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Depression

What is depression and what are the symptoms? 

Depression can show up in many ways. You might feel hopeless, worthless, restless, or find yourself unusually irritable. It often disrupts sleep — either making it hard to sleep or causing you to sleep too much. You might notice slowed thinking or movement, changes in appetite, or loss of interest in things you used to enjoy. For some, depression brings recurring thoughts of death or suicide, and sometimes unexplained physical problems. 

Depression becomes a diagnosed Depressive Disorder when these symptoms cause significant distress or get in the way of living the life you want. “Depression” is an umbrella term that covers a spectrum of depressive disorders, including: 

  • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): This type of depression often occurs in the fall or winter months. However, SAD may occur in the summer months. The symptoms are the same as other depressive episodes, but they often occur at the same time each year. 
  • Persistent Depressive Disorder (previously known as Dysthymia): This is a form of depression that includes the same symptoms as a major depressive episode. A person can be diagnosed with Persistent Depressive Disorder when their symptoms are present for 2 years or longer, even if that person does not experience enough depressive symptoms to meet diagnostic criteria for a major depressive episode. 
  • Major Depressive Disorder: This is a common mood disorder that is more serious than occasional feelings of sadness. A person with Major Depressive Disorder will experience 5 or more symptoms associated with depression and these last for a 2-week period or longer. Some of the signs or symptoms associated with Major Depressive Disorder include: 
    • Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
    • Fluctuation in appetite
    • Sleep dysregulation 
    • Slowed thinking 
    • Low energy 
    • Fatigue 
    • Irritability 
    • Feelings of guilt or worthlessness 
    • Difficulty concentrating 
    • Suicidal thoughts or behaviours 

Who gets depression? 

Depression can affect anyone at any stage of life. In fact, it’s one of the most common mental health challenges people face. 

Several factors can increase the risk of depression, including family history, biology, your environment, high stress levels, or physical illness.