1. HOPE TO COPE Dealing With Depression

2. WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Definition 1: Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. Definition 2: A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life

3. WHAT IS DEPRESSION? Definition 3: A psychological disorder that affects a person's mood changes, physical functions and social interactions. Definition 4: Depression is a common mental disorder that presents with depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure, feelings of guilt or low self-worth, disturbed sleep or appetite, low energy, and poor concentration.

4. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness: A bleak outlook; nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation. Loss of interest in daily activities: No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure. Symptoms of Depression

5. Appetite or weight changes: Significant weight loss or weight gain; a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month. Sleep changes: Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia). Symptoms of Depression

6. Irritability or restlessness: Feeling agitated, restless, or on edge. Your tolerance level is low; everything and everyone gets on your nerves. Loss of energy: Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete. Symptoms of Depression

7. Self-pity/hate: Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes. Concentration problems: Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things. Unexplained aches and pains: An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain. Symptoms of Depression

8. Physical causes: –Some diseases like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, lupus, electrolyte abnormalities from anorexia –Side effects of prescription drugs such as blood-pressure, heart medication & psychiatric drugs WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

9. Spiritual Causes: - Faulty response to unfavorable circumstances - Guilt from wrong done - Self-pity from wrong (or perceived wrong) done to you WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

10. Cultivate supportive relationships Get regular exercise and sleep Eat healthy to naturally boost mood Manage your stress Practice relaxation techniques Challenge negative thought patterns Overcoming Depression “Make healthy lifestyle changes”

11. Pray regularly / ask for help to pray Execute your responsibilities no matter how you feel Refocus on God (worship, praise) Make yourself accountable to someone Seek help & support Meditate & practice Scriptures…. Overcoming Depression “Make spiritual decisions”

12. UPLIFTING SCRIPTURES Psalm 118 Psalm 91 Isaiah 40:25-31; 41:10-13 Hebrews 4:14-16; 12:12-15 Habakkuk 3:17-19