Believing that nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation

A serious medical condition where one feels intense sadness and feelings of hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness.

Troubled, unhappy, or abusive relationships can deteriorate mental health.

Not caring anymore about former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex (losing your ability to feel joy and pleasure)

characterized by a fairly lengthy period of time where a person feels sad or hopeless or lacks focus in life, on a daily or almost daily basis, for the most part of each day

Many people use alcohol or drugs as a means of self-medicating their moods or cope with stress or difficult emotions and abusing alcohol or drugs may push you over the edge.

Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent (tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves

Occurs with a loss of daylight, as happens during the winter in Canada. This “seasonal depression” is also referred to as seasonal affective disorder or SAD.

Major life changes (loss of a loved one, divorce, unemployment, or financial problems) can often bring overwhelming levels of stress.

Engaging in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports

Follows with the birth of a child, where a woman’s hormone levels dip quite profoundly. This may result in the new mother feeling depressed.

whether your personality traits are inherited or the result of life experiences, they can impact your risk of depression. Ex. If you have a negative outlook on life, are highly self-critical, or suffer from low self-esteem.

Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt (harshly criticizing yourself for perceived faults and mistakes)

Grieving in response to a loss. Depending on the individual, this period can last weeks, months or even years.

unmanaged pain or being diagnosed with a serious illness, such as cancer, heart disease, or diabetes, can trigger feelings of hopelessness and lead to depression.