Depression

Today we will be able… to recognize some symptoms of depression to understand facts about depression to challenge the stigma around depression to consider that everyone is different and reacts differently to situations.

True/False Depression happens when something bad goes on in your life such as a divorce, death of a loved one, or losing your job. False: Sometimes depression can happen when life isn’t going well, but this isn’t always the case. Depression may be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain

True/False If you can’t snap out of your depression, it means you’re weak. False: Being able to talk about depression and seek support is a sign of strength.

True/False Depression means that you have something wrong with your character False: It doesn’t mean you aren’t strong enough emotionally. It is a real medical condition.

True/False If you wait long enough, your depression will always go away. False: If you’re suffering from depression, it might not just go away. For some people, if it isn’t treated, their depression can last months, or even years.

True/False People who suffer from depression need medication. True/False: Sometimes medication can help people to cope with depression temporarily or in the long term. This is unique to each individual and you would need professional advice to consider whether this is best for you if you needed help.

True/False People who are depressed can be happy sometimes. True: It is not a fixed state Depression can go away and then come back again. True: Sometimes it does go away – and sometimes it goes away for good!

Think to yourself… Can you tell if someone is depressed? Is there any way of knowing if someone is depressed?

Think – Share - Pair Which of these people are depressed?

How do you recognize depression? Discuss!

What might a depressed person do or say? Actions Words

Causes or Triggers Social - anything to do with society; where you live, or your close relationships with family, friends or work colleagues Psychological - how you think and feel; anxieties or worries Physical - anything to do with your general physical health

Groups of 3 Each group will receive 'Causes of depression' cards Arrange the cards into the three categories of social, psychological and physical. Think and talk together to complete. We will go over as a class after

Recognizing Depression Watch "Moving On". 2D5c 2D5c This an abbreviated but true story of someone who suffered from depression. What signs or symptoms of depression did the person have? What might others have noticed? Would these be the same for everyone?

Symptoms loss of outward affection loss of self confidence avoiding people irritability or erratic mood swings feeling useless, inadequate, hopeless, worthless pre-occupation with real or imaginary aches, pains and illness feeling isolated, lonely, or guilty an increased use of alcohol or drugs poor concentration thoughts of suicide - the idea that 'other people would be better off without me' Certain symptoms, if long lasting, can indicate serious depression. They include: a loss of interest and enjoyment in life a lack of drive and motivation, making even simple tasks difficult fatigue self-harm complete lack of emotion loss or gain in appetite or weight sleeplessness or excessive sleeping

If you notice any of the symptoms of depression in any of your friends or family, here are a few things that you can do: Offer support by listening carefully and offering to be there for them Invite the person to join you in activities that you know he or she used to enjoy. Take comments about suicide seriously and seek professional advice. Encourage the person to make an appointment with a doctor/counselor. Maybe go along for support. Offer to do it together. If they are given a treatment plan or medicine from the doctor, encourage them to stick with it as improvement may take several weeks.

Helping someone who is self harming… What are some signs of self-harming? How can you help someone you believe is self harming? What resources are available?

Pair up After reading the diary entry from someone who is self harming, write a letter back to Sam together Remember: -DO NOT tell the person what to do – allow them to have control over what they want to happen. -DO NOT tell them to stop. Although this seems counter intuitive, it is very difficult and takes time and support to stop, the person will need to find other safer ways of coping first. -DO offer to support them in seeking help if that is what they want. -DO continue to be their friend. -Offer to listen to them and give them time and space to talk. -Offer to help if they need it.

Resources 2 resources here at school… Other resources: mTohttps:// mTo