Depression is a mental health condition that makes you feel very sad, hopeless, or uninterested in things you used to enjoy. While many people go through periods when they feel sad, these feelings are a regular part of life. Clinical depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a severe and persistent mental health condition. It involves a prolonged and intense sadness or loss of interest, significantly affecting a person’s daily life. Clinical depression is diagnosed by a mental health professional based on specific criteria and typically requires treatment. 

Depression is treatable; some treatments include: 

• Psychotherapy: also known as counselling or talk therapy, helps individuals understand and manage their feelings and thoughts. 

• Pharmacotherapy: medications such as antidepressants can help balance chemicals in the brain and alleviate symptoms. 

• Lifestyle changes: in coordination with other treatments, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, and good sleep can improve mood and overall well-being. 

Learn more at CAMH, Depression  

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Depressive Episode: A depressive episode is a period during which an individual experiences a range of depression symptoms. These symptoms can significantly impact a person’s mood, thoughts, behavior, and overall functioning. Key characteristics of a depressive episode include: 

• Persistent low mood: a continuous feeling of sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness. 

• Loss of interest or pleasure: reduced interest or enjoyment in activities that were previously enjoyable or engaging. 

• Changes in appetite or weight: significant weight loss or gain, or changes in eating habits. 

• Sleep disturbances: problems with sleeping, such as insomnia or sleeping too much. 

• Fatigue or low energy: feeling excessively tired or lacking energy, even after rest. 

• Difficulty concentrating, trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things. 

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt: experiencing intense feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt. 

• Thoughts of death or Suicide: recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts, or attempts 

Learn more at CAMH, Depression