4. Smart people and emotionally strong people don’t suffer from mental illnesses
The truth is that mental illnesses, including depression, can affect anyone at any time. It doesn’t matter if you are smart or are strong mentally, emotionally, or physically. It doesn’t matter how old you are and it doesn’t matter what gender you are. Mental illnesses can affect you.
It is true that some personal characteristics can help keep depression at bay. You reduce your chances of being depressed if you keep an optimistic outlook, are a good problem solver, have high self-esteem, have close personal relationships with people who can provide you support, and getting involved in your school or community. It’s important to remember that all of that won’t mean you never get depressed. It just means you are less likely to.
