One of the most common reasons for visiting a psychiatrist or psychologist, depression affects approximately 16 percent of adults worldwide at some point in their lifetimes. According to Health Canada and Statistics Canada, around 8 percent of Canadian adults will experience major depression or anxiety during their lives, and 5 percent will have such an incident in a given year. Although no one understands the precise cause of depression, scientists have identified a number of factors that seem to increase an individual’s chances of developing the condition.
The incidence of depression in women is much higher than that in men, with approximately one in five women developing clinical depression at some time in life. Only one in every three of these women will seek professional assistance. People with one or more biological relatives with a history of depression, alcoholism, or suicide face high risks of developing the condition. Those who experienced trauma as children or have recently gone through a stressful life event, such as the death of a family member or close friend, are more likely to report depression.
The disorder also commonly arises following the birth of a child, in which case the condition is labeled postpartum depression. Also, people with serious chronic or acute conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or HIV/AIDS often experience depression. Feelings of depression include more than just sadness and can involve having trouble concentrating; feeling tired, guilty, worthless, or helpless; insomnia; and irritability.
Often, patients presenting depression notice they have recently lost interest in activities they previously enjoyed or they have experienced changes in appetite. In addition to these symptoms, people with depression sometimes also experience persistent aches and pains, cramps, headaches, and digestive problems that do not respond to treatment. Depression can be a life-threatening condition, and it is important to visit a doctor or therapist if you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one.
Dr. Michael Elterman 