Sadness & Depression Obj 9.MEH.2.1: I will identify the causes and symptoms of depression Obj: 9.MEH.2.2: I will design help-seeking strategies for dealing with depression. 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-W_aBA1B4cE Miss America 2011

Reflect Scholar: What causes sadness and depression among teenagers? Collegiate: What are some positive coping mechanisms that people with depression can do to be successful in their daily lives? 3

Understanding Depression Depression is a prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and sadness. Depression is a serious condition that may require medical help. Almost 15 percent of teens will display some signs of depression.

Causes of Depression Genetic factors Passed from parent to child Environmental/Situational depression Major event or ongoing situation that heavily impact your emotional health Examples: death of a loved one, divorce, drug addiction, constant stress and worry, abuse, relationship 5

Causes and Effects of Depression Physical, psychological, or social reasons. Medical condition or illness Psychological reasons such as surviving a traumatic life event. Social or environmental factors, such as living in poverty or in a physically or emotionally harmful environment.

Symptoms of depression Changes in sleeping patterns (too much, too little) Changes in eating patterns (not eating, overeating) Loss of interest in everyday activities Decline in school performance Feelings of hopelessness Withdrawal from family and friends/ isolation Feeling of worthlessness or excessive guilt Aggressive or destructive behavior Cutting Begins to use alcohol or other drugs Apathy (does not care about anything) Death themes in artwork or written work Giving away prized possessions A sudden lift in spirits because they feel their problems will soon be over 7

Symptoms of Depression Changes in thinking Trouble concentrating Making decisions Self destructive thoughts Changes in feelings May experience apathy, or lack of strong feeling, interest, or concern. May not feel pleasure in things they once enjoyed. Feel sad, irritable and angry.

Symptoms Changes in behavior Begin eating too little or too much Trouble sleeping and may seem tired Neglect basic hygiene Withdraw from social situations.

Strategies to deal with depression 1. Self care Get involved Healthy diet Exercise Find a hobby (sense of accomplishment) 2. Talk to someone to create a support system trusted friend family member Teacher counselor 3. Get professional help in the community Counseling (psychologist) Anti-depressants (prescribed by a psychiatrist) 10

Getting help for Depression If you recognize signs of depression in yourself or a friend, discuss your concerns with a trusted adult. Depression is serious, but it is treatable. If a friend ask you not to tell anyone that he or she is depressed, it is okay to break that promise.

Getting help for depression Health professionals can develop a plan to treat depression that may include taking medication, making changes in home or school environment, or counseling

How to Save a Life http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cjVQ36NhbMk What is the song writer’s message?

Kyle’s Story Read Kyle’s Story Questions: What caused Kyle’s depression? What are the signs and symptoms of depression that were displayed in the story? Do you think it was difficult for Kyle to seek help? If so, why? Did the narrator have any idea of the impact he had made on Kyle’s outlook of life?

Depression: Teen voices http://www. youtube. com/watch

Class Activity Two volunteers Stand on one foot. This will represent the struggle with depression. Work hard to maintain your “balance” Will you try to “balance” on your own or reach out for professional and personal support?

How would you respond in this situation How would you respond in this situation? What coping strategies would you use? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vm5GqKJCZ_w&feature=player_embedded 17

How to Respond with Empathy? What is empathy? The action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and experiencing the feeling, thoughts, or experience of another. Three Skills of Empathy Listen closely Recognize the other person’s feeling Accept their feeling

Example using skills of Empathy Your friend: “I’m so stressed out. Exam week is coming and I haven’t started to study yet. I really need to pull up my grades. If I fail my mom is going to be so disappointed in me.” What do you say? I agree. Exams can be really stressful, so I understand why you are stressed out. Just try your hardest. Your mom will always love you even if you do not make the best grades”.

Respond with Empathy “My parents told me they were getting a divorce. I thought they were perfect for each other but I guess not. I’ve been feeling really down lately and can’t stop crying” “ My brother was arrested this weekend. I kept telling him he needed to stop doing cocaine, but he didn’t listen. Now he is arrested, and we don’t have the money to bail him out of jail. I don’t know what to do. I’m so angry. He was my best friend.” “I can’t believe Billy broke up with me. I’m so upset. I don’t want to live without him. He was the love of my life.” “I feel like such a failure. I’m doing the best I can to be a great parent, but I’m having such a hard time affording enough food for my family.” “I’m so frustrated. I keep trying to lose weight, but I’m having such a hard time. No matter what I eat or how much I exercise my weight only drops a little bit.”

Classwork assignment 1. Read the case study on depression 2. Highlight warning signs which indicate the person may be battling depression. 3. What can the person do to help with their depression? Create your own case study (true story or made up) Include at least five warning signs that the person is battling with depression. Choose your own ending….What did the person do or will plan to do to deal with his/her depression? Present to the class: Read case study to class Ask class to identify warning signs Ask class: Is the person dealing with their depression appropriately? Do you have any other suggestions on what they could do?

Class Discussion True stories of people who overcame depression?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F5YubjEqbZ8 Depression documentary