Since news of the pandemic first broke, we undertook the challenge of navigating an increasingly unpredictable world.  Our previous lives, now a distant memory, were replaced with masks, social isolation, and lockdowns.  We were required to adapt, and did so, quickly!  Yet, our daily personal lives and expectations including employment and childcare responsibilities did not cease to exist.  Rather they became more arduous.  Schooling was now placed on the shoulder of parents as employment expectations moved remotely to personal homes.  Many lost employment during the pandemic and found themselves having to adjust living accommodations simply to survive.  Others worked tirelessly providing care at the front lines of the pandemic.  Then along came another cold and dark Canadian winter.  (Not all Canadians like the cold and escaping south for a reprieve has become more difficult!)  A multitude of stressors prevail.  To many, life can appear bleak.  

Canadians are resilient.  However, the past two years have taxed people barraged with relentless challenges including loss and change.  With no end in sight to variants and grieving over the disappearance of our previous ‘normal’ lives the risk of despondency is real.  While a normal and expected response to these trials, it is not uncommon for people to question if what they are feeling is ‘normal’.  However, the risk of the development of clinical depression is also a real concern.  Of note, depression is a multifaceted occurrence with external stressors only one factor that contributes to development.  Additional contributing factors associated with depression are not the focus of this article.   

The good news?  Effective treatment for depression exists.  The key, is recognizing depression and knowing where and how to access support and treatment.  This article will differentiate between feeling ‘blue’ versus major depression.  The varied treatment modalities are beyond the scope of this article.