Understanding the different faces of depression

Do you find there are days you just do not want to get out of bed? Do you ever find yourself irritable and agitated by those around you; or withdrawing from interactions with others? Are day-to-day activities difficult to cope with?

If so, you may be experiencing depression. Depression has many faces — it affects more than one million Canadians per year.

Anxiety is suggestive of depression, and often presents with a vague feeling of apprehension. Up to 70 per cent of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder.

Alterations in sleep patterns can also be an indicator of depression. Eighty per cent of depressed individuals complain of changes in sleep patterns. Lack of sleep hastens depression symptoms and negatively affects treatment if it is not managed.

Feeling sad, helpless or empty is another common complaint. Anger, inappropriate outbursts, or overreactions to minor situations can also be present. Prolonged lack of interest or interaction with others, a pessimistic attitude, lack of concentration and memory problems often causes worry for other diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Depression can be a situational or long-term medical concern. Losses or changes in one’s life, such as loss of a loved one, job, or relationship, can cause depression. Poor coping abilities can turn a situation into a medical concern.

Genetic or family history of depression may be suggestive of potential long-term medical issues.

Statistics show 10 to 25 per cent of women will experience depression at some point in their lives, which is twice as often as men. Hormonal fluctuations can contribute to this, especially during pregnancy, postpartum, menstrual cycles, and menopause. Depression in women often presents with sadness.

Men present more often with irritability, anger and despair, making the diagnosis more difficult.

Children can also suffer with depression. However, it is often difficult to diagnose. Symptoms vary with age, but could be a simple as a child refusing to go to school, pretending to be sick, worrying over the potential loss of a loved one, sulking, grouchiness or feeling misunderstood. For some children, this is a stage that will pass. For others, it’s a serious sign of depression.

For many, changes, like a job or season change, will empower one to become interested in life and friends again.

However, many people require assistance with counselling and medications. Often, getting out and interacting with others is the last thing someone who is depressed wants to do. Making small steps to reconnect with positive people and accessing medical assistance will help most people to return to a normally functioning life.

If you need help, seek it. Life is difficult on a good day; dealing with depression without treatment will only compound the problem.

Karen Hourtovenko, RN(EC), is a health and wellness consultant from Sudbury.