What Is Depression?

Mood disorders, including depression, are the most common mental disorders. One in four Canadians are diagnosed with depression at some point in their lives. Globally, depression is the leading cause of disability. Factors that may contribute to the occurrence of a mood disorder include traumatic events during early development and life stressors; genetic predisposition; and biochemical changes. It is a myth that mood disorders may be related to a lack of willpower or other character flaws.

Periods of depression may also be mixed with periods of greatly elevated and euphoric moods most commonly referred to as manic episodes or mania (in certain cases this may also come across as an irritable mood). The combination of depression and manic episodes is known as Bipolar Disorder.

Symptoms of depression include:

  • prolonged feelings of sadness, anxiety, hopelessness, and/or helplessness
  • loss of motivation and/or interest in previously enjoyed activities
  • feelings of guilt for little or no apparent reason
  • difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions
  • increased or reduced appetite along with a change in weight
  • difficulty sleeping or waking up
  • general feeling of being tired
  • feelings of low self-esteem or worthlessness
  • thoughts, plans, or attempts of suicide

A person may be diagnosed with depression when these types of symptoms are present for at least two weeks.

Depression is often recurrent (multiple episodes) and can evolve into a chronic condition. This chronic condition, called dysthymia, is characterized by the constant presence of depressive symptoms of moderate severity for a period of several years with brief or no symptom-free periods.

Resources

The Royal’s Resources to Support Patients and Their Caregivers

  • Family Information and Support Groups -- 613-722-6521 ext. 6421
  • Patient and Family Resource Centre -- 613-722-6521 ext. 6899
  • Consumer and Family Advisory Groups -- 613-722-6521 ext. 6871

Community Resources

The following are some resources available in the Ottawa community for individuals with mood disorders: