1. It’s normal to feel down every once in awhile, but when it happens A LOT or is especially intense it might mean you are experiencing depression; a serious disorder that calls for professional treatment DEPRESSION

2. Someone who is depressed feels… Sad/disappointed Sad/disappointed Like they can’t solve their problems Like they can’t solve their problems Helpless Helpless Hopeless Hopeless Loneliness Loneliness No longer wants to “hang” with friends No longer wants to “hang” with friends Is not happy from things they used to be happy with (e.i. sports, friends,etc) Is not happy from things they used to be happy with (e.i. sports, friends,etc)

3. The truth about depression: Millions suffer from it yet do not come forward because they are afraid or embarrassed. Millions suffer from it yet do not come forward because they are afraid or embarrassed. Often depression is unrecognized by people who have it. Often depression is unrecognized by people who have it. It is extremely common but often ignored and left untreated. It is extremely common but often ignored and left untreated. If left untreated it can disrupt your school work, friends, and family life. If left untreated it can disrupt your school work, friends, and family life.

4. What Causes Depression? Brain Chemistry = Imbalance of the chemicals in your brain can cause depression Brain Chemistry = Imbalance of the chemicals in your brain can cause depression Life Changes Life Changes Alcohol and other drugs Alcohol and other drugs Family History = It might run in your family Family History = It might run in your family Serious Illness Serious Illness Medications = Certain drugs when mixed with something or even alone have side affects of depression Medications = Certain drugs when mixed with something or even alone have side affects of depression

5. Signs And Symptoms To Be Aware Of: Poor Memory Poor Memory Unable to concentrate Unable to concentrate Irritability Irritability Going slower than usual Going slower than usual Neglecting responsibilities/your appearance Neglecting responsibilities/your appearance Loss of self-esteem Loss of self-esteem Unexplained headaches Unexplained headaches Inability to find happiness in anything anymore Inability to find happiness in anything anymore Thoughts of suicide Thoughts of suicide Insomnia Insomnia Loss of or gaining weight Loss of or gaining weight Digestive/stomach problems Digestive/stomach problems Lack of energy/Always tired Lack of energy/Always tired

6. Types of Depression You May Have Heard Of.... Bipolar-Also known as MANIC DEPRESSION Extreme highs and then extreme lows Post-Pardon Depression = After a women has a baby she sometimes experience this depression. Ex) Brooke Shields

7. There’s Help For It! Don’t ignore the symptoms! Don’t ignore the symptoms! Psychotherapy- Talking to a counselor/therapist to get through the depression. Psychotherapy- Talking to a counselor/therapist to get through the depression. M edication- Antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil can be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of depression M edication- Antidepressants such as Prozac and Paxil can be prescribed to help relieve the symptoms of depression A combination of both is BEST to cure depression. A combination of both is BEST to cure depression. Exercise is always a good idea too Exercise is always a good idea too Exercise kicks in endorphins and endorphins make you feel good!

8. Your Homework Due the Monday we get back from Thanksgiving. Due the Monday we get back from Thanksgiving. Read article on depression. Read article on depression. Write or type up 5 GOOD quiz QUESTIONS and their ANSWERS from the article. Write or type up 5 GOOD quiz QUESTIONS and their ANSWERS from the article. Examples of good questions: Examples of good questions: What does NIMH stand for? What was the girls name in the article? What % of adolescence have symptoms of depression?