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​​Am I Experiencing Depression?

Person sitting in an office looks concerned with hands folded while looking at their computer

Many people have experienced sadness, low mood, or “feeling blue.” However, when these moods start to last longer and affect your daily routine – your work and relationships – it may be depression. Know that you are not alone, and the feeling can be treated.

Depression affects the way you feel about yourself, others and the world around you. It can affect people differently – some may feel sad and tired, while other may feel irritable and restless.

Signs that someone may be experiencing depression

Depression can have emotional and physical signs and symptoms. You or a loved one may notice some of the following:

  • Feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness—or feeling nothing at all
  • Losing interest and/or energy toward activities, hobbies, or routines
  • Trouble sleeping, sleeping less, or sleeping more (even though you may still feel tired)
  • Physical pain, such as tension, headaches, neck or back discomfort
  • Digestive troubles, including lack of appetite or increased appetite, nausea, upset stomach
  • Changes in substance use (e.g. increased drinking or cannabis use)
  • Many of the same symptoms of anxiety can also co-exist with depression
  • Thoughts and actions may become reckless, and some people may have thoughts of death or suicide*

If you are having thoughts of death, suicide, or self-harm, please call 911 or call a crisis line.

Sometimes there is an obvious event that will contribute to sadness or low mood. Significant changes or losses in our lives can cause many people to feel tired or struggle to find motivation. Depression may be caused by any mix of situational, environmental, and/or biological factors.

How can I start to feel better?

The basics of self-care are eating well, staying physically active, and getting a good sleep. But this can feel impossible for many people experiencing depression. If this is the case, professional assistance may be needed. A good place to start is talking about your concerns with a health care provider such as your family physician. Peer support, counselling, psychotherapy, and medicine are possible treatment options. It can take time to find the best treatment or combination of treatments for you.

Looking for support?

  • Call 811 toll-free in BC to speak to a health services navigator
  • Call 310-6789 (no area code) for emotional support, information, and mental health resources
  • BounceBack® is a free online and tele-coaching program for individuals experiencing low mood, mild to moderate depression, anxiety, stress, or worry.
  • 9-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline is there for anyone who is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing emotional distress, or if you are worried about someone you know. This helpline is available for free, and you can call or text for help.

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