Are You Depressed?

Most people go through periods of experiencing sadness, but did you know that one million Canadians are depressed?

Depression is no small matter; it can be a seriously debilitating condition. Additionally, depression is estimated to be the “second leading cause of disability in the world by 2020.” Obviously, depression is nothing to joke about.

How do you know when you are severely depressed?

Symptoms of major depression differ from merely feeling down. How? When you are going through a time of sadness, you will likely feel disappointed and empty for a relatively short period of time. It’s different when you are clinically depressed.

Here are a few symptoms of severe depression:

• Change in sex drive (decrease)
• “Feeling worthless, helpless, or hopeless”
• Having suicidal thoughts
• “Feeling unreasonably guilty”
• Change in appetite
• Fatigue
• “Overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief”

If these or similar symptoms persist for several weeks, there is a good chance that clinical depression is the culprit. To see additional symptoms of severe depression, visit http://www.cmha.ab.ca/bins/content_page.asp?cid=3-86-87&lang=1.

Do you recognize these symptoms in yourself or someone you know? Is there a chance you might be clinically depressed?

A Treatable Mental Illness

If you are struggling with depression, take heart. According to the Canada Mental Health Association, “Depression is the most treatable mental illness.”

This is great news for anyone dealing with depression. Treatments may come in forms of drug therapy, counseling, support groups and more. There are also homeopathic treatments available. For example, did you know that exercise is wonderful for easing the symptoms of depression?

Dr. Madhukar H. Trivedi, from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, recently performed a study on the effects exercise has on symptoms of depression. Nearly 30 percent of the subjects who both took antidepressant medications and exercised regularly over a period of time “achieved remission.” Visit http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/31/prescribing-exercise-to-treat-depression/ to read more. This article may encourage you.

Reach Out For Help

If you suffer from severe depression, it might be time to reach out for help. One way to do this is by connecting with the Canadian Mental Health Association. This organization can help guide you to a path of recovery from depression.

Have you ever dealt with depression? If so, was it difficult for you to reach out for help? Feel free to share your story by leaving a comment at the bottom of this page.

If you are depressed, we hope this post has encouraged you. Remember, the odds that you can achieve a state of emotional normalcy are in your favor.