STRESS AND DEPRESSION

1. STRESS AND DEPRESSION

2. STRESS AND DEPRESSION STRESS: Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it. The necessity of significant change in the life pattern of the individual. The rate of wear and tear on the body. STRESSOR: Any stimulus that demands a response or change in the individual. EUSTRESS: successful adaptation to a stressor(s); leads to growth, increased happiness, strength, security, and greater resistance. DISTRESS: damaging or unpleasant stress; unsuccessful adaptation to stressor(s) that leads to wear and tear, weakness, illness, stress overload, and increased vulnerability.

3. GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME The manifestation of stress in the whole body evolving over time. Alarm: prepares for fight or flight by mobilizing its biochemical resources. Resistance: vital resources are applied to enable the body to resist and adapt to the stressor if this is compatible with adaptation. The indications of the alarm reaction have disappeared. Exhaustion: adaptation energy is eventually exhausted following long-term exposure to the same stressor.

4. SOURCES OF STRESS EXTERNAL Home School Job Church Social INTERNAL Attitudes Beliefs Expectations Behaviors

5. CAUSES OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION Biological: Chemical disorder (neurotransmitters) Cognitive: Errors in thinking: people with negative thinking patterns: those who are pessimistic, have low self-esteem, worry too much or feel they have little control over life events. Genetic: There may be a family history of depression, which increases the risk that you may get this illness – or there may be no history in your family. Situational: Difficult life events, changes, financial problems, all can contribute to depression. Co-occurring: Clinical depression is more likely to occur along with some medical illnesses, as well as with alcoholism or drug addiction. Medications: Some meds can actually cause clinical depression, esp. when interacting with other drugs. It is important for you doctor to know all meds you are taking, and to report any side effects immediately.

6. SYMPTOMS OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood Sleeping too little, or too much Reduced appetite and weight loss, or the opposite! Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed Restlessness or irritability Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment (headaches chronic pain, irritable bowel) Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions Fatigue or loss of energy Thoughts of death or suicide Grades fall Begin to not care about your appearance

7. ANXIETY DISORDERS Anxiety disorders are common, and can interfere with having a full, productive life. They are characterized by feelings of panic and fear, and discomfort that arise with no clear cause, in situations that are not usually stressful or dangerous. More than 19 million American adults live with anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are linked to depression. The life-changing impact of anxiety disorders may trigger depression – and visa versa. About 80% of depressed individuals suffer psychological anxiety symptoms: unrealistic apprehension, fears, worry, agitation, irritability, panic attacks. Some 60% of people with depression have anxiety-related physical symptoms: Headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain, among others. Approximately 65% of those with depression experience sleep disturbances, about 20% feel agitated, 25% have phobia, approximately 17% report generalized anxiety symptoms, and 10% suffer panic attacks. Anxiety disorders and depression are VERY TREATABLE. The most common and successful ways to treat both are antidepressant medication, talk therapy, and the best is a combination of both!

8. Alcohol and Drug Abuse Can Also Link Up To Depression Alcohol abuse does lasting damage. One night of heavy drinking can impair your ability to think well for up to 30 days. Tens of thousands of today’s college students will eventually die of alcohol-related causes, accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and heart disease to name a few. Behavioral changes and consequences of drug abuse may include changes in overall personality, depression, declining grades, loss of interest in friends and family, , oversensitivity, moodiness, nervousness, paranoia, secretive or suspicious behavior, and excessive talkativeness. Often people also experience difficulty in paying attention,, and a general lack of motivation and energy. Physical Changes associated with substance abuse can be changes in eating habits, lack of physical coordination, puffy face, hyperactivity, tremors, excessive sweating, runny nose, or hacking cough. Personal Safety is often compromised through substance abuse.

9. SUICIDE Depression alone or in combination with aggressive behavior, substance abuse and/or anxiety is found in over half of all suicides. If depression is present, substance abuse, anxiety, impulsivity, rage, hopelessness, and desperation may increase the risks of suicide. SPECIFIC SIGNS OF POTENTIAL SUICIDE INCLUDE: Talking openly about committing suicide Talking indirectly about wanting out or ending it all Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks Giving away personal possessions. SUICIDE CAN BE TRIGGERED BY A NUMBER OF THINGS, INCLUDING: Stressful events, such as a failed exam, or failure to get a job or make the team Crisis in significant social or family relationships Interpersonal losses Changes in body chemistry High levels of anger or anxiety

10. HOW TO HELP A FRIEND WHO IS DEPRESSED Be honest and express your concerns. For example, “You seem really down lately, Is something bothering you?” “Ask directly about thoughts of suicide. For example “Have you thought of hurting yourself?” If suicidal thoughts are expressed it is important to contact someone such as the college counselor , the Center for Counseling 24-hour hotline, a teacher, the parents, or the director of the residence hall. It is important NOT to promise to keep a secret, NOT to leave the person alone, and NOT to try to handle the situation yourself. You may be risking the person’s anger at you for telling someone else, but it is better to do that than to lose them to suicide. Listen and offer emotional support, understanding and patience. Convey the message that depression is real, common and treatable. Suicidal feelings are real and preventable.

11. HOW TO HELP YOURSELF STAY MENTALLY HEALTHY Be realistic. If you are taking on more responsibility than you can handle rank the activities you are involved in and drop the ones that aren’t absolutely necessary. Drop the “superman/superwoman” mentality. Nobody is perfect, so don’t expect perfection from yourself or others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Delegate chores, and, until you are out of school, lower your standards for housekeeping etc. Reflect. Take time out to collect your thoughts. Personal reflections in the form of meditation, prayer or other ways can reduce stress. (Notice beauty in nature, in animals, in your family.) Plan ahead. Feeling unprepared or scrambling to do something at the last minute can be really stressful. For those who use a babysitter while at school, have a backup sitter and a backup-backup sitter lined out in case of illness or emergency.

12. Healthy lifestyle. Eat a well-balanced diet, and limit your use of caffeine and alcohol. Exercise regularly as a way to reduce stress and increase self-esteem. Make sure you are getting enough sleep to feel refreshed and energized. Spend time in the sunshine. Share your feelings. Talking to a friend or family member about problems in your life can help you organize your thoughtsand get support for your feelings. Hobbies. Take a break from stressful situations by doing something you enjoy. Be flexible. Respect other’s opinions and be prepared to compromise. Take one thing at a time. When people are under stress, an average workload can seem overwhelming. Do one task at a time. The feeling of accomplishment will encourage you to keep going. Get help when you need it. It’s never a weakness to ask for help, whether it be counseling, tutoring or hiring someone to clean your house! If you recognize the downward spiral of depressive thinking, contact your school counselor, the community mental health center or your minister and talk with someone about how you’re feeling.

13. IF YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE WHO IS DEPRESSED Remember, your role is to offer support and encourage your friend/spouse to seek professional help. Explain that with the right treatment, people with depression can regain their lives. Don’t try to take over the life of someone who is depressed, even if you want very badly to help. Your friend/spouse may seem overwhelmed, incapable or frustrated, but you cannot run his or her life. Give advice in the form of options. For example, recommend a counselor or suggest support groups you think may be a step towards alleviating his or her symptoms. Remember that depression is a real illness that should be taken seriously. Don't belittle the person by saying such things as “Snap out of it,” or “Get over it.” Try your best to understand the illness. Recognize that depression is not rational. It is painful to be rejected, scorned or ignored., but this may be how your friend/spouse will respond to your efforts to help. .Be patient and understanding. Take any suicidal ideation or talk very seriously and get help. Care for yourself. Follow your own interests and hobbies, or seek counseling for yourself if the situation begins to become overwhelming for you!