Understanding
Depression
What causes Depression?
 Family History
 Having
family members who have
depression may increase a person’s
risk
 Deficiencies of certain chemicals in
the brain may lead to depression
 Major Life Changes
 Negative or
particularly stressful
events can trigger
depression.
Examples include the
death of a loved one
or a job change.
 Major Illnesses such
as heart attack,
stroke or cancer may
trigger depression.
 Certain
medications used
alone or in combination can
cause side effects much like
the symptoms of depression.
 Use of Alcohol or other Drugs
can lead to or worsen
depression.
 Depression can also occur for
no apparent reason at all!
Symptoms of Depression
 Vary from person to
person
 2 key signs are loss of
interest in things you
like to do, and
pervasive sadness or
irritability
Additional Signs include:
 Changes in feelings such as:
 Feeling
empty
 Inability to enjoy anything
 Hopelessness
 Loss of sexual desire
 Loss of warm feelings for family or friends
 Feelings of self blame or guilt
 Loss of self esteem
 Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or
irritability
Changes in behavior and
attitude
 These may include:
 General
slowing down
 Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
 Poor memory
 Inability to concentrate
 Suicidal thoughts and feelings
 Difficulty making decisions
Physical Complaints
 These may include:
 Sleep
disturbances such as
insomnia, early morning waking,
or sleeping too much
 Lack of energy
 Loss of appetite
 Weight loss or gain
 Unexplained headaches or
backaches
 Stomachaches, indigestion or
changes in bowl habits
Common Types of Depression
 Major Depression
 Dysthymia
 Bipolar Disorder
 Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
Major Depression
 This type causes symptoms that may:
 Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss,
crisis or stressful change
 Interfere with normal functioning
 Continue for months or years
 It is possible for a person to have only one
episode of major depression. However, It is
more common for episodes to be long lasting
or to recur several times during a person’s life
Dysthymia
 People with this illness may be
consistently and mildly depressed
for years. They function fairly well
on a daily basis, but their
relationships and self esteem suffer
over time.
Bipolar Disorder (A.K.A. Manic-Depression)
 People with this type of illness change back and
forth between periods of depression and
periods of mania (an extreme high, sometimes
with agitation or irritability).
 Symptoms of mania may include:
 Less need for sleep
 Overconfidence
 Racing thoughts
 Reckless behavior
 Increased energy
 Mood changes are often gradual, but can be
sudden
Season Affective Disorder
 This is depression that coincides with
changes in the season. Most cases
begin in the fall or winter, when there is
a decrease in sunlight
(more common in regions
farther north)
 Less often, depression
can occur in late Spring
or summer
Professional treatment is
helpful for all these types of
depression.
Psychotherapy
 Counseling can help many depressed people
understand, accept and feel better about
themselves. People also learn more effective
ways of coping with life’s adversities and
difficulties. For example:
 Interpersonal therapy works to change how
people how to accept self and relate to
others that affects mood and self-worth.
 Cognitive therapy helps people change
negative thinking, behavior patterns and
attitudes that affect self esteem and overall
sense of well being.
Medical Treatment for Depression
 Medication
 Antidepressants
are an option (most often for
more severe cases) that can help ease the
symptoms of depression and return a person
to a better level of functioning. Medication is
often crucial for cases of bipolar (typically a
mood stabilizer).
 Antidepressants are
not habit forming and
generally have minimal
side effects.
If you or someone you know
has symptoms of
depression…
Take Action!
 See a medical doctor for a complete
check up. Some medical problems,
such as an under-functioning thyroid,
can cause depression.
 Go to the counseling center and talk
with a professional counselor.
 Talk things over with an understanding friend, family member
or student services staff.
 Don’t expect too much of yourself until
your energy and mood improve
 Take a break
 Get some exercise
 Avoid extra stress and big changes
Things to do
 Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol
or drugs
 Exercise or engage in some form of
physical activity
 Eat a proper, well-balanced diet
 Establish a regular sleep
pattern
 Obtain an adequate and consistent amount
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of sleep—not too much, nor too little
Seek emotional support from family and
friends
Focus on meaningful, positive aspects of your
life
Pace yourself, modify your schedule, and set
small, realistic goals
Remember, depression is
a temporary difficulty, not
a reflection of your whole
life or self worth.
Things to Avoid
 Don’t make long-term commitments or
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important decisions unless necessary while you
are feeling down
Don’t assume things are hopeless
Don’t engage in “emotional reasoning” (i.e.:
because I feel awful, my life is terrible)
Don’t assume responsibility for events which
are outside of your control
Don’t avoid treatment-take some action to cope
Don’t be critical of yourself; avoid critical others
Dealing with a depressed friend
 Be empathic and understanding
 Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person—it
can feel minimizing. Simply ask if there is
anything you can do to help—the answer will
often be “no,” but the support will be felt.
 Avoid critical or shaming statements
 Challenge expressions of hopelessness
 Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief,
anger and frustration (other feelings will come
in time)
Helping a depressed friend…
 Don’t argue about how bad things are or
are not
 Don’t insist that depression or sadness
is not warranted for their situation
 Don’t react with anger even though your
efforts to help may be resisted or
rejected
Helping a depressed
friend…
 Advocate for their recovery—
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convey hope
Emphasize that depression is very treatable
Seek consultation (professional counselors
from the counseling center are always glad to
consult—by phone or in person).
Encourage your friend to seek help; offer to
go with them to the counseling center
Be supportive of counselor or other doctor
suggestions