MENTAL HEALTH 101
Depression
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide:
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or https://talksuicide.ca
Call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide:
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or https://talksuicide.ca
Call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide:
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or https://talksuicide.ca
Call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide:
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or https://talksuicide.ca
Call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide:
Talk Suicide: 1-833-456-4566 or https://talksuicide.ca
Call 9-1-1 or go to your local emergency department
What is Depression?
Depression is a mental health condition that causes people to feel sad much of the time. This sadness leads to a loss of interest in activities that you usually enjoy. It can also cause fatigue or decreased energy, loss of motivation and loss of concentration. People suffering from depression may have little to no appetite and experience trouble with their sleep habits (either sleeping too much or too little). Depression can cause people to feel hopeless and lead to thoughts of suicide.
Symptoms of Depression
Everybody feels sad sometimes and it can be hard to tell the difference between sadness and depression. Here are the two most common symptoms of depression:
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Feeling of sadness or hopelessness almost every day for at least two weeks in a row
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Loss of interest or not getting pleasure from things you use to enjoy that lasts for at least two weeks in a row
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One of the most serious symptoms of depression is thinking about death or suicide. If you or someone you know is having these types of thoughts, it is important to seek help right away.
What Causes Depression?
Depression is a disease, just like any other disease. We believe that depression is caused by a problem with the chemical activity in certain parts of your brain. We do not know the exact cause of depression but it seems to be a combination of genetics (your DNA and family history) and your experiences in life. Stressful life events or significant losses can contribute to the development of depression.
Diagnosis
If you think you might have depression, you should see your doctor. There are no specific tests to diagnose depression but your doctor may order some tests to make sure there is no other medical condition that could be causing your symptoms.
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To make a diagnosis of depression, your doctor will ask you questions about your feelings and symptoms to see if you meet the criteria. They may ask you to fill out a questionnaire to help make the diagnosis and/or monitor your treatment.
Treatment
Depression is best treated with a combination of counselling and medication, though either of these options can be used individually.
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There are many different medications to treat depression. Many of them are the same type we use to treat anxiety – this is because depression and anxiety are closely related. Sometimes we have to try a few different medications before we find the one that works for you. Sometimes we have to use more than one medication at a time to get the right balance to control your symptoms. It is important that you do not stop your depression medication without first speaking to your doctor.
Other treatments include:
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Psychotherapy
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Counselling
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Brain stimulation therapies like ECT (electroconvulsive therapy)
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Physical activity, healthy diet, getting enough sleep
Prognosis
Depression is a chronic condition and it can come and go throughout a person's lifetime. Some people need to stay on medication for their whole lives while others may be able to wean and discontinue their medications. It is important to watch for signs that your depression is returning and to see your doctor. Early intervention is the best way to prevent a relapse of a full depressive episode.