Depression Symptoms
The latest data shows that approximately 25 percent of Canadians have screened positive for mental health conditions like depression.
Are you experiencing ongoing sadness and feelings of hopelessness? Do you question if these feelings will pass, or are you considering that perhaps you are battling a more serious depressive state?
Explained below are some of the most common symptoms of depression, along with information on the implications of depression and how it’s treated
What Is Depression?
Depression is a common mental health disorder. It is characterized by a persistent depressed mood and, when left untreated, can lead to significant impairments in one’s daily life.
Experts are not sure exactly what causes depression. Most agree, however, that it is brought on by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors.
Research also suggests that alterations in the brain’s neural circuits can also contribute to depression
What Are the Symptoms of Depression?
When one is struggling with depression, they typically exhibit a variety of symptoms, including the following:
- Prolonged sadness
- Persistent feelings of apathy
- Persistent feelings of guilt or hopelessness
- A loss of interest or pleasure in activities they once enjoyed
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Social withdrawal
- Restlessness or lethargy
- Sleep issues
- Fatigue
- A sudden increase or decrease in appetite
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Frequent rumination (continuously thinking the same thoughts)
These depression symptoms can range from mild to severe depending on the person experiencing them (as well as how long they’ve been experiencing them).
Generally speaking, the sooner one can receive the help and support, the sooner they can recover and start to overcome their symptoms.
What Are the Different Implications of Depression?
When left untreated, depression symptoms tend to get worse and can have serious implications for one’s quality of life. The following are some potential issues that can arise when depression isn’t addressed:
Chronic Illness
Depression is a mental health condition, but it can also wreak havoc on a person’s physical health.
Depression is associated with a variety of chronic health issues, including headaches and pain throughout the body that doesn’t get better with traditional medications.
Difficulty Fulfilling Obligations
Not only can depression lead to sleep disruptions or excessive fatigue, but it can also hinder cognitive abilities and lead to issues with one’s executive function (memory, decision-making, etc.).
These problems, over time, can make it difficult for people with depression to fulfill obligations at work, school, and to their families. They may be more forgetful, have trouble making decisions quickly, or may feel as though they’re always playing catch-up.
Substance Abuse
People who struggle with depression symptoms may be more prone to substance abuse issues as well. They may turn to drugs or alcohol to numb their feelings or to help them get to sleep or stay awake, for example.
Suicidal Ideation
One of the most severe depression symptoms is suicidal ideation. Some people’s symptoms are so intense that they contemplate (or even follow through with) taking their own life.
The lifetime risk of suicide among those with untreated depression ranges falls somewhere between 2.2 and 15 percent. Depression is also present in at least half of all suicides. For emergency services please go directly to your nearest hospital or call 911. In Vaughan, you can also call 1-855-310-COPE (2673) for help.
What Are the Different Implications of Depression?
In terms of therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which helps people with depression to identify negative thought patterns and change the behaviours that accompany them, is one of the most popular and effective techniques. Other therapeutic interventions are also proven to be helpful in treating depression. Your therapist will work with you to determine the most beneficial option.
If any of the depression symptoms mentioned above resonate with you,we encourage you to seek professional help now Contact us today to learn more about your treatment options schedule an appointment with a therapist.
