understanding depression
DESCRIPTION
Understand the impact of depressionTRANSCRIPT
Identifying Depression
Course Objectives
• Identify the signs and symptoms of depression• Recognize the difference between depression
and typical sadness• Understand the impact the depression can
have on daily life• Identify various methods for treatment and self
help
IntroductionsPlease tell us your name,
where you work and share one thing that you believe is a symptom of
depression
Let’s look at the numbers…
of the US population 18 and older isaffected each year by depression
10%
of depressed people are not currently participating in treatment
80%
WHAT IS DEPRESSION
?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVuVorQ9YSYDepression videojohns depression
Depression is an illness that can challenge your
ability to perform routine daily
activities. At its worst, depression
may lead to contemplation of or committing suicide
John’s view of Depression
johns depression
So what exactly is depression and
how is it different from just being
unhappy?
Depression lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Depression has specific symptoms.
Unhappiness is a short-lived response.
Depression & The BluesDEPRESSION• An illness• Multiple Symptoms:
moods, thoughts, bodily functions
• Persists• Can result in suicide• Requires specific
medical/psychiatric treatment
THE BLUES• A normal reaction
to life situations• Single symptom:
mood• Temporary• Rarely produces
suicidal thoughts• Requires a good
listener/or time to heal
What is depression?
• Clinical Depression is a medical condition that affects a person’s mood, thoughts, behaviors, and body
• It changes the way that a person thinks, feels and acts.
• It can seriously affect your work, personal life, and the lives of others.
Types of Depression
• Major Depression – characterized by a deep sense of sadness or unhappiness and a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy such as hobbies, friends, or sex
• Bipolar Disorder - characterized by alternating periods of depression and elation. The high periods are called mania
Causes of Depression
• Complex – no clear cause• Genetic, biological & environmental factors can
contribute• Biochemical factors - neurotransmitters
Contributing Factors• Heredity• Personality• Environmental Factors• Situations• Medical Conditions• Medications• Substance Abuse
Risk Factors for Depression
• Female Sex• Advanced age• Lower socioeconomic
status• Recent stressful life
experience• Chronic medical
condition• Family history/Genetics
DIAGNOSING DEPRESSION• A thorough medical and
psychiatric history
• A complete psychiatric evaluation which includes a review of your symptoms, current life stresses, treatment history, personal and family history, a risk assessment and a thorough examination of your thoughts and feelings.
EMOTIONAL IMPACT• Emotionally, you may experience:
• Sadness• Irritability• Isolation• Loss of motivation• Hopelessness• Suicidal Thinking• Anxiety• Poor Self Esteem
PHYSICAL IMPACT
• You may Experience
• Fatigue – Body Slows Down
• Sleep Disturbance
• Appetite Disturbance
• Lowered Sex Drive
• Aches & Pains
BEHAVIORAL IMPACT
• Persistently feeling down, sad, tearful, irritable• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or
friends• Significant change in appetite or weight• Sleep disturbances• Restlessness or sluggishness
Additional Signs & Symptoms
• Lack of concentration or indecision• Feeling helpless, worthless, or guilty• Irritability, Restlessness
The Cycle of Depression
PHYSICALSleep Problems
Decreased energyAppetite Problems
Aches & Pains
BEHAVIORSocial Withdrawal
Less ActiveLess Productive
STRESSORSMedical Illness
PainFamily Problems
Financial Problems
THOUGHTS & FEELINGSHopelessness
LonelinessNegativitySadness
HOW DEPRESSION AFFECTS YOU
• Body – You may sleep poorly, have less energy, have more aches and pains
• Behavior – You may talk less, socialize less, spend more time alone
• Thinking – You may have more negative thoughts than positive thoughts, feel hopeless, or lose interest in things.
Role of Medication
• Different meds work for different people• Never stop taking medication suddenly• Length of time a person stays on meds varies
widely• Feeling better doesn’t necessarily mean you
should stop taking the medication
Anti-depressant MedicationInformation & Tips
• Anti-depressants help balance chemicals in the brain
• Anti-depressants are not habit forming• They need to be taken daily• If you think you are experiencing side effects,
write down what they are and how often they occur. Discuss side effects with your doctor.
• Don’t stop the medication before you discuss it with your doctor.
What you can do if you’re depressed?
Finding Professional Help
• Talk with your private doctor
• Talk with a psychiatrist
• Talk with a therapist
• Talk with your Pastor
Help
Me
Self Help for Depression
• Educate yourself - Read• Challenge Negative Thinking Habits• Exercise• Good nutrition• Stay Social – Participate don’t Isolate• Have someone to talk to• Seek help from a professional if your
mood doesn’t lift.
How Can you Help Others• If you know someone who is depressed
– Be Supportive, listen without judgment– Don’t try to diagnose them yourself– Recognize that they can’t just “Snap out of it”– Urge them to do positive things that they
enjoy – accompany them– Support the idea of counseling/medication
treatment– Learn about depression yourself
Depression Questions/Summary
• Sadness vs depression - VIDEO
Test Your Knowledge
• Test Answers - Handout