Depression: Why is it so hard for us to say that we're not okay?

A study showing depression isn't caused by low levels of the "happy hormone" serotonin has become one of the most widely shared medical articles.It has provoked a wave of misleading claims about antidepressant drugs, many of which increase the amount of serotonin in the brain.This research doesn't show the drugs aren't effective.But the response to it has also sparked some genuine questions about how people treat, and think about, mental illness. Many psychiatrists say they have long known low levels of serotonin are not the main cause of depression and this paper doesn't say anything new.Yet the unusually large public response to it suggests this was news to many.But some made an inaccurate leap from saying antidepressants don't work by fixing a chemical imbalance, to saying they don't work at all.And doctors fear, in the confusion, people might stop taking their medication abruptly and risk serious withdrawal effects.The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) says these drugs shouldn't be stopped abruptly except in medical emergencies and reducing the dose slowly can minimise withdrawal symptoms. While there are risks to leaving depression untreated, some people will experience serious side-effects from antidepressants - which the serotonin study's authors say need to be more clearly communicated.These can include suicidal thoughts and attempts, sexual dysfunction, emotional numbing and insomnia, according to NICE.Since last autumn, UK doctors have been told they should offer therapy, exercise, mindfulness or meditation to people with less severe cases of depression first, before trying medication.And that's one things all of the experts who spoke to BBC News agree on - patients need to have more information, better explained so they can make these difficult calculations for themselves.For details of organizations offering advice and support, go to BBC Action Line.

It's hard because people say "get over it!" They don't understand .

Hey everyone,

I wanted to bring back this really important conversation. 💙 Whether it's fear of burdening others or not wanting to confront our own emotions, so many of us struggle with this.

Why is it so hard for us to admit when we’re not okay? For those who have been through it, when did you first realize you needed help for your depression? What did that moment look like for you, and who did you turn to for support?

@bigbear @cazzie22 @chrissy100 @lilac_arp @RachelA @noodlelou @lavender @bobjen @katrinalove @shep54 @CestusMagnus @Cianolan @flossie52 @pinkjellyfish @Raccoon @Mickymally @Squidge @anneoin @crazycat @Almera1978 @susielo @beanie-boo @Faithy @Donnaml @gillyvi @Innocentian @merlinsmidwife @rumer136 @happycat61 @Bigtime102 @nicole.94e @Womble @Elaineanne @IanWillyW @mishkasmummy @Limericklassie @LjRodgett @fred6577 @deb777 @Daisyp @Paradise67 @popit71 @Star68  @Bipolarbill @athina @Lorrie44 @Darcangel1 @Sunflower  @Fluffy 

Let’s keep this space open for sharing. Your stories might help someone who’s feeling that same fear of speaking up. 💬

Take care,
Somya from the Carenity team 🌼