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Depression

About Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that affects the way you think, feel and act. It often affects individuals between the ages of 15 and 30, but can also affect younger teens and children. Many different factors can lead to depression including: family history, personality, life events, and changes in one's life.

 

Depression often causes people to feel constant sadness and low energy, and can interfere with the main areas of life (personal, work/school, social, family) by making you act, feel, and behave through a negative lens.  Depression is also not something that someone can control or can "snap out of" like a phase. There are often no obvious reasons as to why depression happens.

 

Signs & Symptoms

  • Feeling sad or 'down'

  • Hopelessness

  • Loss of enjoyment of things you usually like

  • Irritable

  • Angry

  • Feeling numb all the time

  • Headaches

  • Constantly Tired

  • Sleep Troubles

  • Eating Problems

What To Do​ About It

Depression is treatable and many people are able to recover and live productive, fulfilling lives. It is important to recognize signs of depression early on so that individuals can seek help and get their lives back on track as soon as possible.

Who To Talk To:

  • A parent

  • A teacher

  • Your family doctor

  • A psychologist

  • A psychiatrist

  • A counsellor

  • A social worker

  • A peer support worker

Counselling

Youth depression is often treated with counselling sessions featuring cognitive-behavioural therapy, which teaches people how their thoughts, feelings and actions work together. Cognitive-behavioural therapy also teaches people how to think healthy thoughts, solve problems, and manage stress effectively. â€‹

 

Another skill taught through cognitive-behavioural therapy is self-care. This teaches people how to take care of themselves through things like eating well, connecting with others, and doing things they enjoy to treat and prevent mental illnesses like depression.​

 

Youth can also take part in support groups where they can share their experiences with others and learn from their peers' experiences.

Medication​

Sometimes young people are also prescribed antidepressants if counselling activities aren't helping enough. Whether or not a young person will be prescribed medication for depression will depend on a decision made by parents and doctors.

Learn More

To learn more about depression and resources in your area, check out the Canadian Mental Health Association website.

SOURCES: Canadian Mental Health Association 

Mind Your Mind

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