Lesson 5 - Depression Learning Objectives: Understand what depression is Compare medical depression to ‘feeling down’.  

Robbie Williams (singer-songwriter) “Depression isn't about, 'Woe is me, my life is this, that and the other', it's like having the worst flu all day that you just can't kick.”

Marian Keys (author) “I know of people who don't believe it, but depression is an illness, but unlike, say, a broken leg, you don't know when it'll get better.”

Why do people develop clinical depression? job loss bullied bereavement

Signs and symptoms of depression PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS Continuous low mood or sadness Feeling hopeless and helpless Having low self-esteem  Feeling tearful or irritable Not wanting to be with people Having no motivation or interest in things Finding it difficult to make decisions Finding it hard to cope with everyday things Feeling anxious Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings Having thoughts of harming yourself PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS Moving or speaking more slowly than usual  Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)  Unexplained aches and pains lack of energy, always feeling tired Feeling restless or agitated Changes to menstrual cycle Disturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night, or waking up very early in the morning)

If you think you might be suffering from depression… get help Talk to someone (friend, parent, teacher) Make an appointment with a doctor The Samaritans can be phoned 24/7: 116 123 www.samaritans.org

Suicide – key points Most people with diagnosed depression do not take their lives People who express suicidal thoughts are very unwell – immediate medical help is needed Suicide devastates families and communities People do not ‘commit suicide’ – they are not criminals The Samaritans can be phoned 24/7: 116 123

Learning Outcomes You should have an understanding of what depression is, as well as the signs and symptoms. You should understand the difference between medical depression and ‘feeling down’. You should have an understanding of what is appropriate and what is inappropriate to say to someone with medical depression  

Mental Health Services Available in My School