Depression is a condition that may cause loss of appetite, a loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from others, and less energy. It can impact people of all ages and can be mild to very serious.
Tips & Links
- Learn about depression from the Ministry of Health & Addictions in BC. For seniors, feelings of depression can come from loss of loved ones, loneliness, boredom, and social isolation.
- If you are worried about yourself or someone you care for, you can complete an online screening test to see how you are doing from ‘Here to Help” BC Partners for Mental Health.
- Think about ways to decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation from Healthlink BC.
- If you have these feelings, it is helpful to share with others and seek out opportunities for active living, socializing, getting out, exercising, and doing other things you enjoy. Check out the BC Seniors Service Directory for helpful suggestions.
- Learn about the importance and ideas for social connections in BC.
- Choose a professional to help you with your emotional health or mental illness. Most offer a 15-minute consult for free. You can read their biographies on Counselling BC to choose a clinical counsellor, psychologist, art therapist, or psychotherapist who can help.
- Thinking about death or suicide is a serious symptom of depression. If you or someone you care about talks about feeling helpless or is showing warning signs of suicide, find help right away. Call the BC Crisis Line at 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) or call 911.
Tools – Handouts & Videos
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