Depression

A/D “We live in a world where if you brake your arm, everyone runs toward you to sign your cast. If you tell everyone you’re depressed they run the other way. That’s the stigma.” What is stigma? How does it relate to stereotypes? What are stereotypes?

What is a stereotype? Stereotypes are assumptions about individuals based on the presumed qualities of the group they belong to.

Quotes from People with Mental Health Issues People are very judgmental and refer to you as “lazy” and “crazy.''' People think we “lack motivation," "if only we'd try harder" or "snap out of" our depression. Every time there is an incident and it comes out in the media and they say, ”manic depressive” or “bipolar disorder” … It just means now I can’t tell more people.

Stigma????? Stigma is a negative stereotype. Stigma is a reality for many people with a mental illness, and they report that how others judge them is one of their greatest barriers to a complete and satisfying life. Howie Mandel’s Story

What you can do to stop stigma and discrimination? Use the STOP criteria to recognize attitudes and actions that support the stigma of mental health conditions. It’s easy, just ask yourself if what you hear: Stereotypes- what stereotypes about people with mental health have you heard? Did you speak up? Trivializes or belittles people- have you ever heard someone mocking or putting down a person who may be struggling with anxiety or depression? Offends people with mental health conditions by insulting them- have you ever made fun of someone or dismissed their feeling of being nervous or depressed. Patronizes people with mental health conditions by treating them as if they were not as good as other people?

Warning Signs What are the Warning Signs that might show that someone is suffering from depression?

Warning Signs of Depression I feel worthless, helpless, or hopeless I sleep more or less than usual I’m eating more or less than usual I’m having difficulty concentrating or making decisions I’ve lost interest in activities I used to enjoy I avoid other people I have overwhelming feelings of sadness or grief I’m feeling unreasonably guilty I have a lot of unexplained stomach aches and headaches I feel very tired and/or restless I have thoughts of death or suicide I’m feeling more tearful or irritable than usual

What can you do? List five helpful things you could say to someone who you believe is suffering from depression.

1.You matter What to say: You are important to me- acknowledgement and empathy. What NOT to say: No one ever said that life was fair.

2. You don’t walk this path alone. I’m here if you need me. When a person is depressed, one of the feelings many people experience is an overwhelming sense of loneliness. A reminder from a friend or loved one that, indeed, they’re not alone and they are loved can be invaluable.

3. I believe in you… You’re awesome! Sometimes a person has given up hope that they’ll amount to anything in life. They’ve lost all belief in themselves, and feel like nothing they do is right or good enough. Their self- esteem is very low. Remind them that they are still an awesome person, if even if they’re not feeling that way at the moment.

4. How can I help? What can I do for you? One part of the way many people experience depression is that they have little motivation to do things that need to get done. Offer this help only if you’re willing to do what is asked of you.

5. I’m here if you want to talk (walk, go shopping, get a bit to eat, etc.). Maybe they need a nudge to get up, get changed, and go out and just do something — anything. You can be that person to help them get moving.

6. You can survive this. Things will change. You won’t feel this way forever. Depression can feel like an endless black hole in which there’s no way to climb out of. Saying something along these lines reminds them that all of our emotions and moods are not permanent, even if they feel like they are.

7. You won’t drive me away What to say: I’m not going to leave you or abandon you. What NOT to say: I think your depression is a way of punishing us.