Module One: Introduction to Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Also called major depressive disorder or clinical depression, it affects how you feel, think and behave and can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems. You may have trouble doing normal day-to-day activities, and sometimes you may feel as if life isn’t worth living.  Some Other symptoms of Depression include Changes in Sleeping Patterns (you can sleep too much or too little), changes in appetite (eating too much or too little, and changes in weight (gaining or losing), feelings of persistent sadness and a lack of interest or pleasure in previously rewarding or enjoyable activities.  

The World Health Organization reports that globally 5% of adults suffer from    depression.   

We’ve all experienced periods of our life when we just do not feel like ourselves. We’ve all had moments when we can’t find any motivation, enthusiasm, or happiness in our daily life. Sometimes these moments in which we are down can be referred to as a “rut.” Ruts, however, come and go. So, what happens when one’s “rut” is actually much more? 

We’ve all experienced periods of our life when we just do not feel like ourselves. We’ve all had moments when we can’t find any motivation, enthusiasm, or happiness in our daily life. Sometimes these moments in which we are down can be referred to as a “rut.” Ruts, however, come and go. So, what happens when one’s “rut” is actually much more? 

A rut is not difficult to pull oneself out of. A few changes to a person’s habits are normally enough to get one feeling like themselves again. Clinical Depression, on the other hand, is not something an individual can easily pull themselves out of without the help of a professional. 

Depression has become one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health disorders in Canada.  

Social, biological and psychological factors can place an individual at risk of depression. 

Depression can occur at any stage of life, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and in seniors. Depression can present itself differently depending on a person’s age and other factors. 

The DSM-5, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders by the American Psychiatric Association, used to diagnose mental health disorders, suggests that symptoms of depression are only clinical once they interfere with an important area of functioning.  

However, people of colour who are multi-stressed and live at the intersection of several marginalized identities cannot afford for their depressive symptoms to interfere with their work responsibilities, ability to care for family, school performance, ability to fulfill personal obligations, etc. This is often referred to as a “smiling depression” and is more common among women of Colour, immigrants, LGBTQ people, and individuals living at or below the poverty line. These people outwardly appear to be high-functioning and competent, all while minimizing or hiding their internal emotional experience of depression. For this reason, smiling depression is often overlooked and treatment is likely to be delayed, if offered at all. 

Depression can look different for everybody. Because of this fact, there are a few different treatment options an individual’s doctor may consider. When considering treatment, a doctor must assess the person’s lifestyle, personal goals, medical history, and specific symptoms and cultural background. The ability to accurately diagnose a patient is the cornerstone of good clinical care underlining the need for culturally competent mental health care. 

Any concern for depression is a valid concern.  Depression, like so many other mental health disorders, can present itself differently for different people. If one has been facing any concerns that they may be experiencing depression, talking to a health professional may be just what they need to figure out what is going on. 

Because depression can manifest differently for people of Colour, culturally competent mental health clinicians must be familiar with both the DSM-5’s understanding of depression and the variations in which depression may present for the ACB population. Once again emphasizing the need for culturally competent mental health care. 

DISCLAIMER: This information is not a substitute for seeing your Physician or Mental Health Practitioner. It is not a diagnosis or treatment for anxiety or any other mental health condition. This is only to help.

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