While anxiety and depression are the two most common mental health conditions, they are also commonly misunderstood. Myths and misconceptions can confuse how we manage these conditions ourselves or how we support those we care about. To test your knowledge, answer the following true or false questions.
True or false: there are many ways we can reduce our likelihood of experiencing anxiety and depression.
Anxiety and depression are both treatable conditions, which may come and go over time. Research reveals that there is a lot most of us can do to aid prevention and reduce the impact when we do experience them. By learning psychological skills, adopting healthy coping strategies and having an action plan for times of challenge, we can be much better placed to manage these conditions. Some of the most significant contributing elements to maintaining ongoing mental wellbeing are core lifestyle factors, including getting enough sleep, the right nutrition and regular exercise. To help keep on top of things, many people will also visit a mental health professional for a regular ‘check-up from the neck-up’. While anxiety and depression can return, the right management and treatment can have a marked impact upon their frequency and severity.
Answer: True
True or false: anxiety and depression are just a chemical imbalance in the brain.
Modern science reveals this contentious claim as an oversimplification. Anxiety and depression are complex, multi‑factor conditions involving several interacting systems. Mood and anxiety are affected by our brain networks which link important areas of the brain. How these networks communicate can change, particularly under prolonged stress. Genetics can contribute to risk of experiencing these conditions, as can our own life experiences, such as trauma, chronic stress, isolation, grief, burnout or early life adversity. Our learning or thinking patterns can positively or negatively impact us, rewiring brain responses over time. Beyond our neurotransmitters, there are also several important biological factors including our stress hormones (like cortisol), inflammation and immune activity, brain cell energy metabolism and sleep quality. While all this means there is no singular simple fix, it also means that by employing a holistic approach there are many ways we can support our brain health and protect against these conditions.
Answer: False
True or false: those experiencing anxiety or depression routinely underperform at work.
Anxiety and depression often don’t result in poor work performance. In fact, to maintain their standards, those experiencing anxiety and depression will often give the best of themselves to their work. As well as maintaining their work standards, many will maintain the same demeanour, to prevent co-workers from realising that they are suffering. Trying to mask these conditions can however impose an unnecessary additional burden. In psychologically safe workplaces, workers may be more likely to disclose their condition and reach out for support when it is required. When workplaces are highly supportive, it can have a hugely positive impact on employee wellbeing, performance and retention.
Answer: False
True or false: to defeat anxiety and depression you simply need to toughen up and push on through.
While this is the approach many of us take, being tough on ourselves tends to exacerbate these conditions rather than alleviate them. Instead of pushing us through, that tough inner voice may amplify pressure, worry and feelings of failure. When attempting to go it alone, we may also isolate ourselves, become reliant on unhealthy strategies and experience greater levels of ongoing struggle. Rather than wait until things hit crisis point, one of the bravest things we can do is reach out for support. With the right support, we can develop a plan to manage these conditions and the challenges we may be experiencing. A good psychologist will also help us to treat ourselves with far greater self-compassion, turning that tough inner voice into one that is far more supportive.
Answer: False
True or false: preventative approaches can have positive impacts far beyond reducing anxiety and depression.
There are many natural ways we can take preventative action and almost all of them come with extremely positive side effects. One key preventative tool is movement. As well as being exceptionally beneficial for our minds, exercise has innumerable benefits for our bodies. That joyful bike ride, netball game or snorkel session could also be the highlight of our week. Enjoying good, healthy food is another great way to boost our brains and bodies. When we treat ourselves to nutritious meals, we feed our healthy gut microbiome, which we now know does some very important things for our brains. By prioritising sleep, we can also enjoy a remarkable brain and body maintenance service whilst resting comfortably under our doonas. Other enjoyable activities with well researched mental health benefits include spending time in the sun, spending time in nature and spending time with friends. The intimate connection between brain and body means what’s good for one is almost always good for the other.
Answer: True