Depression
Depression is a significant and increasingly more prevalent disorder experienced by many Canadian adults, teenagers and youth. It may come as a surprise but depression is rising for those with higher income and educational levels. Depression Disorders can have a wide ranging impact on quality of life but effective treatment may lead to mitigation or complete resolution of the issues.
There are several types of depressive disorders each with its unique symptoms and treatments.
Major Depression
This is the among the most commonly diagnosed, but also the most formidable forms of depression. People who suffer from Major Depression would show a range of symptoms but at least one of the symptoms would be characterized as overwhelming sadness or a significant loss of pleasure and interest in common activities. Other symptoms that can be associated are a decrease or increase in appetite, inability to sleep or sleeping too much, psycho motor agitation or retardation, chronic fatigue, diminished sense of worth, irrational guilt, suicidal ideation regardless of actual plans for committing suicide, and issues surrounding cognition and mental acuity. The periods in which these symptoms persist can go from two weeks or longer with some only experiencing an episode once in their lifetime while others having multiple recurrence. They can be a significant alteration to the individual’s moods and habits and be alarming for those otherwise familiar with them. Typically, without support or therapy, Major Depression can have a major impact on relationships, work, and school activities which can lead to compounding issues.
It is a combination of symptoms that interfere with the ability to eat, sleep, and generally enjoy life. People struggling with Major Depressive Disorder will typically report a loss of interest in activities they used to enjoy, changes in sleeping and eating patterns, and a general inability to engage with life as they would prefer. It is truly a debilitating disorder which can leave people feeling virtually unable to overcome a sense of inertia. Completing even the smallest of daily tasks becomes a seemingly impossible challenge and people report feeling overwhelmed and often hopeless that they will ever feel better.’
Minor Depressive Disorder
Also known as minor depression, it can have similar symptoms to major depressive disorder except the individual experiences fewer than five of the major symptoms. Persistence may be similar, lasting two weeks or more. In many ways, it represent the same illness as major depression, but to a lesser severity. However, it requires the same amount of professional care and specialization.
Treatment of Depression
Due to its increased prevalence and societal impact, depression is an area of significant study and research. Combinations of cognitive behavioral therapy, counselling and medication are common ways of treating depression. At Envision Mind Care, we can also have in-clinic Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation therapy as part of our treatment.