World Suicide Prevention Day/Week Sept 10th/7th to 13th Sept

Understanding Depression

What causes Depression?

Family History

Having family members who have depression may increase a person’s risk

Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain may lead to depression

Major Life Changes

Positive or negative events can trigger depression. Examples include the death of a loved one or a promotion.

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!

Symptoms of Depression

Vary from person to person

2 key signs are loss of interest in things you like to do and sadness or irritability

Additional Signs include:

Changes in feelings which may include: 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, feelings or behaviors Difficulty making decisions

Physical Complaints These may include:

Sleep disturbances such as early morning waking, sleeping too much or insomnia

Lack of energy Loss of appetite Weight loss or gain Unexplained headaches or

backaches Stomachaches, indigestion or

changes in bowl habits

Late Life Depression

Common Types of Depression

Major DepressionDysthymiaBipolar DisorderSeasonal Affective Disorder

(SAD)

Major Depression

This type causes symptoms that may: Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss,

crisis or change Interfere with normal functioning Continue for months or years It is possible for a person to have only one

episode of major depression. It is more common for episodes to be long lasting or to occur several times during a person’s life

Dysthymia

People with this illness are mildly depressed for years. They function fairly well on a daily basis but their relationships suffer over time.

Bipolar Disorder People with this type of illness change

back and forth between periods of depression and periods of mania (an extreme high).

Symptoms of mania may include: Less need for sleep Overconfidence Racing thoughts Reckless behavior Increased energy Mood changes are usually gradual, but can

be sudden

Season Affective Disorder

This is a depression that results from changes in the season. Most cases begin in the fall or winter, or when there is a decrease in sunlight.

The brain uses a number of chemicals as messengers to communicate with other parts of itself and with the nervous system. These chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, are released and received by the brain's many nerve cells, which are also called neurons. Neurons are constantly communicating with each other by way of exchanging neurotransmitters. This communication system is essential to all of the brain's functions.

Neurotransmitters

Depression has been linked to problems or imbalances in the brain with regard to the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The evidence is somewhat indirect on these points because it is very difficult to actually measure the level of neurotransmitter in a person's brain. 

Serotonin

The neurotransmitter serotonin is involved in regulating many important physiological (body-oriented) functions, including sleep, aggression, eating, sexual behavior, and mood. Serotonin is produced by serotonergic neurons. Current research suggests that a decrease in the production of serotonin by these neurons can cause depression in some people, and more specifically, a mood state that can cause some people to feel suicidal.

Norepinephrine In the 1960s, the "catecholamine hypothesis" was a popular

explanation for why people developed depression. This hypothesis suggested that a deficiency of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) in certain areas of the brain was responsible for creating depressed mood. More recent research suggests that there is indeed a subset of depressed people who have low levels of norepinephrine. For example, autopsy studies show that people who have experienced multiple depressive episodes have fewer norepinephrinergic neurons than people who have no depressive history. However, research results also tell us that not all people experience mood changes in response to decreased norepinephrine levels. Some people who are depressed actually show hyperactivity within the neurons that produce norepinephrine. More current studies suggest that in some people, low levels of serotonin trigger a drop in

norepinephrine levels, which then leads to depression.

Norepinephrine

Another line of research has investigated linkages between stress, depression, and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps our bodies to recognize and respond to stressful situations. Researchers suggest that people who are vulnerable to depression may have a norepinephrinergic system that doesn't handle the effects of stress very efficiently.

Dopamine

The neurotransmitter dopamine is also linked to depression. Dopamine plays an important role in regulating our drive to seek out rewards, as well as our ability to obtain a sense of pleasure. Low dopamine levels may in part explain why depressed people don't derive the same sense of pleasure out of activities or people that they did before becoming depressed.

New Research-Glutamate

Recently, another neurotransmitter, glutamate, has been implicated in depression as well, but more research is necessary at this time to determine the nature of this relationship.

Professional treatment is essential to treat depression.

Treatment for Depression

Medication Antidepressants can help ease the

symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming.

Psychotherapy This can help many depressed people

understand themselves and cope with their problems. For example: Interpersonal therapy works to change

relationships that affect depression Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people

change negative thinking and behavior patterns

If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression…

Take Action!

See a doctor for a complete check up.

Go to a Counseling Center or talk to AASRA (91-22-27546669).

Talk things over with a friend, family member or anyone who you feel can listen to you without judgement or criticism.

Don’t expect too much of yourself 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

Complementary&Alternative Medicine

Obtain an adequate amount of sleep Seek emotional support from family and

friends Focus on positive aspects of your life Pace yourself, modify your schedule,

and set realistic goals

Things to Avoid

Don’t make long-term commitments or important decisions unless necessary

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 as a way of coping

Intervening with a depressed friend Be empathetic and understanding Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed

person Avoid critical or shaming statements Challenge expressions of hopelessness Empathize with feelings of sadness,

grief, anger and frustration

Don’t argue about how bad things are Don’t insist that depression or sadness

are the wrong feelings to be experiencing

Don’t become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected

Helping a depressed friend…

Helping a depressed friend…

Advocate for their recovery from depression

Emphasize that depression is treatable Seek consultation Encourage them to seek help, go with

them to the counseling center/call AASRA

Be supportive of counselor or doctor suggestions

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