Believe it: Depression Carries Stigma

Apocalypse Suicide Page
Good Mood
Living with Depression
Mental Health Recovery
NIMH
SHOCKED! ECT

HealthyPlace.com Radio
Depression Support Groups

Books on Depression
Conference Transcripts
Depression Videos
Diaries - Journals
Disorders Definitions
Mental Health News
Online Depression Tests
Psychiatric Medications
Resources
Site Map

Email
ICQ
Instant Messenger

Visit and Post

Abuse
ADD/ADHD
Addictions
Anxiety-Panic
Bipolar
Eating Disorders
Personality Disorders
Self-Injury

send this page to a friend

Believe it: Depression Carries Stigma

(April 05, 2007)-- If you don't think there is a stigma about depression and mental illness, read on. A woman goes to the doctor, who finds that she has depression. Her doctor wants to prescribe an antidepressant. She agrees to take it. But the doctor is concerned that word will get out that she's on antidepressants. The doctor wants to use her maiden name on the prescription.

She tells the doctor that she is not ashamed and that it is not necessary. The doctor disregards her request. The woman goes to the pharmacy and is thoroughly embarrassed when the pharmacist can't find her prescription. Then she remembers the doctor's suggestion. The pharmacist finds her prescription under her maiden name.

Another woman has suffered with depression since she was a teen. Now she has a job with medical benefits. She is young and wants to move up. But she is afraid that a diagnosis of a mental illness on her record will mark her. And so she decides to pay for her medicine out of her pocket. Therapy is too expensive.

You think that a drug test at work detects only illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine and heroin? Think again. Many comprehensive drug-screening programs include a TCA panel, which detects a class of antidepressants called tricyclics.

The stigma is everywhere.

If you have depression, this isn't news. You know that your co-workers will make wisecracks behind your back. You know better than to say you need a day off work because you can't concentrate.

I never knew these things until I was diagnosed with depression. Probably because I thought I didn't know anyone with depression.

Turned out, I was wrong

By: Christine Stapleton
Source: El Paso Times

Last updated: 04/07

Believe it: Depression Carries Stigma

Related Stories