Sometimes it is a specific life event like the death of a loved one, losing one’s job, moving to a new city, or another major happening. Sometimes you can’t identify a specific cause. But the feelings of helplessness, self judgment, guilt, and loss of control are a part of your life. You might toss and turn at night, or may sleep for endless hours without feeling refreshed, but you are always tired. Things that used to be fun, just aren’t anymore, and worse, you ma not know why. Depression can have a serious impact on one’s life and on the life of those around you. Sleep, eating, activities of daily living, friendships, and family life, are all impacted. The economic cost to Canadian business as a result of stress and depression is estimated to be $50 billion dollars a year1 and one in 10 workers in Canada suffer from a mental illness1. These statistics tells us that the cost of untreated mental illness is significant and impacts a large number of people.
While medications can be helpful, there are talk therapies that have been shown to be effective in managing or relieving depressive symptoms. Some signs of depression are listed below. If you have been experiencing any of these symptoms, speak with your family doctor. You can also call Dr. Mawani to find out what options are available.
If you feel that you just cannot cope, have thoughts of death, or have thoughts of hurting yourself, don’t wait, call your local distress center. In Calgary, the number is 403-266-1605.
Below is also a link to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website for more information.
There area various talk therapies that can help manage and alleviate the symptoms of depression. For some, a combination of talk therapy and medications is helpful. Talk therapies include cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness based cognitive therapy, and interpersonal therapy amongst others. Each has been shown in the research to be helpful in relieving the symptoms of depression. But the research is not you and outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Choosing a therapy and figuring out how to apply it to your situation can be daunting for some. The use of any of the above therapies is best done in conjunction with a trained professional who can help you decide how to move forward and assist you in figuring out how to take those steps. Don’t wait. Please get help.
1 article by CAMH researcher C. Dewa cited in “Studies stress economic cost of depression in workplace” at http://www.cos-mag.com/Health-Page/Health-Page-Stories/Studies-stress-economic-cost-of-depression-in-the-workplace.html
SUMMARY
Depression is a serious condition that costs society billions of dollars each year in lost productivity. It is a treatable condition with evidence based treatments available.
Some signs of depression:
- Feeling worthless, helpless, or hopeless.
- Sleeping more than usual or less than usual.
- Eating more than usual or less than usual.
- Difficulty concentrating, paying attention, or making decisions.
- Reduced interest in activities.
- Feeling overwhelmed.
- Thoughts of death or suicide
If you experience these symptoms, especially thoughts of death, harming others or yourself, please seek assistance immediately.
