Why is there stigma attatched to depression?

I guess people think that depression is just having a poor attitude. Maybe they see it as a person not having the strength to handle their life's occurences. You would think that would have changed by now since we know it's caused by a chemical imbalance, and since so many people are on anti-depressants.

Because those who have never suffered true, clinical depression think it's something a person should just shrug off - like they shrug off a bad day. It's something with no obvious outward signs, so people confuse depressed behavior with character defects, attention-seeking, "why me" complaining or laziness.

And sadly, some people will use any opening to ridicule others to their own advantage.
i feel it's mostly because it's not visible like a broken arm.it's clearly the most misunderstood...people who say snap out of it are the most ignorant.
me...i have major depression
You cant exactly see the pain of depression. With a broken leg is obvious that person is in pain and needs help. When we look at a person with depression we feel that since it is mental the person should use the will power to make themselves feel better. For someone who has depression this can make them feel even more isolated. Really though for someone to understand depression they have to go through it. Its not a one bad day thing its something that happens everyday and they dont choose to feel that way.
People have opinions about everything. That's pretty much what a stigma is. You should get to a point where you just don't care. What they think. I know I don't. As someone who has suffered with this and other disorders I want to let you know. Along with med's and counseling, there are things that can be done to help yourself. I know. I have been unable to function, suicidal, etc. for many years. I have taken steps to help myself. Although, I am not completely better. I am much better. If you or someone you know would like to know what I've been doing to help myself, e mail me at
annshphrd@yahoo.com
Just a little hope for you. Take care.
There is stigma attached to mental illness in general because people are uneducated about mental illness. The best way to fight stigma is to raise awareness through education.