What is Depression?

Depression is a mood disorder that affects 8% of Canadians^[1] at some point in their lifespan. It is a general state of low or sad mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. Life becomes flat and grey, and nothing seems fun, exciting, or enjoyable anymore. These depressed states can range from a mild intensity with feelings of sadness and low energy to very intense, such as withdrawal from others, a state of numbness and at time thoughts of death or suicide. Depression changes how people feel about themselves, others, and the world around them, with emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that are experienced everyday for at least two weeks.

Depression can affect anybody, at any age, men, women, rich or poor, and across any culture or religion. About 6.5% of Canadian youths aged 15-24 and approximately 7% of seniors over age 65 experience depression each year^[2]. It is often developed during a time of change or difficulty in life.

For at least two weeks have you or someone you love felt:

• Sad, down in the dumps, miserable?
• Guilty, worthless, and/or hopeless?
• Empty inside?
• Do you notice that you’re irritable and “snap” at people; that the least little thing can “set you off” when this is not how you normally react?
• Constantly fatigued and unmotivated to do things that used to bring you enjoyment?
• That you suddenly have no appetite or that you’re constantly hungry?
• A loss in your sex drive?
• That increasingly you find yourself isolating yourself from others?
• Trouble getting to and/or staying asleep? Or sleeping more than usual?
• That no matter how long your sleep you wake up feeling fatigued?
• Difficulty concentrating, paying attention, and making decisions?
• Unable to stop thinking and ruminating, that the little “cassette in your head”, full of negative thoughts won’t stop no matter how hard you try?
• You have “dark thoughts” that may include thoughts of death and/or suicide?
• An increase in physical symptoms such as, headaches, stomach upsets, and aches or other problems that were not there before?

If you answered yes to several of these questions you or someone you love may be suffering from depression. You are not alone. The first step is to seek professional help for an assessment. You can see your doctor or make an appointment with a psychologist for an assessment and treatment. There is a way out.

Depression is highly treatable. With the right treatment 80% of people with depression improve and no longer experience symptoms^[3]. There are several treatments for depression:

Psychotherapy – Talking with a psychologist to better understand what is causing your depression; focus on symptom reduction; change negative thinking patterns; develop coping strategies that can effectively treat your depression and improve your overall health. A psychologist will listen and help you develop strategies to manage your symptoms and work to resolve underlying feelings and beliefs that are causing your depression.

Medication – Medication is one tool in your toolbox and a personal decision. In many cases, depression result actually changes your brain chemistry. There are many effective medications that help rebalance the chemicals in your brain. It’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor and get a check-up and blood tests. Sometimes an underlying physical condition has the same symptoms as depression. Talk to your doctor and a psychologist for best treatment practices.

Self-help – You are the most important person in your recovery. Taking care of yourself includes learning about depression, getting enough sleep, social contact and support, and making healthy food choices. Exercise is one of nature’s best antidepressants. Avoid alcohol and other depressants while in treatment.

Depression is a mood disorder that affects 8% of Canadians^[1] at some point in their lifespan. It is a general state of low or sad mood and a loss of interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyed. Life becomes flat and grey, and nothing seems fun, exciting, or enjoyable anymore. These depressed states can range from a mild intensity with feelings of sadness and low energy to very intense, such as withdrawal from others, a state of numbness and at time thoughts of death or suicide. Depression changes how people feel about themselves, others, and the world around them, with emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that are experienced everyday for at least two weeks.

Depression can affect anybody, at any age, men, women, rich or poor, and across any culture or religion. About 6.5% of Canadian youths aged 15-24 and approximately 7% of seniors over age 65 experience depression each year^[2]. It is often developed during a time of change or difficulty in life.

For at least two weeks have you or someone you love felt:

• Sad, down in the dumps, miserable?
• Guilty, worthless, and/or hopeless?
• Empty inside?
• Do you notice that you’re irritable and “snap” at people; that the least little thing can “set you off” when this is not how you normally react?
• Constantly fatigued and unmotivated to do things that used to bring you enjoyment?
• That you suddenly have no appetite or that you’re constantly hungry?
• A loss in your sex drive?
• That increasingly you find yourself isolating yourself from others?
• Trouble getting to and/or staying asleep? Or sleeping more than usual?
• That no matter how long your sleep you wake up feeling fatigued?
• Difficulty concentrating, paying attention, and making decisions?
• Unable to stop thinking and ruminating, that the little “cassette in your head”, full of negative thoughts won’t stop no matter how hard you try?
• You have “dark thoughts” that may include thoughts of death and/or suicide?
• An increase in physical symptoms such as, headaches, stomach upsets, and aches or other problems that were not there before?

If you answered yes to several of these questions you or someone you love may be suffering from depression. You are not alone. The first step is to seek professional help for an assessment. You can see your doctor or make an appointment with a psychologist for an assessment and treatment. There is a way out.

Depression is highly treatable. With the right treatment 80% of people with depression improve and no longer experience symptoms^[3]. There are several treatments for depression:

Psychotherapy – Talking with a psychologist to better understand what is causing your depression; focus on symptom reduction; change negative thinking patterns; develop coping strategies that can effectively treat your depression and improve your overall health. A psychologist will listen and help you develop strategies to manage your symptoms and work to resolve underlying feelings and beliefs that are causing your depression.

Medication – Medication is one tool in your toolbox and a personal decision. In many cases, depression result actually changes your brain chemistry. There are many effective medications that help rebalance the chemicals in your brain. It’s always a good idea to speak with a doctor and get a check-up and blood tests. Sometimes an underlying physical condition has the same symptoms as depression. Talk to your doctor and a psychologist for best treatment practices.

Self-help – You are the most important person in your recovery. Taking care of yourself includes learning about depression, getting enough sleep, social contact and support, and making healthy food choices. Exercise is one of nature’s best antidepressants. Avoid alcohol and other depressants while in treatment.