DEPRESSION IN SCHOOL

1.WHAT IS DEPRESSION? 2.WHO SUFFERS FROM DEPRESSION? 3.TYPES OF DEPRESSION. 4.CAUSES. 5.SYMPTOMS. 6.TREATMENT.

WHAT IS DEPRESSION? DEPRESSION is a common but serious mental illness typically marked by sad or anxious feelings and manifests itself in the reduced efficiency. DEPRESSION can describe a normal human emotion, it also can refer to a mental health illness. It is defined as an illness when the feelings of depression persist and interfere with a child’s ability function.

Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts. ↓ It impacts the way a person functions socially, at work, and in relationships. ↓ It is more than feeling blue, down in the dumps or sad about a particular issue or situation. ↓ It is a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment.

Who suffers from Depression? Depression can effect anyone but there is a significantly higher rate of depression among women than men. 2% of Children get depressed 6-8% of Teenagers

Depression can occur: Depression can occur during adolescence, a time of great personal change. You may be facing changes towards school, your friends, your after-school activities, as well as in relationships with your family members.

Having a family member who has depression may increase a person’s risk

CAUSES OF DEPRESSION Depression can be caused by one or more of the following: A) Imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain B) Triggered by stress, medication or other medical problems C) Certain personality factors or genetic traits D) Depression can also occur for no apparent reason!

TYPES OF DEPRESSION Major depressive disorder (MDD) – a period of two or more weeks in a depressed (low or sad) mood episode. Depression with melancholic features – depression, as above, but with additional symptoms like waking up two hours earlier than usual. Atypical depression – depression that includes symptoms like an increased need for sleep, increased appetite, weight gain. Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – depressions that occur correspondingly to a season.

1-Major depressive disorder (MDD) SYMPTOMS A depressed mood (sadness) Weight and appetite changes Sleep disturbance Fatigue, loss of energy Extremely low self-esteem Difficulty with thinking and concentration Repeated thoughts of death, dying or suicide

2-Depression with Melancholic Features - SYMPTOMS Waking up 2 hours earlier than usual Significant weight loss or anorexia Extreme feelings of guilt

3-Atypical Depression - SYMPTOMS Significant weight gain or appetite Increased sleep Feelings of heaviness Sensitivity to interpersonal rejection

4-Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Changes in behaviour 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

Physical Complaints –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

SUMMING UP - SYMPTOMS Feelings of sadness, depressed mood Loss of interest or pleasure in activities Changes in weight or appetite Changes in sleep pattern Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness Inability to concentrate, remember things Constant fatigue or loss of energy Restlessness or decreased activity Recurrent thoughts of suicide or death

TREATMENT No matter what the cause of a person’s depression, there is treatment and it is widely available. Professional treatment is necessary for all these types of depression.

Treatment for Depression: There are three types of treatment: A)Psychotherapy B)Medication C) Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)

Psychotherapy Psychotherapy is a form of “talking therapy” that works by helping a person gain an understanding or insight into their problems and work on solving them.

Medication Antidepressant Medication helps by affecting the brain chemistry. Often it takes 3-5 weeks to become fully effective, but improvement is often experienced within the first week.

Electroconvulsive Therapy ECT is safer than medications Faster acting than most medications Can be used in combination with medication Is used in life threatening situations to achieve fast relief

If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression…

See a doctor for a complete check up. Talk things over with a friend, family member.

-Don’t expect too much of yourself -Take a break -Get some exercise -Avoid extra stress

-Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol or drugs -Engage in some form of physical activity -Eat a proper, well-balanced diet

Obtain an adequate amount of sleep Seek emotional support from family and friends Focus on positive aspects of your life

The End Thank you for patience, understanding and time spent with me watching this fascinating presentation PRZEMYSŁAW JACKOWSKI