Dealing with Depression

We all experience sadness from time to time. Clinical or major depression is much more than simple sadness. It is a "mood disorder" that is a worrying and sometimes debilitating condition that affects more than one million Canadians a year.

What are the signs of depressive illness?

Depression is considered an illness when the feelings described below are severe, last for several weeks, and begin to interfere with one's work and social life. Depressive illness can change the way you think and behave and how your body functions. Some of the signs to look for are:

• Feeling unreasonably guilty, worthless, or helpless
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief
• Anxious or "empty" mood
• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
• Insomnia, early-morning wakening, or oversleeping
• Fatigue, decreased energy, or feeling "slowed down"
• Decreased appetite and/or weight loss, or overeating and weight gain
• Restlessness or irritability
• Having difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed, including sex
• Avoiding other people
• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
• Ongoing physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive problems, and chronic pain

Getting Help for Depression

IMPORTANT: If your situation is urgent because you are considering suicide, go immediately to the emergency room of a nearby hospital or call 911

It is important to see a professional to get help if you feel you might be depressed. Physicians, counsellors, spiritual advisors and other mental health professionals can offer information, treatment, support and different types of practical help. A complete evaluation by professionals can help you decide what type of treatment is best for you based on the degree and cause of your depression. Anti-depressant medications, counselling or a combination of both might be suggested based on your situation.

Strategies for Coping with Depression

Negative thoughts and feelings make some people feel like giving up. It is important to realize that these are part of depression and will fade or decrease as treatment begins to help. In the meantime, the following may help you better cope with depression:

• Do not set difficult goals for yourself or take on a great deal of responsibility
• Break large tasks into small ones; set some priorities; do what you can when you can
• Do not expect too much from yourself too soon when you are beginning to feel better as this might increase feelings of failure
• Try to be with other people because this is usually better than being alone
• Participate in activities that normally make you feel better
• Try light or moderate exercise as regularly as possible
• Don't get upset if your mood does not improve quickly and dramatically. Feeling better takes time so do not blame yourself if you do not feel like your old self right away
• Do not make major life decisions, such as changing jobs or getting married or divorced, until your depression is better or by consulting others who know you well. These people may have a more objective view of your situation
• Remember: do not accept or believe your negative thinking about yourself or your situation. It is part of the depression and will go away as your depression gets better

If you are a registered student with Mohawk College and would like to talk with a counsellor about this issue, please contact Counselling Services at your campus:

• Fennell Campus (905) 575-2211, The Square – Student Services, Room C102
• IAHS Campus (905) 540-4247 ext 26750, Room 303
• Brantford Campus (519) 758-6014, Room A102
• STARRT Institute (905) 575-1212 ext 2538, Room A111A