Depression
Do you know approximately 280 million or 3.8% of the world’s population suffer from depression (WHO, 2024)? Due to depression, more than 700,000 people die because of suicide every year and it is the fourth leading cause of death in 15–29-year-olds (WHO, 2024). Women are more porn of depression and about 50% more than men. Sadly, above 75% of people in low- and middle-income countries are deprived of getting treatment for their depression (WHO, 2024). The number of people with depression has increased sharply during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. In 2022, 7.6% of Canadian people experienced major depressive episodes compared to 4.7% in 2012 (Statistics Canada, 2023).
Some common Symptoms of Depression:
Feeling helpless, sad or guiltyFeeling anxious
Decrease sense of self-worth
Less/no interest involves any activities
Low energy, fatigue or feeling slow down
Sleeping problem (insomnia or excessive sleeping)
Restlessness
Less focus/ inability to make decision
Irritability
Changes in weight/ appetite
Suicidal thoughts/attempts
Types of Depression
Major Depressive Disorder (Symptoms exhibit at least two weeks)
Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) (Depression that persists long time, usually for at least two years)
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (Depression that comes and goes with the seasons means depends on nature/ environment)
Perinatal depression(This type of depression occurs during or after pregnancy)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) (This type of depression is related to women’s periods, and symptoms of depression improve within a few days of the period beginning.