Depression, also known as major depressive disorder, is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities, lasting two weeks or longer. Depression can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease a person's ability to function at work and at home.

Depression can affect anyone—even a person who appears to live in relatively ideal circumstances. Several factors can play a role in depression, including genetics, biochemistry, personality, and environmental factors such as stress or trauma.

The symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:

• Feeling sad or having a depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in appetite — weight loss or gain unrelated to dieting

• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much

• Loss of energy or increased fatigue

• Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g., hand-wringing or pacing) or slowed movements and speech

• Feeling worthless or guilty

• Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide

Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders. Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

Psychological treatment can be used alone for treatment of mild to moderate depression. For moderate to severe depression, psychological treatment is often used in combination with antidepressant medications.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for depression. It focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviours. Other therapeutic approaches include behavioural activation, which helps individuals change their depressive patterns of behaviour, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), which encourages individuals to be less reactive to their thoughts and feelings.

There are a number of things people can do to help reduce the symptoms of depression. For many people, regular exercise helps create positive feeling and improve mood. Getting enough quality sleep on a regular basis, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol (a depressant) can also help reduce symptoms of depression.

Remember, depression is not a sign of weakness but a medical condition that can be treated. It is a complex condition that can have far-reaching effects on an individual's health and quality of life. At ClearStream Psychology, we perform a thorough assessment to explore your history and symptoms, and help you make sense of what you’re dealing with. Then we collaborate with you to develop a customized treatment plan that meets your unique needs and treatment goals using effective therapeutic strategies supported by research. With the right support and strategies, you can learn to cope with depression and make meaningful improvements to your well-being. Let us help you get back into the flow of life!