Understanding Depression

1. Understanding Depression

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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!

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Common Types of Depression • Major Depression • Dysthymia • Bipolar Disorder • Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

10. 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

11. 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.

12. 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

13. 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

14. Professional treatment is helpful for all these types of depression.

15. 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.

16. 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.

17. If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression… Take Action!

18. 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 under- standing friend, family member or student services staff.

19. 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

20. 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

21. Obtain an adequate and consistent amount 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.

22. Things to Avoid • Don’t make long-term commitments or 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

23. 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)

24. 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

25. Helping a depressed friend… • Advocate for their recovery— 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