Understanding Depression

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