Understanding Depression

1. Understanding Depression

2. What causes Depression? • Family History • Having a family members who has depression may increase a person’s risk • Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain may lead to depression

3. Major Life Changes • Positive or negative events can trigger depression. Examples include the death of a loved one or a promotion. • Major Illnesses such as heart attack, stroke or cancer may trigger depression.

4. Certain medications used alone or in combination can cause side effects much like the symptoms of depression. • Use of Alcohol or other Drugs can lead to or worsen depression. • Depression can also occur for no apparent reason!

5. Symptoms of Depression • Vary from person to person • 2 key signs are loss of interest in things you like to do and sadness or irritability

6. Additional Signs include: • Changes in feelings which may include: • Feeling empty • Inability to enjoy anything • Hopelessness • Loss of sexual desire • Loss of warm feelings for family or friends • Feelings of self blame or guilt • Loss of self esteem • Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or irritability

7. Changes in behavior and attitude • These may include: • General slowing down • Neglect of responsibilities and appearance • Poor memory • Inability to concentrate • Suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviors • Difficulty making decisions

8. Physical Complaints • These may include: • Sleep disturbances such as early morning waking, sleeping too much or insomnia • Lack of energy • Loss of appetite • Weight loss or gain • Unexplained headaches or backaches • Stomachaches, indigestion or changes in bowl habits

9. Common Types of Depression • Major Depression • Dysthymia • Bipolar Disorder • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

10. Major Depression • This type causes symptoms that may: • Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss, crisis or change • Interfere with normal functioning • Continue for months or years • It is possible for a person to have only one episode of major depression. It is more common for episodes to be long lasting or to occur several times during a person’s life

11. Dysthymia • People with this illness are mildly depressed for years. They function fairly well on a daily basis but their relationships suffer over time.

12. Bipolar Disorder • People with this type of illness change back and forth between periods of depression and periods of mania (an extreme high). • Symptoms of mania may include: • Less need for sleep • Overconfidence • Racing thoughts • Reckless behavior • Increased energy • Mood changes are usually gradual, but can be sudden

13. Season Affective Disorder • This is a depression that results from changes in the season. Most cases begin in the fall or winter, or when there is a decrease in sunlight.

14. Professional treatment is necessary for all these types of depression.

15. Treatment for Depression • Medication • Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming.

16. Psychotherapy • This can help many depressed people understand themselves and cope with their problems. For example: • Interpersonal therapy works to change relationships that affect depression • Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people change negative thinking and behavior patterns

17. If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression… Take Action!

18. See a doctor for a complete check up. • Go to the counseling center and talk to a counselor. • Talk things over with a friend, family member or a residential life staff member.

19. Don’t expect too much of yourself • Take a break • Get some exercise • Avoid extra stress and big changes

20. Things to do • Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol or drugs • Exercise or engage in some form of physical activity • Eat a proper, well-balanced diet

21. Obtain an adequate amount of sleep • Seek emotional support from family and friends • Focus on positive aspects of your life • Pace yourself, modify your schedule, and set realistic goals

22. Things to Avoid • Don’t make long-term commitments or important decisions unless necessary • Don’t assume things are hopeless • Don’t engage in “emotional reasoning” (i.e.: because I feel awful, my life is terrible) • Don’t assume responsibility for events which are outside of your control • Don’t avoid treatment as a way of coping

23. Intervening with a depressed friend • Be empathetic and understanding • Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person • Avoid critical or shaming statements • Challenge expressions of hopelessness • Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief, anger and frustration

24. Helping a depressed friend… • Don’t argue about how bad things are • Don’t insist that depression or sadness are the wrong feelings to be experiencing • Don’t become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected

25. Helping a depressed friend… • Advocate for their recovery from depression • Emphasize that depression is treatable • Seek consultation • Encourage them to seek help, go with them to the counseling center • Be supportive of counselor or doctor suggestions