Depression

What is depression?

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We all feel sad or down sometimes, but when this feeling lingers and starts to interfere with day-to-day life or relationships, it could be depression.

 

Here are some of the main signs and symptoms of depression:

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• Depressed mood

• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities which you used to enjoy

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Overeating and gaining weight

• Insomnia (especially trouble staying asleep) or sleeping too much

• Moving more slowly than usual or being fidgety or agitated

• Feeling of worthlessness or guilt

• Lack of energy

• Inability to concentrate or to make decisions

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

 

If you have some of these signs and symptoms and think that you may be depressed, help is available.  Start by contacting your family doctor.

 

Visit http://depressionhurts.ca/en/about/ for futher information on depression.

 

What should I do if I'm distressed and need help immediately?

 

Kingston General Hospital (KGH), 613-548-2333

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KGH responds to psychiatric emergencies on a 24-hour basis.  In-patient adult and paediatric services are available.  The emergency department is open 24 hours a day.

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Addiction & Mental Health Services - KFL&A, Crisis Line, 613-544-4229

 

The role of Crisis Services is to collaborate, refer, advocate, and support individuals in immediate need.  Crisis services are available through the crisis line, walk-in services, or mobile services.

 

Mental Health Helpline Ontario, 1-866-531-2600

 

Their team is trained in applied suicide intervention skills (ASIST) and follow crisis and police intervention protocols specific to their organization.  They can also provide information about the services available in the caller's community.  There are no service fees.