can turn on and off.
But still, from where I am standing, and because I have control over my mood it is hard to comprehend why you wouldn't as well.