There are 15 million people in the U.S. suffering from depression today according to WebMD and at some point in their lives, three to five percent of Americans will experience major depression according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. These feelings of sadness, loss, anger or frustration can interfere with a person’s daily life for an extended period of time. Those with depression can find it difficult to do even the simplest of things and many are hesitant to receive help in any way as a result of the stigmas and misunderstandings surrounding the disorder. It's time that we broke down this barrier of falsehoods so that more people with the disorder or who know someone with it can find hope.

Myth #1: I can just “snap out of it.”

Depression is an illness and needs to be treated. Seeing a specialist can help you understand why you feel the way you do and help you overcome these issues before they become even more serious. At times, depression can even stem from something biological and you can't just "snap out of" a change within your body. Besides, it never hurts to talk to someone.

Myth #2: If I really am depressed then all I need is an antidepressant.

There is no single cure for depression. Medication is only one option and, at times, it may not be enough. Specialists have found that a combination of medication and psychotherapy or "talk therapy" is most helpful when treating young people. Even regular exercise or playing with pets has proven helpful. Not everyone chooses to use medication for their depression, however.

Myth #3: Only girls get depressed.

While depression does affect more women than men, it is NOT gender exclusive. There are probably more men than we think with this disorder because of the stigmas surrounding it. For those that aren’t comfortable talking about their feelings – this can be especially damaging.

Myth #4: Talking about it will just make things worse.

It is toxic to hold in all of those negative emotions. They could have a horrible effect on your mental, physical, and emotional health. In fact, research confirms that bottling up your emotions only make them more powerful. This stress on the body could increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.

Myth #5: If I admit I have problems, I am admitting that I am crazy.

Having a mental disorder does not mean that you are crazy. In fact, saying that "having depression or any mental disorder makes you crazy" only adds to negative stereotypes. Rather, you have an illness that, when treated correctly, can help you to lead a healthy life.