ANXIETYSTRESS

DEPRESSION

Depression is a real medical condition …•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 for

any symptoms they have. Others simply shrug off those symptoms and end up suffering in silence.• Sadly, many people never realize that they are suffering

from depression, and never get rid of the symptoms.

Depression is a real health problem …•Contrary to some misconceptions, depression is neither

inevitable nor is it a character flaw. • Stress is a major risk factor for depression.•People over age 50 are often diagnosed with dementia or

Alzheimer’s disease, when it is really depression they are suffering from.• Less than 20 percent of people suffering from depression are

cured with anti-depressants. 75 percent of those on medications say depression continues to impair their social life and work performance, as well as affect family life.

Depression affects many …

•About 1 in 10 Canadians will experience an episode of major depressive disorder (the diagnosis given to those suffering from depression) during their lifetime.•Women are more likely than men to experience depression.•About 5 percent of male youth and 12 percent of female youth experience

a major depressive episode.

Depression is a leading disability …•Depression is a widespread medical condition and is

among the leading causes of disability worldwide.• The cost of mental illnesses in Canada on the health care

system is nearly $ 10 billion a year. ($7 billion in care, and $3 billion in disability and early death). An additional $ 6 billion is spent on uninsured mental health services and time off work for depression and distress that is not treated by the health care system.• The percentage of Canadians at any one point in time

who are depressed: 5%

•People with a family history of depression may be more likely to develop the disease.•People with chronic illnesses or more than one

medical condition may be susceptible to depression also.

Depression is a common illness today …• Sadly, many people, unaware of how common this

illness is, do not seek treatment, because they think the depressed feelings will just go away or get better over time. And yet, today depression is a common illness for which there are effective treatments. • If you suspect that you are depressed, it is important

that you seek help as soon as possible.

Depression IS reversible

•Depression does not have to be tolerated as a life-long condition. • The cure may not be as difficult as you might think.

Actually… just a few basic lifestyle changes can help you break free of the trap of depression.

There is hope ...

• There IS hope, and there IS a path to recovery.•We can help you find that road to renewal and

wellness.

What to expect from counselling:

• From attending the sessions, you will learn how to: • understand depression and what causes it•modify your lifestyle to beat depression• eliminate negative habits of body and mind• develop healthy eating patterns and know what foods

to eat for overcoming depression• get more out of the day, by enhancing brain function

and eliminating harmful negative thinking• live through and above any loss you might have

Benefits of counselling:

•You will find you will spend less time frustrated by stress. •You can decrease your risk for many diseases. •You will do less negative thinking, and will

understand the power of positive thinking.

You will learn:•ways to combat anxiety, stress and depression•how to know what you can change, and what you

cannot change in your life• the importance of minimizing drug medication use •how to make use of effective natural therapies for

treating anxiety, stress and depression

Depression, anxiety, stress HURT … but YOU don’t have to …

• constantly feeling tired• noticeable lack of motivation• anxiety and restlessness, sometimes leading to panic attacks• muscle and joint pain• constipation or other intestinal problems• frequent headaches• lack of interest in sex• recurring thoughts of suicide or self-harm• withdrawal from friends and familyIf you or someone you know has had at least five symptoms for more than two or three weeks, get help immediately to discuss the symptoms.