Living With Depression & Anxiety

“I grew up with a family that loved me unconditionally, I was a typical child who loved to sing, read and watch movies, but I always felt a little bit different. I constantly worried and it wasn’t until I was older that I understood why.

My first real panic attack was in university, although I didn’t know what it was at the time. I suddenly got the shakes, my heart racing and felt like I couldn’t breathe. That landed me in the emergency department, getting blood tests and EKG’s for my chest pains. When doctors told me they couldn’t find anything wrong with me, I felt embarrassed. I felt crazy when it happened again twice and was told the same thing.

My parents thought I should see a psychologist, and it was then when I learned I was suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. I had uncontrollable worries and felt constantly tense. Sometimes, I would get panic attacks during class. These symptoms would last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. A year later, I was also diagnosed with depression. My life seemed to be spiraling out of my control. I didn’t know how to deal with it all and I ended up taking a semester off from school and isolated myself from everyone.

It was a battle, but now, although I still worry and get anxious, with the help and support of friends and family, I can say that I haven’t let my anxiety disorders control my life- now I control them.” ~Anonymous

Emotional complexity and functioning challenges influence depression and anxiety. The combined impact these disorders have on one’s life is the most prominently experienced mental health concerns in society. Depression and anxiety can be triggered through a multitude of factors such as emotional, social, physical, environment, nutritional and spiritual factors, however it could also be a result of ones genetic make up². Anxiety and depression are not the same, but they are interrelated and often occur together².

Anxiety disorders cause unexpected anxiety that seriously impacts ones life, including how one thinks, feels and acts¹. Anxiety can affect anyone for different reasons. Sometimes, it could be triggered by a specific event or stressful life experience¹. The different types of anxiety disorders include: panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias and generalized anxiety disorder³. Anxiety disorders cannot be prevented, but with the help of counselling, seeking help from a professional and the support of friends and family can help control or lessen symptoms. Remember, if you are suffering from depression, anxiety, or any other mental disorder, you are not alone and you will get through it!

~Joti, Humans of Depression Representative

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References:

(1) http://www.cmha.ca/mental_health/understanding-anxiety-disorders/#.VNMH-2TF_3o

(2) http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/conditions/anxiety-depression

(3) http://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-anxiety-disorders

Suicide Ideation

Today’s topic of discussion for this blog may be uncomfortable for some, and is often an avoided discussion, yet it weighs heavily occurring at the hands of depression. Suicide is a reality and more common than you may think. In 2009, suicide was the ninth leading cause of death in Canada and it is the second leading cause of death for those between 15 and 34 years old¹. Being a college or university student can lead to a lot of stress. It is a transitioning phase from adolescence to adulthood, and for some, there is more pressure than ever to make something of yourself and be successful. It can cause one to come face to face with many challenges leading to feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and desperation when things just are not falling into place. Rather, everything seems to be spiraling out of control leaving one to have severely depressed feelings that life is unbearable. At times, it can become difficult in this age bracket to distinguish between behaviours of feeling stressed versus the signs that can lead to suicide.

Here are some behaviour changes to watch out for if you suspect someone you know is battling with depression and suicidal thoughts²:

• Withdrawal from family and peers
• Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities
• Difficulty concentrating on schoolwork
• Neglect of personal appearance
• Obvious changes in personality
• Sadness and hopelessness
• Changes in eating patterns, such as sudden weight loss or gain
• Changes in sleep patterns
• General lethargy or lack of energy
• Violent actions, rebellion, or running away
• Drug and alcohol use
• Loss of ability to tolerate praise or rewards

If you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, you may be able to help him/her find better ways to cope. Remember that help for their/your problems is available. Here are a few places to seek help².

• Visit your local emergency department or call 911
• Contact a nurse at Telehealth Ontario by dialing 1-866-797-000
• Call the Good2Talk support line at 1-866-925-5454 (for post-secondary students in Ontario aged 17-25)
• Ontario Mental Health Helpline (open 24/7 for treatment anywhere in Ontario) 1-866-531-2600

~Joti, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms!

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References:

• http://www.statcan.gc.ca/pub/82-624-x/2012001/article/11696-eng.htm)
• http://toronto.cmha.ca/mental_health/youth-and-suicide/#.VMBkfr64n-k

Concentration, Thinking and Depression

University is tough for lots of reasons without having to struggle with depression.
When most people think of depression, the first things that come to mind are sadness, a loss of enjoyment in life, withdrawal and fear that so often accompany the disorder.
And while these are all very painful, and central, parts of the condition, other symptoms of depression can be at least as damaging, and for students, trouble concentrating can be very detrimental.
The inability to concentrate and/or make decisions is a debilitating aspect of depression. Along with decreased ability to concentrate are other cognitive symptoms of depression which make depression at school so difficult:
• Negative or distorted thinking
• Difficulty concentrating
• Distractibility
• Forgetfulness
• Reduced reaction time
• Memory loss
• Indecisiveness
It is important to take action to resolve depression, which will resolve the symptoms and allow you to continue your studies and of course feel better.

Check out these resources for more information: http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Mental_Illnesses/Depression/Depression_Symptoms,_Causes_and_Diagnosis.htm
http://psychcentral.com/lib/the-cognitive-symptoms-of-depression/00016214
image from: http://teenskepchick.org/2012/06/25/how-superstition-invades-exams

DISCLAIMER: All content here should be considered as opinion only. Always seek the direct advice of your own doctor in connection with any questions or issues you may have regarding your own health or the health of others.

Denise, representative of humans of depression;

#LetsTalkD
#LD
#allabouttheD
#BellLet’sTalk
#talkdepression
#stompthestigma
#DD

Sleep and Depression: which comes first: the chicken or the egg?

Experts agree that sleep and depression are linked, but it is unclear how. Poor or not enough sleep can lead to anxiety and depression. And of course, anxiety can make it difficult to fall asleep and to stay asleep. When we don’t sleep well at night, we become tired, sometimes resulting in falling asleep before we’re ready to sleep for the night. Then when it’s time to sleep, we aren’t tired and anxiety and negative thoughts contribute to making it difficult to fall asleep and to stay asleep. And the cycle repeats itself.
We need 7.5- 9 hours of sleep every night. While lack of sleep alone does not cause depression, it is a significant factor and a good indicator that there may be a problem. Whether poor sleep is contributes to depression or depression causes sleep disturbances, it’s agreed that good sleep is important to our health. Understanding the power of sleep and how to combat sleep disturbances will help you stay healthy and can help you fight depression. A really good source of information on sleep and mental health can be found at:
http://www.helpguide.org/articles/sleep/how-much-sleep-do-you-need.htm
http://healthysleep.med.harvard.edu/need-sleep/whats-in-it-for-you/mood
#LetsTalkD
Denise, representative of humans of depression

Study shows that inflammation may be a potential cause of depression

Although there are still lots of ambiguity behind pathology of depression, research now shed some light on what could be happening to the brain for those with depression. Researchers from Center of Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) compared brain scans of 20 participants with depression to 20 participants without and they found that those with depression had 30% more inflammation in the brain.¹ This is consistent with the findings that patients who have lupus, a systemic inflammatory disease, were more likely to develop clinical depression.²

The research shows a potential target for antidepressant drugs and treatment, but more research is required to elucidate the link between inflammation and depression. What is also important is that by showing there is a physical change in the brains of those that are depressed help eliminate the stigma on depression that it is “within someone’s control” and help emphasize its legitimacy.

~Mei Wen, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms:

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References:

1. Steve Volk. Philadephia. “Tragedy of Madison Holleran and Suicides at Penn” Retrieved from http://www.phillymag.com/articles/penn-suicides-madison-holleran/

Depression among students is no joke: Madison Holleran

One of the precipitating causes of depression is a traumatic life event. For many university and college students, it has to do with falling below expectation, especially for high achievers.

Madison Holleran was your typical pretty, smart, star athelete that attended University of Pensylvannia, and from the outside everything seemed like it was going great, but then came the news of her suicide on Friday, January 17^th. And what is crazy about this is that she was just one in 5 Penn student to commit suicide in the past six months.¹

In high school, Madison racked up straight As, ran track and competed in two national soccer championships. But first semester at UPenn was tough for Madison, as she had a 3.5 GPA. Madison’s friend, Hung stated that it might have been a combination of leaving home, attending college, and pressures from social media of the need to ALWAYS be happy.

As Steve Volk of Philadephia Magazine explained “These overscheduled kids strive for perfection, spending their adolescence collecting medals, first-place finishes and congratulatory handshakes. But when they arrive at Locust Walk, they are suddenly surrounded by thousands of peers who were also the smartest and best. They experience failure, perhaps for the first time in their lives. They feel like they are letting down their families. And just as they are beginning to gather power in the world, they might be at their most vulnerable.”¹

Depression among university and college students is no joke. Let’s diminish the stigma on depression and suicide and open up the conversation.

~Mei Wen, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms:

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References:

1. Steve Volk. Philadephia. “Tragedy of Madison Holleran and Suicides at Penn” Retrieved from http://www.phillymag.com/articles/penn-suicides-madison-holleran/

So… What causes depression anyway?

This is a question that is commonly asked, and is one that is often times hardest to answer. Admittedly, there are still a lot of gaps in medical knowledge that needs to be covered. According to Center of Addiction and Mental Health, there are primarily four main causes to depression¹:

• genetic factors
• psychological vulnerability
• life events
• biological factors

Genetic factors:

Studies regarding twins have shown that there is a higher chance for those with family history of depression to also develop depression. As to the exact gene mutation, there is currently no known genes that are responsible for depression unlike in other diseases i.e. BRCA1 gene in breast cancer.

Psychological vulnerability:

Personality style and the way people think about and cope with problems can also contribute to depression.

Life events:

Experiencing prolonged difficult situations can increase the chance of someone developing depression. This is often the case in the context of post-secondary education i.e. consistently falling below own standards, getting poor grades, unable to gain entrance into professional school or getting employed.

Biological factors:

Because of evidence showing antidepressant medication which changes the balance of neurochemicals such as serotonin, there is belief that having hormonal or chemical imbalances in the brain may contribute to development of depression. It is so far unclear why certain individuals may have this imbalance while others do not.

For young adults under age of 25, their brains are not fully developed particularly in regions of impulsivity and emotional regulation. ²

~Mei Wen, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms:

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References:

1. Depression: Overview. Retrieved from

https://www.porticonetwork.ca/treatments/disorders-qr/disorders/d-o/depression/depression-overview

2. Steve Volk. Philadephia. “Tragedy of Madison Holleran and Suicides at Penn” Retrieved from http://www.phillymag.com/articles/penn-suicides-madison-holleran/

Myths About Depression

There are several myths about depression. To stop the stigma associated with depression lets start my recognizing some of them:

Myth: Fact

1. Depression only affects women.

Depression affects all ages and gender. “For 10–15% of men and 15–25% of women, a depressed mood can persist and become a significant mental health problem, called clinical or major depression” ².

2. Depression is a normal part of life.

Sadness is a normal part of life. A depressive state lasting longer than two weeks that interferes with daily activity is a mental condition ¹.

3. People with depression are just lazy.

No one chooses to be depressed. Depression hinders social and functional activities.

4. An episode of depression can only occur once.

Every individual is unique. Some people have one acute episode, others have several episodes or occurrence can be over a lifetime ¹. Depression can be treated and managed, people do recover.

5. If you depressed the only treatment are antidepressants.

Depression is individualistic. Treatment and management regimen are specific to each individual. Some treatment options include psychotherapy and cognitive behaviour therapy. Learn more about depression treatment in future blogs.

Depression affects people globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates 350 million people live with depression ³. Depression commonly affects more women than men ³. Several factors contribute to depression. Yet, depression is treatable and manageable. Continue to expand your knowledge, spread awareness, and stop the stigma. Humans of Depression welcome you back next week for continued learning and promotion on depression. Check out the link below:

http://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/flyer_depression_2012.pdf?ua=1

~Vanessa, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms and support #LetsTalkD:

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References:

1. CAMH (n.d.). Mental Health and Addictions 101. Retrieved from http://www.camhx.ca/

education/online_courses_webinars/mha101/depression/Depression_.htm

2. Portico (n.d). Depression: overview. Retrieved https://www.porticonetwork.ca/treatments/

disorders-qr/disorders/d-o/depression/depression-overview

3. WHO (2012). Depression, a hidden burden. Retrieved from http://www.who.int/mental

_health/management/depression/flyer_depression_2012.pdf?ua=1

The Identity of a Postsecondary Student

Going to or returning to university or college is exciting, frightening and a new beginning. Many students move to new cities, several may live on residence or in student housing, some have meal plans, some may cook for themselves, others work, and have family obligations. Not to forget our responsibilities as student from assignments to reading. Many students would agree that although you may try to plan out your semester, some events are just unexpected. Time can move truly slow or extremely fast and in joggling your student responsibilities with daily life, stress can accumulate. Many students experience feelings of discouragement, loss of interest, worthlessness, anxious, sad, and sleep disturbance. If these feelings last for weeks or interfere with your daily life it may be depression. Students are resilient. We can adapt to change, multitask, and cope under pressure but sometimes we need help and mentoring. Attaining mental and physical wellness are subjective health states to each individual. Everyone’s health journey is unique, be sensitive to others, and help stop the stigma on depression.

Check out inspiring link:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SE5Ip60_HJk 

Start by understanding yourself. What is your student identity? The My Health, My Life Framework is a tool that involves self-reflection. Start by drawing an “X” or circle on areas that may be affecting your health. Ask yourself why or why not. Click the following link to access the framework.

http://knowledgex.camh.net/educators/secondary/Documents/Checklist-Health_Life_Framework.pdf

~Vanessa, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms and support #LetsTalkD:

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What is Depression?

Welcome viewers! Humans of Depression is media campaign that targets health promotion on depression. A team of six Master of Public Health students will be blogging weekly over the next two months to encourage self autonomy to seek help, create open dialogue, promote resources, and reduce the stigma associated with depression. Lets discuss. #stompthestigma #allabouttheD #livingwithdepression = #LD #Defeatingdepression = #DD

Everyone goes through moods. ‘The blues’ is a mood we all experience from time to time but when it is persistent, it is often overlooked. It may very well be depression that you are experiencing. Depression impacts ones’ mental health and can debilitate daily functioning.

What is depression?

Depression is a mood disorder with low mood, or a maladaptive response to stress that can impair one mentally and physically ³. Mood disorders that include depressive states are major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, dysthymic disorder, perinatal depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Major depressive disorder (also referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression) involves one or more depressive episode occurring at for at least two week ⁴. The depressive episode is a continuous low mood and/ or marked with lost of interest in activities. “Of those who have had a single major depressive episode, 50%-60% may develop a second one” ¹. Major depressive disorder is disabling because of cognitive symptoms, increases risk for suicide, and impacts ones quality of life ³. Bipolar disorder consists of mania and depression that can occur for days, weeks, or months ⁴. These mood swings can cycle and range from elation to hopelessness. Dysthymic disorder is a chronic depressive mood most days with some symptom free periods but last at least two years ⁴. Prenatal depression is depression affects maternal and postnatal mothers ⁴. Seasonal affective disorder is depression that is affected by change in weather and time within the year ². Depression can impose a burden on ones activities of daily living, impacting social interaction and functioning at work or school. Depression at school and work can influence ones absenteeism and presenteeism ³. Depression is a significant public health issue. The World Health Organization estimated major depressive disorder to be the single largest contributor to disease burden among ages 15 to 59 years old Canadians ⁵.

If you are curious and have questions about depression access resources within your school and the community. Check out the following link, sponsored by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health with psychiatrist, Dr. Goldbloom.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ae8zVEQ29xs

~Vanessa, Humans of Depression Representative

Remember to follow Humans of Depression on the following platforms and support #LetsTalkD:

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Reference

1. All About Self Help (2013). Major depressive disorder. Retrieved from

http://www.allaboutdepression.com/dia_03.html

2. Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (2012). Depression. Retrieved from

http://www.camh.ca/en/hospital/health_information/a_z_mental_health_and_addiction_in

formation/depression/Pages/default.aspx

3. Patten, S. et. al (2009). Canadian network for mood and anxiety treatments (CANMAT)

clinical guidelines for the management of major depressive disorder in adults. I.

classification, burden and principles of management. Journal of Affective Disorders,

117(Suppl. 1). S44–53. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2009.06.039

4. Public Health Agency of Canada (2011). Chapter 3 Mood disorders. Retrieved from

http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/publicat/human-humain06/6-eng.php

5. Public Health Agency of Canada (2011). The chief public health officer’s report on the state of

public health in Canada, 2011: chapter 3 the health and well-being of Canadian youth and

young adults. Retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/cphorsphc-

respcacsp/2011/cphorsphc-respcacsp-06-eng.php