Youth and Mental Health 101 | CAMH

What is depression?

Sadness is something that we all experience. But there’s a difference between normal sadness and depression. When sad feelings become more intense, last a long time or significantly impact day-to-day functioning, this may be depression.

How depression might affect you

When you are depressed, you might experience:

feelings of extreme sadness
changes in appetite
changes in sleep patterns
physical complaints (e.g., aches and pains)
sense of boredom
loss of interest in activities
feelings of low self-worth
thoughts of self-harm and self-harming behaviour
suicidal thoughts and behaviours.¹

Stats

Approximately five per cent of male youth and 12 per cent of female youth age 12 to 19 have experienced a major depressive episode.²

Males

5%

Females

12%

In an average class, one to two students experience depressive symptoms.³

Average # students

1–2