What do I need to know about Depression?
Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities that an individual once enjoyed. It negatively affects how individuals think, feel and act, and can create emotional and physical problems which decrease an individual’s ability to function at work, school, or home. At Skylark, our counsellors are trained to provide evidence-based therapies which can help individuals struggling with Depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression
The following are some of the most common symptoms of Depression:
● Emotional Symptoms
○ Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or loneliness
○ Increased irritability or frustration
○ Outbursts of anger
○ Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed (hobbies, socialization, etc.)
● Physical Symptoms
○ Joint or limb pain
○ Body aches and pains
○ Gastrointestinal (GI) problems
○ Increased tiredness and/ or sleep disturbances
○ Decreased/ loss of appetite
○ Decreased/ loss of sex drive
Common types of Depression:
The following are some of the most common types of depression:
● Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) → Major Depressive Disorder, also referred to as Clinical Depression, is a mood disorder characterized by having symptoms of depression persisting for a duration of at least two weeks; however, symptoms often last for far longer.
● Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) → Persistent Depressive Disorder is a type of chronic depression in which symptoms of depression are present for the majority of days over at least two years. It can be mild, moderate, or severe.
● Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)→ Seasonal Affective Disorder is considered to be Major Depressive Disorder with a seasonal pattern. Individuals struggling with SAD experience depression, exhaustion sleepiness, and weight gain during the winter months but feel back to “normal” in the spring and summer. SAD is thought to be triggered by a disturbance in the normal circadian rhythm of the body, caused by a lack of light.
● Postpartum Depression (PPD) → Postpartum Depression can have its onset during pregnancy or following the birth of a child. It is more severe than the “baby blues”, which includes symptoms such as mood changes, anxiety and irritability, and can last up to two weeks. Symptoms of PPD are more extreme and longer-lasting.
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