Depression is a very serious medical illness that takes an enormous toll on the life of the individual as well as their partners, friends, co-workers, families and society in general: It's not something that you have made up in your head.  It's also quite a bit more than the occasional "off day" or "down in the dumps" feelings that we all have from time to time.  It's feeling hopeless, down & low for weeks at a time. 

Clinical Depression affects about 16% of the population on at least one occasion in their lives.  The average age of a person's first experience with depression is in the mid-20's with about two times as many females as males reporting or receiving treatment.  Clinical depression is the leading cause of disability in some of the industrialized countries and is expected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide  (after heart disease) by the year 2020.

The causes of depression are unclear but appear to be related to psychological, environmental and genetic factors.  For example, a major depressive episode is often seen in individuals who have suffered with Post traumatic Stress Disorder following an auto accident.

Some of the signs and symptoms of depression are:

-Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood.
-Feelings of hopelessness/pessimism.
-Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness.
-Loss of interest or pleasure in activities that
 were previously enjoyed.
-Decreased energy, fatigue, feeling sluggish.
-Sleep difficulties, e.g., early morning awakening or oversleeping.
-Changes to appetite that result in weight loss or gain.
-Thoughts of death or suicide and suicide attempts.
-Irritability.
-Physical complaints that do not seem to respond to treatment, e.g., headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain.


If you'd like to know more about treatment for depression give Dr. de Jong a call at 604-999-5809 or drop him a line by pressing this .......


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