Beyond Blue, Signs You Are Depressed
Depression goes beyond just feeling blue.
It can cause symptoms such as feelings of hopelessness, irritability, constant fatigue, a loss or decrease in activities one used to find enjoyable, and at its worse can stir dark thoughts of suicide and death. It affects how a person feels, acts, and thinks. Depression can be diagnosed as a medical condition, and treatment is available. The WHO (World Health Organization) describes depression as one of the most common mental health disorders. Approximately 5.4 % of the population in Canada has experienced depression and has had to cope with its symptoms. Since 2020, these rates have continued to increase. Women are hardest hit, as well as those working in essential front-line services. Depression in Canada has hit unprecedented levels and the path to help and healing isn’t always so clear for those who suffer.
Who Is Affected
Depression affects people of different ages, sex, race or ethnicity and over 2 million Canadians struggle with depression. Youth between the ages of 15-24 experience depression at a rate of 6.4% and 7% of adults experience depression. 70% of adults experienced their first symptoms of depression as youth. Women are twice as likely than men to experience depression and are more likely to seek help than men so male statistics may be underreported as men often try to cope on their own while women are more comfortable seeking assistance. People who suffer from chronic illness and substance abuse also have a higher incidence of depression. 25-50% of Canadians coping with chronic illness will also develop depression due to the negative impact their illness has on their life.
Socioeconomic and Cultural Background
Socioeconomic and cultural background are contributing factors, and people in the lowest socioeconomic background are four times as likely to develop depression. People of Aboriginal ethnicity have the highest rates of depression compared to their Caucasian counterparts, affecting 25.7 percent of women and 34.5 percent of men of First Nations. Other visible minority groups such as those of Black or Asian descent report the lowest rates of depression between all groups. Those who live alone report the highest level of depression. This group is 20% more likely to have moderate to severe depression and 9% more likely to experience suicidal thoughts. (Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction). Suicide is the leading cause of death in those between the ages of 15-24. Women are three times more likely to attempt suicide and men are more likely to die by suicide. People with a mental illness are also more likely to be involved in crime and get arrested at a rate of 12.5% compared to 2.8% without a disorder. People who feel safer in their communities are less likely to experience depression compared to people who live in or visit high crime areas.
Substance Use and Depression
Substance use and depression also have comorbidity, meaning they go hand in hand, with those experiencing depression more likely to self-medicate with alcohol and those who suffer from substance abuse more likely to develop depression. 20% of people with substance use addiction also suffer from depression.
Stigma
People are afraid to disclose their state of depression for fear of being judged and facing stigma. When compared to physical ailments, people are three times less likely to disclose depression symptoms or malaise.
Why Depression Rates Are Rising
Some of the causes of this increase in depression rates are financial insecurity, quality of life, and access to care. Depression is a significant problem in Canada. As per a poll in 2021 conducted by MHRC (Mental Health Research Canada) and Health Canada confirmed that Canadians were more depressed than they had ever been before.
Beyond Blue, Signs You May be Depressed
feeling hopeless and pessimistic
irritability, frustration or restlessness
feeling worthless or helpless
loss of interest in work, friends, or hobbies that you once enjoyed
fatigue and loss of energy
difficulty with memory, concentration or decision- making
insomnia
weight gain or loss, change in appetite
headaches, cramps, problems digesting, chronic pain
suicidal thoughts or ideation or action
Types of Depression
Major Depression: coping with symptoms of depression for two weeks or longer
Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): mild depression symptoms lasting for at least two years
Perinatal/Postpartum Depression: depression symptoms that develop during pregnancy or after giving birth
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): season specific depressive symptoms, i.e, symptoms get worse going into winter and subside in spring
Depression with Psychosis: Symptoms that occur alongside symptoms of psychosis such as delusions or hallucinations
Influencing Factors
Chemical changes in the brain
Genetics
lifestyle changes or burdens
stressful life events act as triggers
medical conditions
medications
changes in the brain
faulty signals in the brain affecting mood regulation
Getting Help
There is still a lot of stigma surrounding depression and often-waiting lists for care are obstacles on the healing path. If you or someone you know is struggling with depression, know that help is available and you don’t have to suffer alone.
