Depression “Just one friend can make a big difference in the life of someone who is depressed” Unit Objective Students will make the connection between mental illness and the role it plays in our personal relationships, our community, and our society as a whole? “Just one friend can make a big difference in the life of someone who is depressed” Goal of the Lesson This lesson will increase student awareness about stigmas associated with depression, symptoms of depression, how depression can interfere with daily life and ways to cope with depression.

Prior Knowledge True or FalseBeforeAfter 1 Depression is more common among people with “problems”. 2 Depression at times can seem invisible and often does not get recognized or treated. 3 Medicine is the best way to treat depression. 4 Depression can be passed genetically. 5 All cases of depression lead to suicide. 6 People with depression can be happy and excited. 7 If a friend of mine is depressed, there’s not much I can do. 8 A person can manage depression even if the depression does not “go away” 9 Harmful and risky behaviors like excessive use of alcohol and other drugs and other drugs can lead to or worsen depression. 10 Talking about depression is as important as talking about other illnesses like cancer.

Depression Basics More than just a mood.. Depression Definition  Depression is a mental illness that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest. Depression causes physical symptoms, and affects how you feel, think and behave. Depression is a chronic illness that usually requires long-term treatment. Types of Depression  Major Depressive Disorder  Dysthymia  Psychotic Depression  Postpartum Depression  Seasonal Affective Disorder

Depression Stigmas Are you guilty? Stigmas  Lazy  Unstable  Incapable  Unintelligent  Unreliable Destigmatize  Lead productive lives (work, school, etc.)  Depression doesn’t make a person less educated  A person does not choose to be sad

Teens talking about the Stigmas of Depression  ucators/real_teenagers.html ucators/real_teenagers.html

Symptoms  1. Affects cognitive (thinking) processes- being unable to pay attention in class, not able to complete homework.  2. Affects behavior - stomping away, slamming the door, crying all the time.  3. Has physical effects- having a constant headache or stomach- ache.  4. Affects emotional state- feeling very sad or hopeless. Eric is a good student but he gets a low score on a math test and concludes that he is stupid and has no chance of getting into a good college. After school, his parents ask him how his test was. Eric gets angry at the mention of the test. He yells at his parents. Eric stomps away and slams the bedroom door. Up in his room, all Eric can think of are the stupid mistakes he made on the test and how worthless he is. The more he thinks about this, the worse he feels. This makes him feel sad and ashamed. Isolated in his room, Eric gets tired and becomes lethargic. He decides to go to bed. Because he went to bed early, he cannot sleep. Lying awake in the dark, his head once again fills with thoughts like “I’m letting my parents down,” and “I’ve disappointed everyone.” He brings up memories of past failures and decides that his life is miserable. “I wish I could sleep forever,” comes into his head. The next day, Eric is sleepy and has little energy. He can’t concentrate in class. He gets a stomach- ache. He goes to the nurse and then goes home. At home, he goes to his room and has another sleepless night. In the morning, he has a hard time getting up, feels sick at school and the cycle continues day after day.

Identify Eric’s Behavioral Method Eric is a good student but he gets a low score on a math test and concludes that he is stupid and has no chance of getting into a good college. (COGNITIVE) After school, his parents ask him how his test was. Eric gets angry at the mention of the test. (EMOTIONAL) He yells at his parents. Eric stomps away and slams the bedroom door. (BEHAVIORAL) Up in his room, all Eric can think of are the stupid mistakes he made on the test and how worthless he is. (COGNITIVE) The more he thinks about this, the worse he feels. This makes him feel sad and ashamed. (EMOTIONAL) Isolated in his room, Eric gets tired and becomes lethargic. (PHYSICAL) He decides to go to bed early. (BEHAVIORAL) Because he went to bed early, he cannot sleep. (PHYSICAL) Lying awake in the dark, his head once again fills with thoughts like “I’m letting my parents down,” and “I’ve disappointed everyone.” (COGNITIVE) He brings up memories of past failures and decides that his life is miserable. “I wish I could sleep forever,” comes into his head. (COGNATIVE) The next day, Eric is sleepy and has little energy. (PHYSICAL) He can’t concentrate in class. COGNITIVE) 1.Affects cognitive (thinking) processes- being unable to pay attention in class 2.Affects behavior- stomping away, slamming the door, crying all the time. 3. Has physical effects- having a constant headache or stomach-ache. 4. Affects emotional state- feeling very sad or hopeless.

Something is not right… Let’s help!!! Five or more of these symptoms must be present most of the day for at least two weeks:. Sad, depressed or irritable mood.. Loss of interest or pleasure in favorite activities.. Significant weight loss or gain or change in eating habits.. Change in sleep patterns.. Restlessness or agitation.. Fatigue or loss of energy.. Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.. Trouble concentrating or making decisions.

Text From a Friend That sucks so bad. What did your mom do when she found out? Not much. How’s everything with u? U have no idea. I can’t concentrate on anything right now, especially geometry class. UGH. I’m okay. I think I’m about to be punished for awhile. I’m failing English and Ms. Stiller called my mom. Why!?!? So true. How are u? I never hear from u anymore.

Text From a Friend I’m not hung up. I’m just still feeling stupid. I cant believe how stupid I was. So how long do u think you will be punished for? I don’t really care. I’m not doing anything anyway. U should hang out with us later. Are u still all hung up on Chris??? Nah! Don’t want to hang today..

Text From a Friend Well… I guess I’m telling u that I cant take this anymore. Ur not stupid. Could have happen to anyone. I’m just down right now. I’m not eating/sleeping and I’m always tired. My grades r complete crap. I just want it all to END. I HATE when u talk like this Hey u can tell me anything!! Sorry. I know I just bring u down… Probably not… Here comes Ms. Bailey.. GTG Don’t worry… Everything will be ok..

Depression Hurts

Real Talk… Helping yourself…  Take time to relax  Eat healthy and exercise  Do something fun  Get support from family and friends Helping a friend…  Talk to an adult  Remind friend that they are not alone  Spend time with your friend  Encourage friend to seek treatment

Treatment Talk to someone… Family Therapy Group Therapy Trusted Friend Counseling Anti- Depressants Exercise Eat Healthy Journaling New Skill/Hobbies

Let your Parents Know My Parents don’t: understand care notice or do they??? Listen  ning-Room/parent_video.html ning-Room/parent_video.html