If you think you may be suffering from depression, the first step is recognizing the symptoms and talking to a doctor or healthcare provider about how you’re feeling.
Symptoms may include:
- Acting out, bad behaviour
- Feeling numb or empty
- Sadness throughout the day, nearly every day
- Loss of interest in or enjoyment of your favorite activities
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Excessive or inappropriate feelings of guilt
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Trouble making decisions
- Trouble concentrating
- Feelings of irritability
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Aches and pains (such as headaches, stomach pain, joint pains or other pains)
- Sleeping too much or too little
- Change in appetite or weight
- Feelings of restlessness or being slowed down
Source: DepressionHurts.ca
Here are some resources that may help you understand depression, get support, or help a loved one on the road to recovery.
Kids Help Phone
Mood Disorders Association of Ontario
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
Resources for family and friends