Depression Lesson 6 8 th Grade Health

Objectives: Describe how depression is different from feeling sad List warning signs that someone is severely depressed Explain where to seek help when a person is in danger of suicide

Depression is not just feeling sad. Depression is a mental illness, and it can be extremely dangerous. Knowing how to recognize depression in yourself and other people can save lives Depression is a mood disorder in which a person feels extremely sad and hopeless for at least two week.

Technically known a major depressive disorder, it is a mental illness. People who have depression may of some mixture of the following symptoms: Extreme sadness for no reason Inability to cheer up with good news Changing in sleeping and eating patterns Tiredness or lack of energy Slowed or increased movements Difficulty concentrating or making decisions Feelings of guilt or hopelessness Thoughts about death or sucide

Depression can take over a person’s life. It can prevent a person from caring about responsibilities and loved ones. Some people who have depression may hallucinate or have delusions. Depressed people may become detached from life by not paying attention to people or events. without treatment, depression can continue for years.

Treatment for Depression

The most dangerous symptoms of depression is suicidal thinking. Suicidal thinking is the desire to take one’s own life. People who have depression can be in so much pain that they would rather be dead than continue to suffer. Fortunately, most patients who have depression can be treated successfully. Many suicidal patients change their minds about wanting to die once they are treated. For this reason, people should learn to recognize depression and seek treatment