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| Path: Main Street > Resources/Library > Research Articles > Feature Article |
Recognizing depression
By Kristin Duare McKinnon, HBSW, MSW
September 3, 2008
Despite increases in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, there is still much we don't know about its cause and effects. But we do know that:
- Depression is more than just feeling 'blue'. Depression is an illness - a sadness so persistent that it interferes with our ability to function day-to-day.
- Early diagnosis of depression is vital. Untreated depression can have devastating effects on our overall health and well-being, and can contribute to many serious illnesses, including heart disease, stroke and cancer. Depression can also be fatal (i.e., suicide).
- Depression won't just 'go away'. When someone is depressed, chemical changes can occur in the brain that may only be treatable through medication.
- Medication isn't the magic answer to treating depression. Counselling is also necessary to understand why the depression happened and to learn the coping skills necessary to avoid becoming depressed again.
- Depression can be a sign of another, more serious illness or the side effect of a drug prescribed for other health issues. Seeing a doctor is vital so that you can eliminate health problems that the depression may be hiding.
Warning signs of depression
When we are depressed, we are not ourselves. Changes in the way we act, think and cope may make us feel like a stranger to ourselves. Most prevalent in depression are all-encompassing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Depression also affects our capacity to take care of ourselves or others, and to function successfully at school or work.The symptoms of depression include:
If you are experiencing a number of these symptoms, you are at risk and should call your doctor right away. Additional resources are available in your phone book. Refer to the front for listings of distress centres providing 24-hour assistance to those in crisis. Check your white pages for your local Canadian Mental Health Association.
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, pessimism, despair.
- Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed - feeling flat, empty, apathetic, having trouble just facing a new day.
- Fatigue, lethargy, not sleeping enough or sleeping too much.
- Social withdrawal, avoiding people and activities that you usually enjoy.
- Unexplained aches and pains.
- Increase or decrease in appetite, along with weight gain or loss.
- Easy to tears, uncontrollable and unexplained crying.
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, self-loathing, self-disappointment.
- Unexplained feelings of anxiety and panic.
- Ruminating (going over the same thoughts or scenarios in your mind, over and over again, which leaves you feeling anxious and stressed, while not having solved the problem).
- Feeling helpless or easily overwhelmed by situations that you'd usually have no trouble handling.
- Impatience; unexplained, unjustified or intense anger.
- Trouble with concentration and memory.
- Neglect of self (change in hygiene habits, perhaps you don't shower as often, stay in your pyjamas all day or generally lose interest in looking good).
If you are experiencing suicidal feelings or fantasies about death, call 911 immediately or visit your local hospital emergency room.
Kristin writes for Community Living Kawartha Lakes. For more of her articles, visit the Community Living website at www.communitylivingkl.ca. Please read her disclaimer.
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