What Is Depression?:
Depression (AKA. Major depression or clinical depression) is considered a mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest. Depression affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. If you are struggling with depression, you may have trouble doing “normal” day to day activities, and at times may feel that life isn’t worth living.
More than just a bad mood, Depression does not mean you are weak, and is not something you can just “snap out” of or “get over”. Depression can require long-term treatment. But before you get discouraged, most people with depression tend to feel better and are able to cope with medication, psychotherapy or both.
Symptoms:
Depression can be a once in the lifetime occurrence, but most people tend to experience multiple episodes. During those episodes you may experience symptoms that may include:
Feelings of sadness, crying, feeling empty or hopeless
Angry outbursts, feeling irritable or frustrated, even over small things
Loss of interest or pleasure in the things that you used to enjoy (sex, hobbies, or sports)
Sleep disturbance, including insomnia or oversleeping
Feeling of constant exhaustion and lack of energy, so even small tasks take a lot of effort
Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings and weight gain
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
Brain fog leading to slow thinking, speaking or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness, concentration, and memory
Frequent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, attempts and suicide
Unexplained physical symptoms, such as back pain or headaches.
For most people these symptoms are severe enough that they cause noticeable problems in their daily lives and relationships. Some people can feel generally unhappy and miserable without knowing why.
What Are Different Types Of Depression:
In addition to Major depressive disorder (MDD), there are several other kinds of depression:
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD): is diagnosed in people who have at least two of the symptoms of MDD for at least two years. People struggling with PDD tend to be perceived as cranky, sullen, changeable, or pessimistic.
Bipolar Disorder: is characterized by moods that cycle between extreme highs (mania) and lows (depression), usually with periods of normal mood in between.
Seasonal Affective disorder (SAD): Is a form of depression that manifests at the same time each year, usually at the beginning of the fall and remains throughout the winter. SAD tends to be connected to sunlight, and tends to be accompanied by oversleeping, weight gain, and craving carbohydrates.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD): is a more serious form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMDD usually develops a week or two before a period and passes two or three days after menstruation starts.
Postpartum (or perinatal) Depression (PPD): is diagnosed in mothers who experience symptoms of major depression after giving birth. A combination of factors contribute to PPD including a sharp change in hormone levels following childbirth. Feelings of intense sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion are much stronger, and last longer, than the baby blues.
When To Seek Help:
If you are feeling depressed, make an appointment to see your doctor or mental health professional as soon as you can. If you feel unready to seek treatment, talk to a friend or loved one, faith leader, or someone else you trust.
When To Seek Emergency Help:
If you are thinking of hurting yourself or attempt suicide, call 911.
If you’re having suicidal thoughts:
Talk to your doctor or therapist
Contact a suicide hotline.
Toronto Distress Centre | 416-408-HELP (4357)
Kids Help Phone | 1-800-668-6868
If you have a loved one in danger, stay with the person if you can. Call 911, or if you can do it safely, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room.
If you are struggling with depression symptoms and would like to explore therapy, book a 15 minute meet and greet.
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