DepressionMore than just sad

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 been depressed?

3:50 min

What is depression???

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. 

# 2 & 3

Some Types of Depression

Major depressive disorder (major depression) *

Dysthymic disorder (dysthymia) – mild chronic depression * 

Postpartum depression (postnatal depression) 

SAD (seasonal affective disorder)

Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness) 

* The most common

Persistent depressive disorder – over 2 years

A. Depression is just a feeling; you can snap out of it if you try.

B. Only a few "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.

True or False? # 4

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

People who are depressed are more prone to illnesses like colds

Depression affects all people regardless of age, geographic location, demographic or social position

Depression Facts # 5

Over 8% of adolescents in the US suffer from depression at any given time

The World Health Organization estimates that depression will be the 2nd highest medical cause of disability by the year 2030

Nearly one-half of those diagnosed with depression are also diagnosed with an anxiety disorder

Facts Cont.

Symptoms Physical symptoms: dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, neck aches, arms

or legs hurt due to muscle tension, digestive disorders. (ruling out other medical causes)

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.

# 6

Effects of Teen DepressionMany 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

# 7

CausesIt'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.

# 8

Lifestyle changesCounselingMedications -antidepressantsPsychotherapy (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

Treatment# 9

The most common treatment for depression includes the combination of antidepressant medicine and psychotherapy

1. Simplify your life -cut back on obligations2. Write in a journal -great way to express emotions3. Have a support group4. Don’t isolate yourself -participate in social activities5. Take care of your body -exercise, eat right, sleep6. Use stress management7. Don’t make important decisions when “down”

Source: Mayo Clinic

Coping Strategies# 10

What People With Depression Want You To Know – 2 min