Life
is full of changes. Everyday events and our reactions to them sometimes
interfere with our sense of well-being and peace of mind. It is common to get
the blues or become sad when disappointed. Symptoms of
depression are the most common medical problems seen
by health professionals. It is estimated that feelings of depression will
affect about one-third of all adults in Canada at some time in their
lives.
Most people experience feelings of sadness over such losses
as divorce or separation, the death of a friend or loved one, or a job change
or layoff. These feelings are an expected reaction to a "triggering event," and
most people get over them in time.
Several factors increase your
risk of developing feelings of depression, such as:
Female sex. Women are twice as likely as men to
experience feelings of depression. Hormonal changes may play a role in these
feelings, which may be more evident during pregnancy, especially shortly after
the birth of a baby (postpartum depression) or shortly
before or during
menopause. Some women experience feelings of sadness
or depression shortly before the start of menstruation (premenstrual syndrome, or PMS).
Age older than 60. Feelings of depression in this
age group are frequently overlooked because the symptoms are similar to other
diseases and problems experienced by older adults. Adults in this age group are
more likely to experience social isolation. Feelings of sadness may accompany
other life events, such as retirement, death of a spouse or child, or declining
physical abilities.
Personal or family history. You are more likely
to experience feelings of depression if you have a history of previous
depression, an
anxiety disorder, or another mental illness. You are
also 2 to 3 times more likely to experience feelings of depression if one or
both of your parents were diagnosed with depression.
Medical
problems—such as cancer, kidney disease, heart disease, or
Parkinson's disease—or alcohol or substance abuse or
withdrawal.
Stressful life events, such as changing jobs, the loss
of a job, or children leaving home.
Lack of family or social
support.
Symptoms of depression that may indicate a need for treatment
vary from person to person. If you experience feelings of sadness or loss of
interest in pleasurable activities plus 4 or more of the following symptoms for
2 weeks or longer, you may be depressed.
Changes in appetite or
weight
Restlessness or decreased activity that is noticed by
others
Feeling tired or sleepy all of the time
Trouble
sleeping or sleeping more than usual
Inability to concentrate or
make decisions
Feelings of hopelessness
Feelings of
worthlessness or guilt
Preoccupation with death or recurrent
thoughts of suicide
People who feel depressed may also have physical symptoms,
such as body aches or stomach problems.
Because "mood swings" and
other emotional changes are considered a normal part of growing up, depression
in children and teens often goes unrecognized. Children and teens do develop
depression, and it can affect a child's quality of life. If prolonged or severe
depression is left untreated, it can lead to serious outcomes, including
suicide attempts and even completed suicide. If you are thinking about suicide, talk to someone about your feelings, such as your health professional or a close friend or family member you trust. Don't wait. Check your local phone book or provincial website for resources on getting help in your area.
Depression is the most important risk factor for suicide. For more
information, see the topic
Depression.
If you are thinking about suicide, talk to someone about your feelings, such as your health professional or a close friend or family member you trust. Don't wait. Check your local phone book or provincial website for resources on getting help in your area.
Positive actions and feelings can
help lift your spirits. Although thinking positively may be very difficult when
you are feeling depressed, try to consider the positive side of situations and
events in your life.
Appreciate any moments when you have positive
thoughts. The following tips may help.
Practice positive thinking. Make statements that
promote good thoughts. Replace negative self-talk with positive comments.
Exercise. Running, brisk walking, and other
forms of aerobic exercise improve symptoms of mild to moderate
depression.
Work in the garden or play with a pet. Plants and pets
can be very therapeutic. When you pet an animal, your blood pressure goes down
and your heart rate slows. Filling the needs of animals and plants can help you
feel useful.
Visit a friend. Spending time with a good friend may
help you forget about your problems for a while and help you see the brighter
side of life.
Have a massage or a manicure, or get your hair
cut.
Rearrange your furniture.
Talk with your health professional about
non-prescription medicines, such as
St. John's wort or
SAM-e.
Talk to your health professional or
pharmacist before taking St. John's wort if you are taking any other medicines.
St. John's wort may change the way other medicines work. In some cases, it may
decrease how well medicines work. In other cases, it may make medicines
poisonous.
Do not use alcohol or other mood-altering drugs while
you are taking a non-prescription medicine.
Follow the directions on
the label. Do not exceed the recommended dose.
If you are or could
be pregnant, talk with your health professional before taking any medicine or
supplement.
For more information on dietary supplements, visit the
website of the Office of Dietary Supplements, within the National Institutes
of Health, at http://ods.od.nih.gov/index.aspx.
Take a class or go to a free lecture at the public
library or local hospital.
Take a vacation. Sometimes just getting
away for the afternoon will brighten your mood.
Go to the movies or
rent a funny movie.
If nothing feels fun, try doing something that
you used to enjoy.
Symptoms to watch for during home treatment
Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home
treatment:
You feel sad, lonely, or unhappy for weeks.
Your symptoms become more severe or frequent.
You are
not getting better as expected after starting treatment for depression.
For a friend or loved one
If you think a friend or loved one is depressed, you may feel helpless.
But you still may want to do something to help. For suggestions, see:
Life is full of changes. Everyday events
and our reactions to them sometimes interfere with our sense of well-being and
peace of mind. While it is common to get the "blues" or to feel sad
occasionally, you may be able to prevent feelings of depression.
Have a regular checkup with your health
professional. Your health professional may evaluate your
thyroid function and other factors. Many other
diseases, such as
coronary artery disease and
diabetes, can increase your risk of feeling
depressed.
Maintain regular sleep and eating patterns. Do not skip
meals.
Try to get some exercise every day. Walking is a good way to
start.
Get involved in social groups or volunteer to help others.
Being alone makes things seem worse than they are.
Do not use
alcohol or illegal drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines, or heroin, to
"self-treat" your symptoms. A treatment plan that includes prescription
medicine and regular visits to a health professional is much safer and more
effective.
Do not smoke or use other tobacco products. Smoking
increases your risk of developing coronary artery disease. The use of smokeless
(spit) tobacco increases your risk of developing cancer of the mouth, neck,
throat, and digestive tract. Your risk of developing depression increases if
you have coronary artery disease or cancer.
Before seeing your
health professional, it may be helpful to keep a diary of your symptoms. You
can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being
prepared to answer the following questions:
How long have you been troubled with a depressed
mood? What is your major symptom?
What was happening in your life
when the depressed mood started?
How long have you had your
symptoms? Do they come and go or are they always present?
Have you
ever had a similar problem in the past? If so, how was it
treated?
What makes your symptoms better or worse?
Do
you have any other symptoms that may be related to your major symptom? Symptoms
may include:
Rapid or irregular
heartbeat.
Nausea or vomiting.
Numbness or
weakness.
Excessive sweating.
Feeling like you are not
able to get enough air (air hunger).
Restlessness, irritability, or
feeling on edge.
Feelings of overwhelming anxiety or fear.
What prescription or non-prescription medicines are
you currently taking?
Are you using alcohol or illegal drugs, such
as marijuana or cocaine, to manage your symptoms?
Have you ever
attempted suicide?
Has a family member or close friend attempted or
committed suicide?
Has anyone else in your family ever been
diagnosed with a mental health problem, such as depression or an anxiety
disorder?
Are you taking a medicine to treat depression? What is
the medicine? When did you start the medicine? What is the dose that you are
taking? Have you or your health professional changed the dose?
CASP’s purpose is to reduce the suicide rate and
minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour.
LivingWorks
4303D 11 Street SE
Calgary, AB T2G 4X1
Phone:
(403) 209-0242
Fax:
(403) 209-0259
Email:
info@livingworks.net
Web Address:
www.livingworks.net
LivingWorks is an education organization to enhance
suicide intervention skills at the community level. It is committed to making
its suicide prevention training programs widely available, cost-effective,
interactive, and easy to learn, with practical applications designed for all
types of caregivers.
Mental Health America
2000 North Beauregard Street, 6th Floor
Alexandria, VA 22311
Phone:
1-800-969-NMHA (1-800-969-6642) referral service for help with depression (703) 684-7722
Fax:
(703) 684-5968
TDD:
1-800-969-6642
Web Address:
www.mentalhealthamerica.net
Mental Health America (formerly known as the National
Mental Health Association) is a nonprofit agency devoted to helping people of
all ages live mentally healthier lives. Its Web site has information about
mental health conditions. It also addresses issues such as grief, stress,
bullying, and more. It includes a confidential depression screening test for
anyone who would like to take it. The short test may help you decide whether
your symptoms are related to depression.
Provincial Helplines and Websites
Many of the resources below provide help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in multiple languages. In an emergency, call 911.
Canada-wide resources
To find a suicide prevention crisis centre phone number or website in your province, visit the Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention Crisis Centre's webpage at www.suicideprevention.ca/in-crisis-now/find-a-crisis-centre-now.
Kids and teens can call Kids Help Phone at 1-800-668-6868 (toll-free 24/7) or visit http://kidshelpphone.ca/teens/home/splash.aspx.
Alberta
Provincial Health Information Line. HEALTHLink Alberta. Call 1-866-408-5465 (toll-free 24/7) or visit https://myhealth.alberta.ca.
Family Violence Info Line. Call 310-1818 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.child.alberta.ca/home/593.cfm.
Bullying Helpline. Call 1-888-456-2323 (24/7)
or visit www.child.alberta.ca/home/593.cfm.
Mental Health Help Line. Call 1-877-303-2642 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=6810.
Addiction Helpline. Call 1-866-332-2322 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.albertahealthservices.ca/services.asp?pid=service&rid=1008399.
British Columbia
Provincial Health Information Line. HealthLinkBC. Call 8-1-1 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.healthlinkbc.ca.
Domestic Violence Helpline. Call 1-800-563-0808 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.domesticviolencebc.ca.
BC Mental Health and Addiction Services. Visit www.bcmhas.ca.
Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre of British Columbia. Call 1-800-784-2433 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.crisiscentre.bc.ca.
New Brunswick
Provincial Health Information Line. Tele-Care 811: Call 8-1-1 (toll free 24/7) or visit www.gnb.ca/0217/Tele-Care-e.asp.
Emergency Social Services. During regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), visit www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/social_development/about_us/emergency_socialservices.html to find the number for the office nearest you. After hours, call 1-800-442-9799 (toll-free).
Chimo Crisis Line. Call 1-800-667-5005 (24/7) or visit http://www.gnb.ca/0055/index-e.asp.
Ontario
Provincial Health Information Line. Telehealth Ontario: Call 1-866-797-0000 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.health.gov.on.ca/en/public/programs/telehealth.
Assaulted Women's Helpline. Call 1-866-863-0511 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.awhl.org.
Distress Centres Ontario. Visit www.dcontario.org/help.html to find the phone number for a crisis line in your calling area.
Drug and Alcohol Helpline. Call 1-800-565-8603 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.drugandalcoholhelpline.ca.
Mental Health Helpline. Call 1-866-531-2600 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.mentalhealthhelpline.ca.
Saskatchewan
Provincial Health Information Line. HealthLine. Call 1-877-800-0002 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.health.gov.sk.ca/healthline.
Family Violence Outreach. Go to www.justice.gov.sk.ca/FVO for a list of community-based organizations and their contact information, or visit www.justice.gov.sk.ca/IVAP.
Child Protection.
Go to www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/child-protection.pdf for a list of local child protection offices and their contact information, or visit www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/child-protection.
Mental Health and Addictions. Go to www.health.gov.sk.ca/treatment-services-directory for a list of local alcohol and drug treatment services and their contact information, or visit www.health.gov.sk.ca/alcohol-and-drug-services.
Yukon
Provincial Health Information Line. Yukon Healthline: Call 811 or visit www.hss.gov.yk.ca/811.php. If you are calling from a satellite phone, you can dial (604) 215-4700 to reach the Health Services Representative at HealthLink BC.
Family and Children's Services. Call 1-867-667-3002 or visit www.hss.gov.yk.ca/family_children.php.
Family Violence Prevention Unit. Call 1-800-661-0511 (toll-free). Or visit the Department of Justice "Need Help? Phone Directory" at www.justice.gov.yk.ca/prog/cor/vs/phonedir.html.
Alcohol and Drug Services. Call 1-866-980-9099 (toll-free 24/7) or visit www.hss.gov.yk.ca/ads.php.
Other provinces
Check your local phone book or provincial or territorial website.
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How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
