1 Blues, Blahs & Bouncing Back South Carolina Family and Community Leaders Lesson Prepared By: Dr. Deborah J. Thomason, Professor Dr. Pamela A. Havice, Associate Professor Clemson University

2 Today we will: Discuss the differences between everyday blues and depression Identify techniques for bouncing back from the blues Gain insights to help others

3 When do you feel blue? What symptoms do you feel? What do you think triggers these feelings?

4 What is it? Everyday blues Stress Seasonal Affective Disorder Holiday Blues Grief Depression Postpartum Depression

5 Everyday Blues “Everybody has the blues now and then” Neil Diamond “Song Sung Blue”

6 Stress High levels of stress can impact your emotional well-being.

7 Tips to Manage Stress Identify your stressors Change what you can Find a stress reliever Be flexible

8 Seasonal Affective Disorder Symptoms Causes Treatments

9 Holiday Blues May be related to: Stress SAD Loneliness Post-holiday let down

10 Coping With Holiday Blues Be realistic Avoid overspending Set priorities Focus on the present Share the load Be flexible Give of your time and talents

11 Grief It is important to recognize the differences between grief and depression.

12 Grief vs. Depression Depression Stuck in sadness Unable to function Feels hopeless Loses interest Resists help Grief Moves toward recovery Feelings related to the loss Sometimes able to laugh More likely to accept support

13 Dealing With Grief Take care of yourself Talk to someone you trust Express feelings by writing Make time for activities you enjoy Practice relaxation techniques Meditate or pray Give yourself rewards Laugh and cry

14 Depression Medical condition Affects one in ten adults Has many symptoms Treatable

15 Symptoms of Depression Overwhelming sadness Loss of interest Appetite changes Increased fatigue Restlessness or irritability Difficulty concentrating Feelings of hopelessness Thoughts of suicide – get help NOW

16 What causes depression? Chemical imbalance Genetics Personality Environmental factors Medical conditions

17 Treating Depression Professional help Physical examination Medications Talk or cognitive therapy

18 Postpartum Depression Serious medical condition Follows childbirth, miscarriage, stillbirth or even adoption Ranges from mild to severe Report symptoms to physician

19 Depression in Older Adults Not a normal part of aging Different than in younger people Incidence higher in people over 65 Difficult to detect or diagnose

20 Symptoms in Older Adults Decreased life satisfaction Loss of interest Irritability and worry Helplessness or hopelessness Withdrawal, boredom, loneliness Feeling useless

21 Bouncing Back What do you do to lift your spirits?

22 Suggestions: Exercise Get enough rest Eat right Participate in enjoyable activities Spend time with others Keep a journal Positive self-talk Meditate Maintain humor Get enough light Forgive Help others

23 Make a Plan Choose a new technique Write a plan Try it the next time you feel blue

24 Helping Others What has been your experience in helping others who are feeling blue? Is it hard to know whether to help or not? Did you know what to say or do?

25 Help others by providing: Emotional support Listening ear Practical support Social interaction Optimistic outlook Encouragement to seek help

26 Emotional Support Caring Understanding Patience Encouragement

27 Listening Ear How do you know what to say? How do you bring up the subject?

28 Good Listeners: Give full attention Let the person finish talking Allow pauses Facilitate discussion Validate feelings

29 Practical Support Household chores Meals Errands Etc.

30 Encourage Social Interactions: Maintain relationships Participate in activities Volunteer Join a support group

31 Optimism Is the glass half full or half empty?

32 Professional Help Encourage seeking professional help to get on the road to a brighter future.

33 Today we learned: To recognize differences between everyday blues and depression. Techniques for bouncing back from everyday blues Tips for helping others. Any questions?