Understanding+Depression

= Understanding Depression =

Information provided by: The Ontario Association of Mood Disorders. (2010). //Depression//. Retrieved on June 2nd, 2010, from []

Depression is not a weakness or character flaw. It is a medical illness.

 * Who gets depression?**
 * At any given time, almost three million Canadians have serious depression
 * Depression accounts for 30% of all disability recorded at three of Canada's best known companies.
 * 10-15% of men and 15-25% of women


 * What causes depression?**
 * Family history and genetics
 * Medical illnesses
 * Certain medications
 * Life events or environmental stresses
 * Biological factors
 * Psychological vulnerability


 * Signs and symptoms of depression include but are not limited to:**
 * Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
 * Feeling sad, blue or down in the dumps
 * Feelings of restlessness
 * Feeling worthless
 * Changes in appetite or weight loss or gain
 * Lethargy
 * Feeling anxious
 * Trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or sleeping too much
 * Suicidal thoughts