More than just sad
Kevin Breel: Confessions of a Depressed Comic at TEDxKids@Ambleside * 12 min
Complete problem #1 on
your assignment.
Comments?
What is depression? - Helen M. Farrell – 4:30 min
#2&3
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.
Major depressive disorder (major depression) *
Persistent depressive disorder – over 2 years
Dysthymic disorder (dysthymia) – mild chronic depression *
Postpartum depression (postnatal depression)
SAD (seasonal affective disorder)
Bipolar disorder (manic-depressive illness)
* The most common
#4
A. Depression is just a feeling; you can snap out of it if you try.
B. Only a few weak or "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.
#5
 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
 Those suffering from depression are at 25 times
greater risk for suicide than the general population.
 The World Health Organization estimates that
depression will be the 2nd highest medical cause of
disability by the year 2030
 Depression affects all people regardless of age,
geographic location, demographic or social position
 People who are depressed are more prone to illnesses
like colds
#6
 Physical symptoms: dizziness, headaches, stomachaches, neck aches, arms
or legs hurt due to muscle tension, digestive disorders
 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.
#7
Many rebellious and unhealthy behavior or attitudes
in teenagers are actually indications of depression.
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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
#8
It'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.
#9
 Lifestyle changes
 Counseling
 Medications - antidepressants
 Psychotherapy
(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
The most common treatment
for depression includes the
combination of
antidepressants & therapy
# 10
1. Simplify your life
-cut back on obligations
2. Write in a journal
-great way to express emotions
3. Have a support group
4. Don’t isolate yourself
-participate in social activities
5. Take care of your body
-exercise, eat right, sleep
6. Use stress management
7. Don’t make important decisions when “down”
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Source: Mayo Clinic
What People With Depression Want You To Know – 2 min