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WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Depression has many faces, changing the way it appears from one person to the next. Compounding this problem is the fact that most people are unaware that depression is an illness. Also, many have a negative attitude toward mental illness and its treatment.
 Depression is a troublesome and sometimes incapacitating condition that affects more than one million Canadians a year. People suffering from a depressive episode will often display a variety of physical symptoms. The depressed person may complain of a sad or blue mood. However, most people have symptoms not readily recognizable as depression, because they have never had a previous episode of depression.
Physical symptoms are most often the sole indicators of depression; headaches, vague muscle pains and bowel complaints are common presentations. For some people, physical symptoms are a way of gaining access to their doctor. People often believe a depressed mood is their fault, a character weakness, a sign of not being able to cope in society, and that they will be ridiculed by their doctor, whom they may view as an authority figure. Depressed patients may be afraid to say they are depressed and are apt to deny the diagnosis of depression. Such individuals need continued support before they feel comfortable enough to accept the diagnosis of a psychiatric illness and to comply with treatment.
This web site serves as an introduction to depression. Should you or someone that you are concerned about have any of the symptoms described in this web site, a health care professional should be contacted to assist you in evaluating these symptoms. No one needs to suffer from depression. The treatments described in this web site serve as information, but do not suggest that anyone should start self-treatment. Contact a medical professional to assist you.
Disclaimer To go forward, please acknowledge the following statement: The material provided on this site is designed for information and educational purposes only. The materials are not intended to be a self diagnostic and/or self treatment tool. We encourage you to use this information as a tool for discussing your depression with your health practitioner.
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