Depression

What is depression?

We all feel sad or down sometimes, but when this feeling lingers and starts to interfere with day-to-day life or relationships, it could be depression.

Here are some of the main signs and symptoms of depression:

Depressed mood
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities which you used to enjoy
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Overeating and gaining weight
Insomnia (especially trouble staying asleep) or sleeping too much
Moving more slowly than usual or being fidgety or agitated
Feeling of worthlessness or guilt
Lack of energy
Inability to concentrate or to make decisions
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

If you have some of these signs and symptoms and think that you may be depressed, help is available. Start by contacting your family doctor.

Visit http://depressionhurts.ca/en/about/ for futher information on depression.

What should I do if I'm distressed and need help immediately?

Kingston General Hospital (KGH), 613-548-2333

KGH responds to psychiatric emergencies on a 24-hour basis. In-patient adult and paediatric services are available. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day.

Addiction & Mental Health Services - KFL&A, Crisis Line, 613-544-4229

The role of Crisis Services is to collaborate, refer, advocate, and support individuals in immediate need. Crisis services are available through the crisis line, walk-in services, or mobile services.

Mental Health Helpline Ontario, 1-866-531-2600

Their team is trained in applied suicide intervention skills (ASIST) and follow crisis and police intervention protocols specific to their organization. They can also provide information about the services available in the caller's community. There are no service fees.

Anchor 1