Depression

Warm-up:

Think of a time when an event in your life caused you sadness. What was the event? What did you do to cope with the event? Does this event still cause you sadness, why or why not?

Review The reaction of the body & mind to everyday

challenges and demands? Anything that causes stress? The General Adaption Syndrome consists of

three stages: alarm, resistance, & ___________.

A physical reaction that results from stress rather than from an injury or illness?

Stress associate with long-term problems that are beyond a person’s control?

What is Depression?

“Depression is a mental illness, a health condition that changes a person’s thinking, feelings, or behavior and that causes the person distress and difficulty in functioning.”

National Institute of Mental Health 2007

How is Depression Different From Regular Sadness? Normal stressors can lead anyone to feel sad

once in a while, but are usually brief and go away. Depression is more than occasionally feeling blue,

sad or down in the dumps. Depression is a strong mood involving sadness,

discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that last for weeks, months, or even longer.

It interferes with a person’s ability to participate in normal activities.

Depression is CommonThis study found the following groups to

be more likely to meet criteria for major depression:

persons 45-64 years of age women blacks, Hispanics, non-Hispanic persons of other races or

multiple races persons with less than a high school education those previously married individuals unable to work or unemployed persons without health insurance coverage

Source: CDC

What Causes Depression?There is no single cause of depression.Factors that play a role in depression:

Genetics: Depression runs in families. They are a factor

but not single cause. Life Events:

Death of family member, friend, pet, divorce, moving, etc. can trigger depression.

Family and Social Environment: A negative, stressful, or unhappy family

atmosphere can affect self-esteem and lead to depression.

What Causes Depression cont. Medical Conditions:

Certain medical conditions can affect hormone imbalance and therefore have an effect on mood.

Hypothyroidism Chemical imbalance:

What Happens in the Brain? Depression involves the

brain’s delicate brain chemistry - neurotransmitters.

They help regulate mood, and if they run low, people can become depressed, anxious and stressed.

Medications that doctors use to treat depression work by helping to restore the proper balance of neurotransmitters.

Healthy

Depression

Types of Depression Major Depression – severe and short-lasting, with

more than five symptoms. Minor Depression – 2-4 symptoms of depression. Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood.

Depressive reaction to a specific life event that takes longer than normal to adjust.

Bipolar disorder – periods of major depression mixed with episodes of abnormally elevated

energy levels.

Types of Depression Psychotic depression: which occurs when a person

has severe depression plus some form of psychosis…

Postpartum depression: which is much more serious than the "baby blues" that many women experience after giving birth…

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months, when there is less natural sunlight.

WAKE UP

What are the Symptoms of Depression? Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness Irritability, restlessness Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable Fatigue and decreased energy Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making

decisions Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping Overeating, or appetite loss Thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that

do not ease even with treatment.

Source: National Institute of Mental Health

Symptoms of DepressionWhen someone has 5 or more

symptoms most of the time for 2 weeks or longer, that person is probably depressed.

Other warning signs that someone might have unrecognized depression: Lack of interest, poor motivation, poor

concentration. Eating disorders or cutting

Treatment Options • Medication

• Antidepressants• Can take a few weeks

before the medicine works.

• Individual Therapy• Family Therapy• Lifestyle changes

Barriers to Treatment

Stigma-Social disapproval of personal characteristics, beliefs and actions making it more difficult to recognize and seek medical help for mental illness.

Shame-A painful emotional feeling about oneself that can harm an individual’s self respect and pride.

Cost of Treatment-The money spent for treatment, including doctor appointments, therapy and medications.

Ways to help To help your friend or relative

Offer emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement.

Talk to him or her, and listen carefully. Never dismiss feelings, but point out realities and offer hope. Never ignore comments about suicide, and report them to

your loved one's therapist or doctor. Invite your loved one out for walks, outings and other

activities. Keep trying if he or she declines, but don't push him or her to take on too much too soon.

Provide assistance in getting to the doctor's appointments. Remind your loved one that with time and treatment, the

depression will lift.