The ABC’s of psychology: D is for depression

By Rachel Dundas, R Psych, CPT Times Contributor

Depression has become a common, perhaps even overused, word in our society. It’s often used to describe a wide range of emotional experiences, most commonly sadness or hopelessness. Someone may say they are depressed, when they actually mean they are sad. What exactly is depression, how common is it, and who is at risk?

Major depressive disorder, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual published by the American Psychological Association, is the clinical diagnosis assigned when an individual experiences, for a period of at least two weeks, at least five out of nine of the core symptoms of depression. These symptoms include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, significant weight loss or weight gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue or loss of energy, feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt, diminished ability to think, concentrate, or make decisions, recurrent thoughts of death, or psychomotor agitation.

Depression presents differently in children and youth than it does in adult populations. In children and youth, rather than depressed mood most of the day every day, children and youth typically present with irritable mood. The Canadian Mental Health Association reports approximately 70 per cent of mental health problems will have their onset during childhood or adolescence, with those aged 15-24 considered to be at the highest risk for developing mental illness. It is estimated that five per cent of male youth and 12 per cent of female youth ages 12-19 have experienced a major depressive episode.

The Canadian Association of Mental Health also reports that in any given year, one in five Canadians will experience a mental illness or addiction problem. By the age of 40, one out of every two adults will have experienced or currently be experiencing a mental illness (whether it is actually diagnosed and treated is another story). Women are at a higher risk of depression, with approximately eight per cent of the Canadian adult population experiencing a major depressive episode in their lifetime.

What should you do if you feel you or someone you love may be experiencing depression? Primary care physicians, school counsellors and community mental health clinics are all great places to start a conversation. For 24/7 supports, call the Mental Health Help Line at 1-877-303-2642.

Rachel Dundas, R Psych, CPT is a Registered Psychologist, Certified Play Therapist and the Executive Director of Wheatland County Counselling in Strathmore and Drumheller. Visit www.wheatlandcountycounselling.com.