-Depression is not just an emotion or feeling; it is potentioally disabling and possibly life-threatening.
-About 1 in 5 Canadians will suffer from depression at some point in their lives.
-Psychological problems last longer and recur more frequently than other forms of disabilities.
-Depression is quite more common in women then in men.
-Untreated depression may lead to DHS (deliberate self harm), such as cutting or drug overdoses.
-Men are more likely to kill themselves than women, and do it in more violent means; guns, hanging.
-Suicide is amoung the 10 most common causes of death, and more for young adults.
-1 in 6 people who kill themselves leave a note. (I personally thought it was more.)
Symptoms of Depression:
-feelings of unhappiness that do not go away.
-being unable to gain pleasure from activities that normally would be pleasurable.
-losing interest in normal activities and everyday life.
-feeling tired all of the time and feeling drained, having no energy.
-difficulty sleeping normal hours; either sleeping too much, not sleeping enough, or waking
up many times in the middle of the night.
-having a poor appetite; no interest in food and losing wieght (though some people overeat
and put on weight- called "comfort eating".
-losing interest in sex.
-finding it difficult to concentrate and think straight.
-feeling restless, tense and anxious.
-being irritable.
-losing self confidence, having no self-esteem.
-avoiding other people and isolating yourself from the (social) world.
-finding it harder then usual to make decisions.
-feeling useless and inadequate- a waste of space.
-feeling guilty about who you are and what you have done.
-feeling hopeless- that nothing will make things better.
-thinking about suicide. (If you think somebody else might be thinking this way, ask them
about it- It Will Not Make Them More Likely To Commit Suicide.
Certain Types Of Depression:
There are certain types of depression, and the simple one being the most common. Othes include Bi-polar, or Manic depression, which is when a person goes through mood extremes on and off on a (short) period of time. One week, you may be full of energy, jumping around and doing whatever you feel like. (Being easily distracted, having racing thoughts) Having alot of confidence and feeling like you could rule the freakin world. (This may cause embarrassement and/or danger depending on how "crazy-perky" the person is). But the next week, you're so low, so sad and depressed, it kills you; you look like the living dead. Thoughts of suicide may roam the mind, and feelings of worthlessness may too. And the weeks (may) continue to go on like this for a while, depends on the person. This is usually caused by imbalancements of chemicals in the brain.
Another type of depression which is less known to be, called SAD (Seasonal affective disorder) is caused by the lack of sunlight and heat that we don't have in winter. It may also be caused by stresseful events in that period of time. The person with SAD can have a lack of energy, low moods, lack of interest in socialism, and increased sleep and daytime sleepiness. SAD can be treated by psychological therapy, and/or Bright light therapy. Bright light therapy is quite helpful to alot of people.
Treatements:
Talking with friends or people you can confide in is a good way to start, but if the situation does not improve, then it is recommended to see someone such as a counsellor, a psychologist, or a psychiatrist. Sometimes they put you on medication- antidepressants to stabalize the chemicals in tha brain.
(~Although they say that antidepressants do not change your personality, i find they stabalize it to a more "normal" mood since you're on pills, and therefore may change a bit of your thoughts which usually turn into acts.)
-If you're a manic/bi-polar depressive person, then try to not think of the "low" week that is supposed to come soon. By constantly thinking and worrying about it, you're actually inviting it to happen, which is Not something you want to do.
-If you're depressed and have no one to talk to 'cause your family doesn't care and you have no friends, then come chat with me. I'm a good listener and i'm going through the same thing, so drop me a line, i'd be glad to try and help.
Here Are Some Resources That May Help:
J'ecoute Jeunesse- 1-800-668-6868
--free, confidential 24-hour service.
Association Des Depressifs Et Maniaco- Depressifs- (514) 529-8866 or 529-5619 or 1-800-463-2363
--free service, monday to riday from 9AM to 9PM.
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