Common Risk Factors and Symptoms of Depression – by Dr. Michael Elterman

By Dr. Michael Elterman

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.

The Revised Family Relations Act of British Columbia, by Dr. Michael Elterman

The government of British Columbia (BC) is planning to implement its revised Family Relations Act (FRA) this year, which includes a number of groundbreaking changes that received positive receptions across the board. At the heart of the changes are new protocols and definitions that update the Act to reflect current trends, as well as a series of clarifications on past ambiguities.

One of the biggest changes to the FRA involves prioritizing the best interests of the child as the only factor in disputes between parents. The FRA also extends the range of factors that can be analyzed in determining what constitutes a child’s best interests. Examples include the presence of violence in the family and the history of the child’s care.

The FRA also provides important designations for the definition of a parent. For instance, the birth mother is now the child’s legal mother unless she gives up that right via surrogacy or adoption. Other clarifications exist for assisted conception, third-party donors, and other technologically facilitated family structures. In some cases, the courts may recognize more than two legal parents.

Other changes to the FRA include an emphasis on alternative dispute resolution processes. Parents must now undergo some form of mediation before engaging in a traditional custody lawsuit. In addition, the FRA redefines terms such as “custody” and “access,” employing less adversarial terms, such as “guardianship” and “parenting time.” It also includes provisions for separating assets between common-law couples with children, providing a framework similar to that employed for married couples.

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Psychologist Dr. Michael Elterman has served as a family court counselling consultant to the Attorney General of BC. He has held positions with the Parole Board of Canada and the former Vancouver Health Department. Dr. Michael Elterman currently maintains a private practice in Vancouver.

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