1. Depression 1 in 4 people experience depression at some point in their life.

2. Depression: It is the most common Mental Illness Depression is the most TREATABLE mental illness. (if people get help)

3. What is Depression? Feelings of sadness, hopelessness & despair that persists and interferes with academics, work performance, relationships and your everyday life.

4. In the Mix: Depression? What YOU Can Do! #902 - YouTube In the Mix: Depression? What YOU Can Do! #902 - YouTube

5. What is Depression? It is caused by an imbalance or disruption in brain chemistry. Example… lack of serotonin, or other chemicals.

6. Why do people get “Depressed”? It can be genetic or environmental. Genetic – sometimes running in families Environmental – STRESS –daily stressors or circumstances, major stressful events or relationships and/or childhood traumas

7. What is the difference between sadness and depression? Sadness situational: depends on circumstances – can come and go Depression caused by a disruption or imbalance of brain chemistry and persists for long periods of time…..(can’t just “snap out of it”)

8. Symptoms that may indicate a person is depressed: Severe sadness that is persistant Feel helpless…no one can help me Feel hopeless…it will never get better Irritability…everything “bugs” them Poor self esteem Slowed speech and body movements

9. More Symptoms… Can’t concentrate Tough time making decisions Low energy…… very tired Loss of appetite Feel no purpose in life. Drop in school performance Self Injury, suicidal thoughts A COMBINATION OF THESE SYMPTOMS THAT CONSISTENTLY WON’T GO AWAY – lasting longer than two weeks

11. The never ending cycle of depression...

12. Trying to explain how you feel….

13. The loneliness…. Feeling like you are the only one who feels this way….

14. What some people say…. Making you feel bad…

15. The most important step toward overcoming depression is…. ASKING FOR HELP!! Counseling (family, group, individual) and/or Medication

16. Resources for help School counselor Crisis telephone hot-lines: 1-800-SUICIDE or 1-800-273-TALK Physicians/health care providers Mental health counselor Parents Coaches, teachers, youth leaders

17. Am I Depressed? Grouchy a lot, even over just little things Very sad, fighting back tears a lot Nothing’s fun, even the stuff I liked to do Weight loss, appetite loss, or weight gain Slowed down, no energy, sleep all the time Jumpy, gotta keep going all the time, no sleep Getting in more trouble than usual Having arguments with my friends a lot Blowing up with parents, coaches, teachers Destroying things including myself and not caring Loss of hope, purpose, feeling Grief I can’t share with anyone Shame I can’t share with anyone Thinking about suicide Drinking and drugging more than usual I just don’t care about anything really Doesn’t seem like anybody cares about me Nothing matters anyway, so it doesn’t matter what I do School, work, and/or grades took a nosedive Feels like everything I do turns out wrong Feeling really silly, giggling a lot, feel super- good Spending a lot of money Can’t make decisions, can’t keep track of my thoughts Feel real self-conscious, it’s hard to be around friends Aches and pains, feel yucky all the time, nothing helps Feeling real guilty, if only I could do better It’s really hard to keep on going Worrying a lot about the future, anxious about stuff Nightmares, intrusive images in the daytime Getting in trouble with the police Running away I don’t wanna talk to nobody Taking big-time risks (drink, drive, sex, etc.) Can’t pay attention, give up easy Recent loss of a friend, family member, or pet Big-time changes at home Breakup with boyfriend/girlfriend Giving away my favorite stuff Did you check a lot of them? If you did, talk with someone you trust, and get help.