FACTS ABOUT MOOD DISORDERS

A Common Myth Proven Wrong

For many years there has been a common myth that depression is due to a personal weakness or lack of will-power. Many think that a depressed person can simply "snap out of it" by using will-power.

This is NOT True! Depression involves a chemical imbalance in the areas of the brain that controls mood and emotion. It is a physical illness similar to diabetes or high blood pressure. A person with depression is not able to use will power to control their moods any more than a diabetic can use will power to change their blood sugar levels. This chemical imbalance may result from many different factors. People suffering from this illness often require medications and / or therapy in order to recover just as a diabetic requires insulin in order to regulate blood sugar levels.

Are Depressed People Lazy? NO! NO! NO!

No, they are not lazy! Physical symptoms are associated with depression which cause people to feel profoundly tired, and extremely unmotivated. Many people find it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and may sleep excessively during the day. In some cases they might find it difficult to fall asleep and may even awaken frequently during the night.

Another common symptom is reduced appetite resulting in weight loss or increased appetite resulting in weight gain.

Some people may even experience headaches, constipation and general aches and pains. These physical symptoms are real and often debilitating. They cannot simply be thought away.

Besides the physical symptoms, depression is also accompanied by changes in mood. People have a persistent feeling of sadness and are often unable to find pleasure in activities they once enjoyed such as hobbies, family activities, socializing, etc. Some people may have less or no desire for sexual relations. Sometimes intense irritability is also experienced which may result in short tempers and lack of patience.

Thought patterns often change. Negative thoughts, pessimism, guilt, hopelessness and helplessness are feelings often experienced with this illness. Many people have difficulty remembering, focusing and / or concentrating, and self-esteem and self-confidence is usually very low.Symptoms of anxiety are frequently prevalent with many people suffering from depression. This often results in excessive worrying, nervousness, restlessness, panic, and difficulty with sleep.

Types of Mood Disorders

A mood disorder is an illness that involves an abnormal mood. They include bipolar disorder, clinical and major depression (includes postpartum depression), dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder.

Bipolar Disorder is an illness that involves mood swings of depression and mania. These changes may be mild or severe and the changes may occur gradually or quickly. When mania occurs, the person feels overly high or has an irritable mood that lasts for at least one week. This illness is also known as manic depression.

Clinical Depression involves a depression that is severe enough to require treatment.

Dysthymia is very much like major depression in that the person has a low mood that lasts for at least a year or two; however this illness involves fewer symptoms than major depression and is not as debilitating.

Major Depression involves persistent feelings of sadness and the inability to experience pleasure with activities once considered enjoyable. This illness may also include constant lack of interest, motivation and energy, inability to sleep or too much sleep, increased or decreased appetite, weight gain or loss, memory loss, difficulty concentrating and/or making decisions, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, restlessness, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.

Postpartum Depression is a major depression that occurs in women within four weeks of giving birth.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) occurs in the fall or winter due to the lack of sunlight during the shorter days of the winter months. This disorder usually leaves once spring arrives.

SOME STATISTICS ABOUT MOOD DISORDERS

Most individuals with a mood disorder can be treated effectively in the community

Who Is Vulnerable?
Approximately 8% of adults in Canada will experience major depression at some time in their lives.

Approximately 1% of Canadians will experience bipolar disorder.
Hospitalization rates for bipolar disorder in general hospitals are increasing among women and men between 15 and 24 years of age.

• Mood disorders have a major economic impact through associated health care costs and lost work productivity.
  
  
• Individuals with mood disorders are at high risk of suicide.
  Suicide claims 26% of young men between 15 and 24 years of age.†
  
  
• A recent poll found that almost 1 in 5 Canadians say they are so stressed that they have have considered taking their lives in a bid to escape that pressure.†
  
  
• Worldwide, major depression is the leading cause of years lived with disability, and the fourth cause of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs).
  
  
• Reluctance in seeking treatment causes delay in healing

* Health Canada. A Report on Mental Illnesses in Canada. Ottawa, Canada 2002 © Health Canada Editorial Board Mental Illnesses in Canada, Canadian Cataloguing in Publication Data ISBN H39-643.2992/E 0-662-32817-5

† Time to put stigma to bed, The Toronto Star (www.thestar.com), November 24, 2002