Mental Health Matters: I think I may have depression, now what?

By Jannelle Vaughan on December 7, 2019.

What is depression? Depression is the most common mental illness amongst Canada’s population, with Statistics Canada predicting that 11% of men and 16% of women will experience it at some point in their lifetime. Depression is a serious mental illness, characterized by persistent feelings of sadness accompanied by loss of interest in activities one would generally enjoy. It is normal to feel sad once in a while, but sadness lasting longer than two weeks could indicate a more serious condition, such as depression. The prevalence of depression is highest amongst individuals ages 18-25 and, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2017 depression affected 300 million people worldwide.

What causes depression? Although the exact cause of depression remains unclear, research shows that depression is linked to a combination of genetic, biological, personality and environmental factors. These can include things such as: medication side effects, stress, death or loss, trauma, and substance use. Seeking help for depression is often a barrier for individuals experiencing depression, as stigma and discrimination towards depression and mental health are still prevalent in today’s society. It is important to understand that depression, amongst other mental health illnesses, can be treated effectively through various interventions, such as medication and counselling services. Although depression is classified as a mental illness, it can also manifest physical symptoms, such as fatigue, stomach and body aches, as well as muscle and joint pain.

I think I may have depression, now what? If you suspect you may have depression, you should try and talk to your doctor and explain to them how you are feeling. You and your doctor can come up with strategies to help treat your symptoms and get you back to feeling better again. Having preventative measures in place is a great way to manage depression and stabilize your mental health. Some ways of managing your mental health can include making healthy choices in your diet, finding time to exercise, and prioritizing your own self-care such as going for coffee with a friend or participating in a hobby you enjoy doing. If depression is left untreated, it can become worse and start to affect more aspects of your everyday life. Untreated depression can often lead to suicidal ideations. If you or someone you know is thinking about completing suicide, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency department.

The Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region (CMHA) offers a weekly peer support group for individuals living with mental health concerns, called Whispers of Wellness (WoW). This support group is an open to adults, and it runs every Wednesday for one hour from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Anyone can join at any time, and no registration is required. This group allows participants the opportunity to learn new coping skills, while meeting individuals with similar experiences.

This column was written by Jannelle Vaughan; she is a practicum student in her second year of the Social Work program through the Medicine Hat College. For any further questions regarding mental health concerns, contact Canadian Mental Health Association at 403-504-1811, cmha-aser.ca or aser@cmha-aser.ca

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