Health Goal #7 I Will Seek Help If I Feel Depressed MENTAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH

DEPRESSION Depression can affect people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds About 2% of school aged and 8% of adolescents meet the criteria for major depression. 1 in 5 teens will suffer from depression by the time they reach adulthood

RECOGNIZING DEPRESSION-CHARACTERISTICS Persistent sadness Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed Fatigue or loss of energy Restlessness, irritability Sleep disturbances Weight or appetite changes Lack of concentration or difficulty making decisions Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, low self-esteem, anger, or guilt Thoughts or expressions of suicide or death

CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION Studies have shown that children as young as preschoolers can experience symptoms of depression. Common symptoms of depression in children and adolescents: Increased Irritability Being bored Reckless behavior Outbursts of shouting, complaining, unexplained irritability, or crying

CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION Poor school performance and frequent absences Fear of death Alchohol or substance abuse Frequent nonspecific physical complaints such as headaches, muscle aches, stomachaches, and fatigue

CAUSES During childhood – boys and girls have equal depression rates During adolescents – girls are twice as likely than boys to develop depression It is believed that depression is related to your family history Other causes: Inability to cope with a life crises Change in the brain structure

CAUSES - CONTINUED Genetic Predisposition – Inheritance of genes Low serotonin levels – chemical that controls state of brain Traumatic family events Physical illness and disorders Alcohol or other drug use

RISKS Dealing with depression can be difficult; these are some risks that come along with depression: School performance – tired, no concentration, no motivation, can’t think well Social isolation – miss opportunity to develop and maintain healthy relations Drug addiction Physical illnesses – immune system suppressed. Can’t fight sickness off. Mental disorders – Depression in adulthood, bipolar disorder, personality disorders Suicide attempts – feel hopelessness and helplessness

SOCIAL MEDIA SIGHTS Facebook study – Facebook depression caused by comparing your life with that of someone on the internet who you think has the perfect life. Remember this about social media sights: Facebook is not an exact representation of people’s lives because it is only what people choose to share. Balance the time you are spending on social media sights with the time you spend with actual people in real life.

TREATMENT FOR DEPRESSION Physical examination – evaluate health status Therapy – Behavior and cognitive therapies help a person modify behavior and the person’s way of thinking. Medication – antidepressants relieve stress. You must see physician!

COPING WITH DEPRESSION Talk with a parent, mentor, or other trusted adult Stay connected with friends Practice healthful behaviors, such as eating nutritious meals and getting exercise Use anger management skills Practice stress management skills Avoid the use of alcohol and drugs Seek treatment if these strategies do not relieve your depression