Depression

There are many positive things about growing older. However, people often feel sad and blue about some of the more negative changes or losses in life that happen as we age. Some of those feelings are normal, as long as they do not last for too long, or start to take over a person’s life.

Depression is a mood disorder that has a number of signs that can include feelings of sadness, anxiety (worrying), low self-esteem, hopelessness, sleeping too much or too little, loss of energy and other signs that last for two weeks or more.

Depression can be caused by a combination of distressing life events, a biochemical imbalance in the brain, psychological factors related to thinking styles, like a habit of noticing the negative things in life, and a family history of the problem.

The course of a depression can last weeks or years, but it is rarely permanent. It is important to get a good assessment and treatment. Having an untreated depression for a long time can have harmful effects on a person’s general health.

For more information on depression and mood disorders as well as treatment information, please click here.

The Brain Health Centre at Baycrest specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of mood and related disorders. For more information about the clinics in our Brain Health Centre, please click here.