What is the difference between major/clinical depression and just feeling down? A person with depression experiences severe and long lasting episodes of feeling hopeless and helpless – can’t ever see it getting better Someone who “feels depressed” knows they will get through it with time

Situational Depression Results from normal sadness and disappointment one might experience in life For example, death of a loved one, breakup with a boyfriend, low grades, divorce of a parent

Factors that lead to depression A family history (genes) Imbalance in brain chemicals (serotonin) Major life changes (off to college) Major illness Use of alcohol/drugs Side effect of certain medications

Symptoms of Depression Sleep patterns – too much or too little Lack of interest in friends & usual activities Poorly in school Anger & irritability Indecision or lack of concentration Change in weight – up or down Drug and/or alcohol abuse

Bipolar Disorder/Manic Depression Mood disorder in which the person alternates between the hopelessness of depression and the overexcited and unreasonably optimistic state of mania

Mania/Manic Episode Opposite of depression – way up Symptoms include: Insomnia, racing thoughts, overconfidence, grand ideas, reckless behavior, increased energy

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder OCD Disorder in which you are trapped in an endless cycle of repetitive thoughts and behaviors 1 in 50 people have it – more common than diabetes or asthma

Obsessions & Compulsions Obsessions – uncontrollable, exaggerated thoughts/worries – i.e., germs, repeated doubts, needing things arranged in a certain way, aggressive impulses, not being able to get images out of your head Compulsions – repetitive actions that are done to try to stop the obsessions – i.e., washing/cleaning, checking/seeking reassurance, precisely arranging things *they only work temporarily

Post traumatic stress disorder PTSD Reexperiencing an extremely traumatic event that involved actual or threatened death or injury to oneself or someone else Examples Military combat Sexual assault Natural disasters Severe automobile accident

PTSD continued… Symptoms Flashbacks Nightmares Exposure to the object (acts as a reminder) Left feeling intense fear and helplessness afterward