What is depression?
Major depressive disorder, or clinical depression, is a common but serious mood disorder that is much more than unhappiness. People with depression often feel sad, empty or irritable for long periods of time. Depression causes changes to the body (e.g., sleep problems or appetite problems) and the mind (e.g., trouble concentrating), which can affect people’s day-to-day functioning.
You are not alone and it’s really common!
Depression is one of the most common mental health problems. In a 2017 survey, 38 per cent of Canadians said that, at least once in the past year, they felt sad or hopeless almost every day for more than a couple of weeks (Ipsos, 2017).
Common signs and symptoms
- sadness throughout the day, nearly every day
- a loss of interest in favourite activities
- feelings of worthlessness
- excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
- thoughts of death or suicide
- fatigue or lack of energy
Living well with depression
While seeing a healthcare professional is a key part of the treatment process, developing self-help skills is also very important (MDSC, n.d.-b). You could try to live a healthy lifestyle and it includes:
- being physically active
- eating well
- sleeping
- spending time outdoors
- limiting alcohol and other substance
How to help?
Although friends and family can’t replace professional treatment, offering practical and emotional support can make a big difference in someone’s life. Going with the person to a doctor’s appointment, picking up the children after school or making a meal with the person a few times a week are all ways to help. Emotional support can include regular phone calls and meetings to see how the person is feeling, and to encourage them to stay in treatment (MDSC, n.d.-b).
However, If a person is in crisis, they should be encouraged to go to their nearest emergency department. If they are unwilling to go and you are concerned, you should call 911.
