Depression is NOT about being lazy
- D. Gallant
- Feb 19, 2019
- 2 min read
Updated: Feb 25, 2019
Depression. Its like having a creepy stranger living with you 24/7 and they are not leaving!
What are some causes of depression?
Many factors contribute to the development of major depression. An individual may be genetically predisposed to depression, and his or her risk can be increased by several external factors. They include;
-The death or illness of a spouse, friend or family member
-Difficulties at work or with a personal relationship
-Low self-esteem
-Financial difficulties
-Addictions.
-Some people suffer Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which affects them at the same time every year, usually in the winter when there is less natural light.
-Due to hormonal changes, women may experience postpartum depression after giving birth or depression around menopause.
Who does it effect?
About 11% of men and 16% of women in Canada will experience major depression in the course of their lives.
Depression can limit your quality of life, affect relationships, lead to lost time from work or school and contribute to other chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Sometimes it leads to suicide. Fortunately, for most people, depression can be treated effectively.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression can affect the way you think and behave and can have physical effects as well. Some of the
signs you should be aware of are;
-Feelings of despair and hopelessness
-Detachment from life and the people around you
-Always feeling tired or having no energy
-Crying for no apparent reason
-Not being able to concentrate or make decisions
-Thoughts of suicide
-A loss of appetite or a change in sleep patterns
-Headaches or stomach upsets that occur frequently.
Recovery From Depression
Depression is an illness that can be treated. The first step in the recovery process is to recognize that it is an illness, not a sign of personal weakness.
Learning that you are not alone and that help is available is often the start of recovery for many people with depression.
Each individual is unique requiring a different approach to recovery.
The most common and successful treatment is psychological counseling, combined with anti-depressant medication.
Support from family, friends, co-workers and self-help groups can also make a big difference in how well and how quickly the person with depression recovers.
Who To Call When You Or A Person You Care For Is Showing Signs Of Depression:
You can call your family doctor, there are now Mental Illness Walk-In Clinics offered on PEI where you can see a Psychiatrist and you can call us.
Talk with Brenda today and let's get you back on the path of freedom.
Depression is serious and we have the serious help you or your loved one needs during these troubled times.
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