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Depression is a mental illness where you feel sad, worthless, hopeless, guilty, or anxious for a long time. You may also feel irritable or angry, and you may feel severe despair. You may lose interest in things that you used to enjoy and may stop wanting to be around other people. It can be hard to concentrate, learn new things, or make decisions.
Almost every aspect of your life can be affected, including your emotions, physical health, relationships and work. Depression can change the way you eat and sleep, and you may have other health problems and physical pain.
Postpartum depression can start during pregnancy or at any time up to a year after the birth of a child. It is a deep and ongoing depression that lasts much longer than feeling blue. A mother or father with postpartum depression may not enjoy the baby. They may have frequent thoughts that they're a bad parent, and they may have scary thoughts about harming themselves or their baby. Although it's rare for a parent to make plans to act on these thoughts, the situation is serious and requires urgent medical care.
For more information, speak with your Family Physician or Nurse, or ask for a referral to a Mental Health Counsellor.
Hamilton Family Health Team also offers Mental Health Groups to their patients. Learn if you are eligible to join a Mental Health Group by contacting your Family Physician.
Learn more about depression through the Canadian Mental Health Association.