Depression More than just sad

Kevin Breel: Confessions of a Depressed Comic at TEDxKids@Ambleside Kevin Breel: Confessions of a Depressed Comic at TEDxKids@Ambleside * 12 min

Complete problem #1 on your assignment. Comments?

Do you know anyone who has depression?

What is depression? - Helen M. Farrell – 4:30 min

What is depression??? # 2 & 3 Sadness is a normal, healthy reaction to an unhappy event. When you are sad, you may feel easily discouraged and have less energy. Depression is more than occasionally feeling blue, sad, or down in the dumps, though. Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. 

Some Types of Depression Major depressive disorder (major depression) * Persistent depressive disorder – over 2 years Dysthymic disorder (dysthymia) – mild chronic depression *  Postpartum depression (postnatal depression)  SAD (seasonal affective disorder) Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness)  * The most common

True or False? All the answers are… false. # 4 A. Depression is just a feeling; you can snap out of it if you try. B. Only a few weak or "crazy" people really get depressed. C. Depression only occurs when bad things happen. D. It's easy to make yourself feel better. E. There's nothing you can do to treat depression. F. Only adults suffer from depression. G. Antidepressants can help anybody with depression. All the answers are… false.

Depression Facts # 5 80% of people who have received treatment significantly improve their lives Woman experience depression about twice as often as men 1 in 4 (25%) young adults will suffer an episode of depression before age 24 Those suffering from depression are at 25 times greater risk for suicide than the general population.

Facts Cont. The World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the 2nd highest medical cause of disability by the year 2030 Depression affects all people regardless of age, geographic location, demographic or social position People who are depressed are more prone to illnesses like colds

Symptoms # 6 Physical symptoms: dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, neck aches, arms or legs hurt due to muscle tension, digestive disorders Persistent unhappiness, negativity, irritability. Uncontrollable anger or outbursts of rage. Overly self-critical, unwarranted guilt, low self-esteem. Inability to concentrate, think straight, remember, or make decisions, possibly resulting in refusal to study in school or an inability to do schoolwork. Slowed or hesitant speech or body movements, or restlessness (anxiety). Loss of interest in once pleasurable activities. Low energy, chronic fatigue, sluggishness. Change in appetite, noticeable weight loss or weight gain, or abnormal eating patterns. Chronic worry, excessive fear. Preoccupation with death themes in literature, music, drawings, speaking of death repeatedly, fascination with guns/knives. Suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempts.

Effects of Teen Depression # 7 Many rebellious and unhealthy behavior or attitudes in teenagers are actually indications of depression. Poor performance at school Running away Increased rates of substance abuse Low self-esteem Internet addiction – try to escape problems, increases isolation Reckless behavior Increased rates of physical illness Risk of suicide attempts & completions Troubled relationships

Causes # 8 It's not known exactly what causes depression. A variety of factors may be involved: Biological chemistry. Neurotransmitters are naturally occurring brain chemicals that likely play a role in depression. When these chemicals are out of balance, it may lead to depression symptoms. Hormones. Changes in the body's balance of hormones may be involved in causing or triggering depression. Inherited traits. Depression is more common in people whose biological (blood) relatives also have the condition. Early childhood trauma. Traumatic events during childhood, such as physical or emotional abuse, or loss of a parent, may cause changes in the brain that make a person more susceptible to depression. Learned patterns of negative thinking. Teen depression may be linked to learning to feel helpless — rather than learning to feel capable of finding solutions for life's challenges.

Treatment Lifestyle changes Counseling Medications - antidepressants # 9 Lifestyle changes Counseling Medications - antidepressants Psychotherapy (Psychotherapy is a general term for treating mental health problems by talking with a psychiatrist, psychologist or other mental health provider.) Treatment programs – hospitals or day treatment There are no “instant” solutions The most common treatment for depression includes the combination of antidepressants & therapy

Coping Strategies 1. Simplify your life -cut back on obligations # 10 1. Simplify your life -cut back on obligations 2. Write in a journal -great way to express emotions 3. Have a support group 4. Don’t isolate yourself -participate in social activities 5. Take care of your body -exercise, eat right, sleep 6. Use stress management 7. Don’t make important decisions when “down” Source: Mayo Clinic

What People With Depression Want You To Know – 2 min