Understanding Depression: More Than Feeling Down

Written by Evan Vukets, RCC, Registered Clinical Counsellor in Abbotsford, BC. I support men in Abbotsford, the Fraser Valley, and online across BC. Learn more about me.

First posted May 31st, 2023, last edited September 19th, 2025

When most people hear the word depression, they think of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh or someone experiencing an overwhelming sadness . Maybe they imagine someone quiet, slouched, or withdrawn.

But depression is more complex than that. And for many men, it doesn’t look like the stereotype at all.

How Common Is Depression?

Feeling down is a natural part of being human. But when that low mood lasts for weeks or months and starts to impact daily life, it may be something more.

The World Health Organization estimates that about 3.8% of people worldwide are living with depression at any given time. That’s around 280 million people.

In Canada, studies suggest that 8–11% of people will experience depression at some point in their lives. That means if you’re struggling, you’re far from alone.

Why Depression Can Be Hard to Spot

One of the challenges with depression is that it doesn’t always look the same.

• For some, it comes in episodes lasting at least two weeks.

• Others may feel low for months at a time.

• Some hide it well behind work, busyness, or even humour.

  
  

Depression isn’t always obvious — even to the person living with it.

Common Symptoms of Depression

When I meet with a client, I use the criteria in the DSM-5-TR (a diagnostic tool used by mental health professionals) to help identify depression.

It lists symptoms such as:

• Feeling down most of the day, nearly every day.

• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.

• Changes in appetite or weight.

• Fatigue or loss of energy.

• Trouble concentrating.

• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

• Slowed thoughts or movements.

• Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide.

  
  

To be diagnosed, five or more symptoms need to be present during a two-week period, and they must cause real distress or interfere with daily life.

But here’s something important: a depressed mood isn’t required! You can have depression without looking sad all the time.

Different Types of Depression

Depression is not one single experience. There are different forms, each with its own patterns. The main types are:

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): What most people picture when they think of depression. Marked by sadness, hopelessness, irritability, and loss of motivation.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia): Sometimes called dysthymic depression, this form is less intense than major depression but lasts much longer, often for years. It can feel like a constant low mood, a sense of heaviness, or simply “going through the motions.” Chronic stress and trauma have been linked to its development.

• Persistent Depressive Disorder: Symptoms may be less severe but last much longer. Often linked to chronic stress or trauma.

• Bipolar Disorder: Involves mood episodes that shift between highs (mania) and lows (depression). These cycles can make life feel unpredictable.

• Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Connected to the change of seasons, most often in winter. While less sunlight plays a role, genetics and family history can also increase risk.

How Depression Impacts Life

Depression isn’t just about mood. It affects your thoughts, body, and sense of self.

It can change how you eat, how you sleep, how you see your relationships, and how you view your own worth.

Depression is not weakness. It’s not just “feeling sad.” It’s a real health condition, and it is treatable.

How Counselling Helps

The National Institute of Mental Health highlights counselling as one of the most effective treatments for depression.

Therapy can:

• Help you understand patterns in your thoughts and feelings.

• Teach tools for managing stress and low mood.

• Provide support in building healthier routines and connections.

• Reduce the risk of depression returning in the future.

For many men I work with in Abbotsford and across BC, counselling is a turning point, a space to talk openly, feel supported, and start moving toward change.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve recognized yourself in some of these symptoms, know this: you’re not alone, and you don’t have to fight depression by yourself.

Depression doesn’t define you. With support and treatment, recovery is possible.

If you’re ready to take the next step, I invite you to book a session or schedule a free consultation. If you would still like to read more, "What to Expect in your First Session" as well as "What is Counselling?" may be helpful! Whether in Abbotsford, across the Fraser Valley, or online anywhere in BC counselling can help you find a way forward.