Depression - what is it?

Everybody suffers the ups and downs of life. Sometimes we use the term "depression", or "depressed" to describe these everyday feelings. But the normal experiences of life shouldn't be confused with the serious medical illnesses known as depressive disorders. Contrary to popular belief, mood disorders are very real illnesses that can have serious and sometimes fatal results. They affect the entire body and not just the mind. Their physical symptoms can range from fatigue to stomach complaints or muscle and joint pain. Many people never realize that they are suffering from depression. They misidentify the disorder as something else.

Depression is very common - it will strike one out of every eight men and one out of every four women. But only about one-third of the people who have depression will ever seek proper help. This is due to a lack of knowledge and awareness, and to the fear with which mental illnesses are held in our culture.

Here are some of the more common symptoms of depression:

· feelings of sadness and loss
· feelings of guilt and worthlessness
· feelings of extreme impatience, irritability, or a short temper
· loss of interest or pleasure in usually enjoyed activities
· changes in weight or appetite
· changes in sleeping patterns like insomnia
· reduced ability to think clearly or make decisions
· recurring thoughts of suicide or self-harm
· withdrawal from friends and family.
· difficulties in concentrating or with short term memory loss
· constantly feeling tired
· noticeable lack of motivation
· anxiety and restlessness, sometimes leading to panic attacks
· muscle and joint pain
· constipation or other intestinal problems
· frequent headaches
· lack of interest in sex

All above information adapted from: The Mood Disorders of Canada