am i depressed?

feeling hopeless and excessively pessimistic as well as losing interest in favourite activities are just a few signs of depression.

by dave yasvinski

published sep 22, 2022

last updated sep 23, 2022

4 minute read

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4 minute read

join the conversation

according to the canadian mental health association, depression will affect one in eight canadians at some point in their lives. getty

clinical (or major) depression is a complex mood disorder caused by a combination of multiple factors, including genetic predisposition, personality, stress and brain chemistry. the disorder affects both mind and body, according to the public health agency of canada, producing feelings of sadness and loss of interest in addition to physical symptoms that can range from fatigue to joint pain. while depression can be experienced by anyone of any age, it often occurs in people who are undergoing life changes. the disorder is also diagnosed in women at almost twice the rate as men and is experienced by around one-third of people who are dealing with a chronic illness.

there are a few forms of depression that occur under specific circumstances, including seasonal affective disorder (sad), which is influenced by the weather and time of year, and postpartum depression, which can occur in women following the birth of a child.

one-third of people with chronic illnesses experience depression

although mood disorders are one of the most common mental illnesses experienced by canadians, many people aren’t even aware they may be suffering from depression. many others may be reluctant to seek help, often because the stigma surrounding mental illness has made them afraid of appearing weak or incapable of coping with the issues in their lives. those who recognize this stigma for the nonsense it is generally start to feel better after accessing medication, therapy or a combination of the two.

what are the symptoms of depression?

according to the centre for addiction and mental health, the main symptom of depression is a sense of sadness or despair that is present most days and lasts for most of the day; persists for more than two weeks at a time; and interferes in one’s ability to perform their job or maintain professional or personal relationships. other symptoms include:

feeling hopeless, useless, guilty or excessively pessimistic
changes in appetite or weight
difficulty sleeping
low self-esteem
loss of interest in work, hobbies, relationships or sex
fatigue, irritability or agitation
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
withdrawal from family and friends
crying easily or feeling like crying despite an inability to do so
experiencing thoughts of death or suicide
losing touch with reality

younger children may present different symptoms of depression that can include clinginess, worry, aches and pains or a refusal to go to school. in teenagers, depression can manifest as feelings of anger, being misunderstood or feeling negative or worthless. depressed teens may also skip school, eat and sleep too much, engage in self-harm or lose interest in social activities.

how is depression diagnosed?

as there is no test that can determine the presence of depression, a doctor will typically conduct a physical exam and ask questions about a patient’s mental well-being that provide insight into their state of mind. patients may be asked about their feelings, thoughts or behaviours; about any history of mental or physical illness; about any family history of mental illness; and about their day-to-day relationships. blood tests may be performed (to rule out other conditions) and patients may be sent for a psychiatric referral. a professional will likely rely on the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders to assist them when making a diagnosis of depression.

how is depression treated?

according to the mayo clinic, medication and psychotherapy are the most effective ways to treat depression. some of the medications most commonly used can cause side effects, so it’s important to discuss them with your doctor ahead of time. the drugs typically prescribed include:

selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (ssris are usually the first line of defence against depression because they have fewer side effects than other options)
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (helps regulate mood and relieve depression and chronic pain)
atypical depressants (includes drugs that don’t fit into the other main classes of antidepressants)
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (very strong antidepressants that regulate mood by preventing the breakdown of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin)
other medications (sometimes different antidepressants are used together or in combination with other drugs that boost their effects)

is there a way to prevent depression?

there is no sure way to avoid depression, but lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of a diagnosis, according to healthline, such as regular exercise, reducing exposure to social media, lowering stress, eating well and maintaining a healthy weight.

depression will affect one in eight canadians

depression can be difficult to quantify because not everyone suffering from the disorder is aware that they need help and many of those who do avoid seeking it out because of the stigma associated with mental illness. according to the canadian mental health association, depression will affect one in eight canadians at some point in their lives.

a recent survey by cbc revealed the toll the pandemic has taken on the mental health of canadians, with 22.3 per cent of respondents reporting feelings of depression in july 2021 (up from 18.6 per cent the previous summer).

support and resources if you are living with depression

the canadian mental health association offers more information on mental health support networks that are available in canada, as does the government of canada which can also connect you with help 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

dave yasvinski is a toronto-based writer.

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dave yasvinski

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