Depression puts a dark, gloomy cloud over how we see the world, our future, and ourselves.
There is help available for you if you are feeling this way – you don’t have to face it alone.
Many of us have feelings of sadness that can be a natural part of life. These feelings usually only last a few hours or days before they disappear on their own.
If you notice that you are feeling down for more than a few weeks and notice you are experiencing symptoms such as: feeling cut off, or have an “empty” mood, or feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, lost interest or pleasure in activities that you used to enjoy. Having difficulties concentrating, remembering or making decisions, have insomnia, early morning awakenings, oversleeping, have lost your appetite, have been overeating, decreased energy, feeling “slowed” down, have feelings of guilt or pessimism, thoughts of death or suicide, taken action toward attempting suicide, restless, angry or irritable, persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment such as: headaches, digestive disorders and pain for which no other cause can be diagnosed. If you experience some of these feelings and they last more than two weeks and are negatively impacting your daily activities, you may be experiencing depression.
If you are depressed it is important to talk to someone you trust such as a medical doctor, family member, or friend. Consider seeking help from a psychologist who can assess your depression and make recommendations for treatment.
An effective psychological treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). If you are recommended for CBT your treatment will be focused on teaching you skills and strategies to recognize negative thought patterns and gain insight into how these negative thoughts are impacting your feelings and behaviors. Based on the concept that thoughts cause feelings and behaviors and not external factors such as people, situations, and events one can change their mood and actions, experience even if the situation does not change.
If you are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts go to your family doctor immediately or to your nearest hospital emergency center. You can also contact the 24-hour crisis line at 780-482-HELP (4357)/ 1-800-232-7288 if outside the greater Edmonton region.