DEPRESSION
Health & Wellness
ORGANIZATIONS & SERVICE PROVIDERS
Canadian Mental Health Association
1400 Windsor Avenue
Windsor, Ontario, Canada, N8X 3L9
(519) 255-7440
www.windsoressex.cmha.ca
CMHA Windsor Essex is a lead provider and advocate of community mental health services. We achieve this through:
- Treatment
- Collaboration
- Education
- Community Engagement
- Vision Statement
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Community Crisis Centre
1030 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario,
519-973-4435
www.hdgh.org/crisis
The Community Crisis Centre is a partnership of area hospitals and social organizations committed to providing 24-hour crisis response services to residents of Windsor and Essex County who are experiencing serious mental illness and/or acute psychosocial problems.
A variety of services are provided to reach individuals in crisis, including a 24-hour crisis phone line, 24-hour walk-in service at the Emergency Department at Windsor Regional Hospital – Ouellette campus, a mobile crisis response team, follow-up crisis counseling and referrals, and suicide prevention education programs.
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Family Services Windsor-Essex
1770 Langlois Avenue
Windsor, Ontario, N8X 4M5
Phone: 519-966-5010
www.fswe.ca
Our professional counselling program offers individual, marital/couple, family and group counselling. Our counselling program advocates an emphasis on growth, development and the achievement of overall well-being and resilience. Our therapeutic counselling team has a broad range of clinical expertise covering a diverse span of issues
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Sandwich Community Health
3320 College Avenue
Windsor, Ontario, N9C 0E1
519-258-6002
www.wechc.org
Sandwich Community Health offers free, confidential general counselling to individuals aged five and up. Counselling is limited to 12 sessions and is a collaborated process that is focused on increasing the wellbeing of our clients. Family and couples counselling is also available at our site.
To find out if you are eligible for our counselling services, please contact (519) 258-6002 ext 222 to speak with the intake counsellor.
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Teen Health Centre
1361 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario, N8X 1J6
519-253-8481
www.wechc.org
Windsor Essex Community Health Centre, Teen Health Site provides Primary Care and Mental Health/Counselling (individual and group) for youth between the ages of 12-24 years. These services include support and treatment for youth and their family afflicted with an Eating Disorder or Substance Abuse as well as programs to support parents and guardians of youth. Pre and post natal groups are also available to young moms.
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit
1005 Ouellette Avenue
Windsor, Ontario, N9A 4J8
519-258-2146
www.wechu.org
Public health programs keep our community healthy by promoting improved health, preventing disease and injury, controlling threats to human life and function, and facilitating social conditions to ensure equal opportunity in attaining health for all.
Our Health Unit, in partnership with other agencies and health care providers, seeks to enable all Windsor and Essex County residents to be as healthy as possible.
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DEPRESSION INFORMATION
What is depression?
Depression is not simply a temporary change in mood or a sign of weakness. It is a real medical condition with many emotional, physical, behavioural and cognitive symptoms.
Many people are ashamed or afraid to ask for help. Others shrug off their symptoms and end up suffering in silence. Contrary to some misconceptions, depression is neither inevitable nor is it a character flaw.1 People with depression often get these ideas because of the feeling of guilt caused by the illness.1 Depression is a real health problem for which help is available.1 But you must be aware of it and know how to ask for help.
Who does depression hurt?
About 1 in 10 Canadians will experience an episode of major depressive disorder (the diagnosis given to those suffering from depression) during their lifetime.
Depression is, in fact, a widespread medical condition
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Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide
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Women are more likely than men to experience depression
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People with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the disease
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People with chronic illnesses may also be susceptible to the disease
Unfortunately, many people, unaware of how common this illness is, do not seek treatment because they are afraid of what others will think. And yet, today depression is a common illness for which there are many effective treatments.1 If you suspect that you are depressed, it is important that you see your doctor as soon as possible.
What are the different types of depression?
Major Depressive Disorder
The most common form is known as major depressive disorder.
Major depressive disorder is characterized by a fairly lengthy period of time (at least two weeks) during which a person feels sad or hopeless or lacks focus in life, on a daily or almost daily basis, for the most part of each day. This condition is associated with many other symptoms which can have repercussions emotionally, socially, professionally and in other significant areas of life.
Fortunately, if properly managed, recovery is possible for patients suffering from major depressive disorder.
Seasonal Depression
There is a type of depression that occurs in association with a loss of daylight, as happens during the winter in Canada. This “seasonal depression” is also referred to as seasonal affective disorder or SAD, and affects between 3% and 5% of Canadian adults. For those that suffer from this form of depression, the symptoms usually come on in the fall and lift with the arrival of spring.
Postpartum Depression
Following the birth of a child, a woman’s hormone levels dip quite profoundly. This may result in the new mother feeling depressed. This is known as a postpartum depressive episode. It is believed that postpartum depression may be linked to rapidly shifting hormones.
Bereavement
Although it is often a painful process, grieving is a normal and necessary response to a loss. Depending on the individual, this period can last weeks, months or even years. A significant loss can trigger genuine depression. However, grief does not normally lead to depression.
What factors might be related to Depression?
Depression may be caused by one factor alone or a combination of factors.
Some factors believed to contribute to depression include:
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Family history – depression can be something that runs in families.
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An imbalance of chemicals in the brain.
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Difficult life events.
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Traumatic events in childhood such as the following can influence a person’s mental outlook throughout their life such as abuse, neglect, divorce and family violence.
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Gender – women are more likely to develop depression than men.
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Increased work demands – during such times people have a greater likelihood of becoming depressed.
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Chronic illness seems to put someone at greater risk of becoming depressed.
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Low income, living alone or divorce can bring out symptoms of depression.
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Substance use, such as alcohol use, is often associated with depression.
What are some thing to watch for?
Someone with depression may sometimes exhibit the following symptoms:
Emotional Symptoms
These symptoms are related to emotions. A depressed person may feel sad, hopeless, have little interest in things they used to and may feel overwhelmed.
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“I don’t enjoy spending time with my friends anymore.”
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“I’m always sad and I don't feel like myself.”
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“Sometimes I don’t think my life is worth living.”
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“I feel guilty for dragging everyone down with me.”
Physical Symptoms
The impact of depression is not always “mental,” it can affect the body as well. People with depression may complain of unexplained aches and pains.
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“I feel I have no energy.”
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“My appetite is gone.”
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“I can’t control my weight anymore.”
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“Lately I’ve had a lot of back pain.”
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“My stomach hurts.”
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“I often wake up in the middle of the night and have trouble getting back to sleep.”
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“My joints ache, even though I don’t have any health problem like that.”
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“I feel like I’m functioning in slow motion.”
Behavioural Symptoms
When a person suffers from depression, they may behave differently. A person who is lively and cheerful may become slow and uninterested in what is going on around them.
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“I can’t seem to get myself up off the couch.”
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“I have no interest in sex.”
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“I feel on edge and restless.”
Cognitive Symptoms
Depression can also impair one’s ability to think and reflect and can affect memory.
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“I just can’t make up my mind…I can’t make decisions.”
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“I’m finding it really hard to concentrate.”
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“I feel like I keep forgetting things.”
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“I feel like I’m thinking in slow motion.”
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“I feel I’m not as good at my job.”
Information provided by:
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
www.mooddisorders.ca