Whether it is not achieving a desired mark on an exam, getting into an argument with a friend or colleague, losing a close friend or relative, or feeling overwhelmed with numerous commitments, you may have experienced times where you have felt upset. However, there is a difference between being unhappy and having depression. Depression is a mental illness, and can sometimes be misunderstood, or rather, one may be unaware of what depression really is. Especially since depression is not an illness that is often seen physically, it can be more difficult to notice who is dealing with it through the lens of the naked human eye.
Depression has an impact on a significant amount of the Canadian population. In fact, according to the Canadian Mental Health Association’s website (http://www.cmha.ca/media/fast-facts-about-mental-illness/#.VqLa7iorLIU), Canadian youth in the 12 to 19 age range that are at risk of having this mental disorder is approximately 3.2 million. Plus, 8 percent of adults in the country will go through major depression.
One of the differences between being upset and having depression is that feeling upset is short-term. For example, someone may feel sad because of certain current circumstances that they are facing one day, but they may feel completely happy the next. Depression, on the other hand, is a medical condition, and is long-term. Like the TED Ed lesson “What is Depression?” says, depression cannot just go away because one would like it to. According to the Ted Talk, depression usually stays for at least two weeks, and creates additional obstacles that impede with one’s everyday activities. Such interferences may affect one’s ability to carry out regular tasks and duties at work, maintain relationships, and other important aspects of life such as being actively involved in hobbies and interests.
How do I know if I have depression or if someone I know has depression? If I am diagnosed with depression, how do I seek help? There are a number of symptoms and signs that may indicate the possibility of having depression, and multiple ways of treating this mental illness. Examples of symptoms of depression include the loss of interest in activities, especially those that often bring enjoyment, loss of appetite and energy, repeated thoughts of suicide, and irregular patterns or difficulties with sleeping. To get an introductory idea of additional signs and treatments, feel free to watch “What is Depression?” through the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-IR48Mb3W0
One of the most important ways of seeking help or assisting someone to find support with coping with depression is to start a conversation. Some people with depression often do not feel comfortable talking about their mental illness, or may feel ashamed or stigmatized. However, initiating a simple conversation by expressing any concerns openly can help someone realize that it is okay to speak out and seek treatment for. There are resources and support out there to help deal with depression, and some can be found right on campus. The Alma Mater Society of UBC has a service called Speakeasy, open to students on campus who are looking for someone to talk to regarding issues and challenges they may face, such as dealing with depression. Volunteers at Speakeasy can also introduce other supportive resources whenever necessary to students who look to seek more help. Appointments can also be booked with a professional through UBC counselling services, where counsellors can help address concerns involving mental health to better manage one’s well-being. That’s not all — to reach out to further services suitable to your needs, there are also a variety of other available resources at: http://students.ubc.ca/livewell.
Depression is a mental health disorder that is common in the general population, and more specifically, right in the UBC community. Though it may not be evident, there are a large number of students who are facing depression or other mental health issues right now. The UBC Mental Health Awareness Club is hosting the Defeat Depression Run again this year, on March 12, 2016 (https://mdsc.akaraisin.com/Common/Event/Home.aspx?seid=11240&mid=8). This is one of the many ways of spreading positivity right in the UBC community, while raising awareness and starting conversations about the importance of reducing stigma around depression and mental illness, and overall showing that even through the darkest days, you are not alone.
Written By Michelle Huynh