STAND UP Stress and Depression Presentation by Alexandria Wise-Rankovic, M.S. Clinical Psychology Dr. Tina Lepage Licensed Clinical Psychologist

Today’s Discussion Stress – What it is and how it’s triggered Depression – It’s symptoms and what to do Suicide – How to identify it Feeling Happy – Not just for the lucky ones Resilience – Bouncing back Resources – Where to go Questions and Answers – From the audience

Have you or your friend said…? “I’m depressed.” “I can’t stop crying.” “I am so stressed out. I can’t take it.” “You don’t understand how I feel.” “Life just isn’t worthwhile.”

Have you or a friend felt like this…? I don’t enjoy doing the things I used to enjoy. I just want to roll over in the morning and stay in bed all day, or I wake up earlier than I want. I don’t want to eat or I can’t stop eating lately. I just don’t care about anything or anyone anymore. I feel worthless. I feel irritable and frustrated. I feel like nothing will ever get better.

What is stress? Stress is a normal reaction to frustrations that happen in one’s everyday life. Stress can feel like you are losing control. You can feel overwhelmed and tired. It may be too hard to complete everything you set out to do. You may feel burned out.

Types of stress Holiday stress or “blues” School stress “The holidays are too busy and stressful.” School stress “I got a bad grade on my test.” Relationship stress “I think my friend is mad at me.” Family stress “My parents make me so mad.”

Everyday stress triggers Feeling rejected Bad feelings about one’s body Having an argument with mom or dad Schoolwork is piling up or is hard Pressure from friends or boyfriend/girlfriend Confusing messages about sex

What to do about stress Internal stress External stress Worry Anxiety Doubt Feeling helpless External stress People around us who are stressed or depressed Events outside of our control You can’t control external stress! But the feeling of stress can control you if you don’t have the right tools.

Stress Tools Tools to beat stress: Get a good night’s rest Exercise daily Ask for help Talk to your parents and friends (get it out!) Take a break from what you are doing. Think stress-buster thoughts: It will be better tomorrow. This may not feel so bad later on. I can get through this!

What is depression? There are different types of depression Major depression Dysthymia Reactive depression Manic depression (aka Bipolar depression) All of these involve feeling sad or blue. There is Clinical Depression and “feeling depressed” 10-15% of teenagers have symptoms of depression 5% of teenagers have Major Depression

Symptoms of Depression Depressed mood most of the day nearly everyday You may feel irritable or you may cry easily Less interest in and fun doing things you used to enjoy Increased or decreased appetite Can’t fall asleep or can’t get enough sleep Feeling restless or very slowed down Lack of energy nearly everyday Feeling worthless or guilty about something Hard to make decisions Thinking about death or hurting yourself

Physical signs of stress and depression Chest pain Neck, Face, and Shoulder Pain Stomach Pain Difficulty Swallowing, Shortness of Breath Dry Mouth Shaking Sleep Difficulties Headaches

What to do about depression Talk with someone you trust Tell your parents or school counselor Get help early Take extra care of yourself during these times Stay away from alcohol and drugs Remind yourself that it can get better

Suicide It is the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents. Things that increase the risk: Teens who don’t get help for depression or anxiety Alcohol and substance abuse (such as beer, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, prescription pills and more) Previous suicide attempt Feelings of hopelessness about life and feelings of shame about mental illness Feeling alone and isolated from other people

Help for those at risk of suicide Talk to a professional psychologist, therapist, or counselor Seek treatment for alcohol and substance abuse disorders Get support from family and friends Learn problem solving skills from parents or professionals Believe in the reasons to stay alive and healthy: your family, your friends, your religious beliefs, your future.

Feeling Happy It’s not easy for all people to be happy. Make time in your day to laugh and be with friends. Keep a positive attitude about life. Think: The glass is half-full, not half-empty. Take a deep breath and remember that tomorrow is another day!

Resources On the web Got Bounce? Resilience for Teens Books to read http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/emotions/depression/ http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/teens.htm http://www.stress-anxiety-depression.org/newsletter/ Got Bounce? Resilience for Teens www.lepageassociates.com Books to read Depression: What It Is, How to Beat It (Teen Issues) by Linda Wasmer Smith An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D. 

www.lepageassociates.com Click on Resources