Depression 

• The exact cause is unknown.
• Some people are more likely to have depression than others. It may be inherited.
• It can be triggered by life events or a combination of life events and inherited.
• Women are more likely to have depression than men. It is common after childbirth and at the time of menopause.

Depression and Physical Issues 

A number of physical issues can cause low mood and may be mistaken for depression. These include:

• Underactive thyroid. Low levels can make you feel low, weepy and tired.
• Underactive pituitary gland. Low levels affect sex drive and fertility. It can cause weight gain and low mood.
• A head injury, even if it happened many years ago.
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica. An inflammation that causes joint pain and stiffness, as well as depression.
• Early dementia may seem like depression to others.

It is important to rule out physical issues. Treatment may be needed.

Bipolar Disorder (serious). For some people, their mood can change from depression to periods of happiness and overactivity (mania). This is called bipolar disorder (or manic depression). Treatment may include mood stabilizing medicines such as lithium. Periods of depression and elation can last for weeks or months. This is different from normal mood swings which last for minutes or hours. 

Postpartum Depression (serious). About 1 in 10 mothers experience post-partum depression. Seek help from your doctor if you feel depressed after childbirth. There are three main causes of low mood after you have had a baby:

• Baby Blues: feeling tired and emotional in the first weeks after childbirth
• Post-partum Depression: often within the first 4 weeks of childbirth, but can start months or even up to a year later. Symptoms last longer than baby blues.
• Post-partum Psychosis: a rare but serious mental illness that puts the mother and baby at risk. The mother may have low mood and also loss of touch with reality. She may have strange ideas, such as harming herself or her baby. Seek help right away if these symptoms occur.

Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some people feel depressed, but only in the winter months. The cause is unknown but may be due to lack of sunlight. These people find it hard to wake up. The symptoms get worse as the hours of daylight get shorter. Severe symptoms of depression and not wanting to see family and friends may occur between November and January. Treatment is to get more natural sunlight and/or light therapy from a lightbox with a bright light. Also, the usual therapies for depression may help.

When to Call for Depression

Care Advice

Depression

What You Should Know about Depression:

• Depression affects 16 million Americans each year. It can happen at any age.
• Depression is a real illness with real symptoms. It is not a sign of weakness or something you can 'snap out of' at will.
• Depression can happen for no clear reason, or it may be triggered by:
• Life-changing events such as losing a friend, losing your job or giving birth.
• A family history of depression
• Stressful events such as physical attack, abuse or seeing an accident
• Having a health problem such as cancer, stroke or chronic pain
• Some medications
• With the right treatment, most people will feel less symptoms.
• Here is some care advice that should help.

Recognize When You Are Depressed (symptoms):

• Feeling sad or anxious often, or almost all of the time
• You don't want to do things that used to be fun
• You feel irritable, are easily frustrated or restless
• You have trouble sleeping (falling asleep or waking very early) or still feel tired after sleeping well
• You are not taking care of yourself
• You don't want to do anything or can't concentrate
• Change in appetite: eating more or less than is normal for you
• Feeling guilty, worthless or helpless; like people would be better off without you
• Loss of sex drive
• Aches and pains that do not get better with treatment
• You have thoughts about suicide or harming yourself

Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle:

• Exercise can help depression.
• Eat a healthy diet
• Limit alcohol
• Make small changes. Seek help from your doctor or support groups if you need to.
• Get regular sleep. Most people do well with at least 7 hours per night.

Talking Therapies:

• For mild depression it may help to talk to a family member or close friend about how you feel. Ask for their support with any changes you want to make to help you feel better. They may have noticed things you have not.
• You could contact someone in your faith group such as a minister or spiritual leader.
• Self-help groups are also often available locally or on-line. Sharing your feelings with others can be helpful.
• Self-help books are available and have lots of ideas about how to help yourself. Try the ones you think will work best for you.
• Talk to your doctor. Or, your doctor may refer you for psychotherapy (therapy or counselling). Therapy can help you understand your illness and help you make lifestyle changes that will help you feel better. It can also help you learn what bothers you and how to overcome it and take control.

Medicines:

• If you think any medicines you take are the cause of your depression, contact you doctor for advice.
• If your doctor has prescribed antidepressants for you, ask exactly how you should take the medicine. Follow the advice carefully.
• Be patient. It sometimes takes up to 4 weeks for the medicine to take effect and for your doctor to get the dose just right for you.
• Side effects, if any, may get less or go away all together as your body adjusts to the meds.
• Don't stop taking the medicine all at once, even if you feel better. This can worsen the depression. Talk to your doctor about the best way to reduce and then stop it.

What to Expect:

• Most mild depression goes away within a few weeks.
• Treatment can include lifestyle changes, self-help, talking therapies and medication.
• Treatment will be based on whether you have mild, moderate or severe depression.
• If you have severe depression, you may need help from specialist mental health services and long-term meds.

Call Your Doctor If:

• Sadness or depression lasts more than 2 weeks
• You are concerned about a loved one
• You feel like harming yourself
• You think you need to be seen
• You think your depression is getting worse

Resources

Depression and Suicide Resources and Helplines:

• If you are already in treatment, call your doctor or mental health provider.
• For non-urgent concerns, call your local mental health resource.
• If you don't have their number, call National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI). The NAMI Helpline is an information and referral source for finding local mental health programs.
• The national toll-free phone number: 1-800-905-6264.
• NAMI is not a 24/7 crisis line.
• Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: for urgent concerns about suicide or substance use crisis, call 988.

Remember! Contact your doctor if you or your child develop any "Contact Your Doctor" symptoms.

Disclaimer: this health information is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.




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