Overview

Depression is a common and complex mood disorder that can take a number of forms and is much more than simple unhappiness.

Depression causes severe symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating and working. While it can suddenly go into remission, depression is not something that people can “get over” by their own effort.

There are several types of depressive disorders including:

  • major depressive disorder
  • persistent depressive disorder
  • seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • substance/medication - induced depressive disorder
  • depressive disorder due to another medical condition

Causes and Risk Factors

Depression is one of the most common mental health problems in Canada. There is no single cause of depression but a combination of genetic, biological environmental and psychological factors all play a role. To be diagnosed with depression, the symptoms must be present for at least two weeks.

Higher risk factors  include:

  • personal or family history of depression
  • major life changes, trauma or stress
  • certain physical illnesses and medications

Signs and Symptoms

Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Symptoms can vary from minor to severe and include:

  • persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
  • feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
  • feelings of irritability
  • feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
  • loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
  • decreased energy or fatigue
  • trouble making decisions
  • trouble concentrating
  • feelings of restlessness
  • sleeping too much or too little
  • appetite and/or weight changes
  • thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
  • aches or pains, headaches, cramps or digestive problems without a clear cause and/or do not ease even with treatment

Depression causes severe symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and affects how you feel, think and handle daily activities such as sleeping, eating and working.

When to seek Help

Even the most severe cases of depression can be treated. The earlier the treatment, the more effective it is. If you or someone you know, are experiencing symptoms of depression lasting most of the day and persisting for more than a couple of weeks you need to consider getting help.

Treatment comes in many forms, including counselling, individual and group therapy, medication, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and alternative medicine treatments. These treatments may be used individually or together.

A member of your peer support team can help put you in touch with professional resources.

Links:

Depression: An Information Guide

https://www.camh.ca/-/media/files/guides-and-publications/depression-guide-en.pdf?la=en&hash=23FF02308C6E233057207E27F3EBF9AB86B84086

Patient Health Questionnaire – a self-assessment tool for diagnosing depression:

https://tools.camh.ca/phq9/

National Institute of Mental Health

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/depression

References:

National Institute of Mental Health https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/depression/index.shtml

Centre for Addiction and Mental Health https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/depression