Depression Working Through to the Other Side

Depression － Is as costly as coronary heart disease － Affects about 1 in 10 people every year …Yet only 1 in 3 people will seek treatment for this mental illness

Possible Causes － Psychological, social, and emotional factors － Chemical imbalance － Genetic and environmental factors － Certain medical conditions － Sometimes the cause is unknown

Signs and Symptoms － Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings － Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism － Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness － Irritability, restlessness － Loss of interest in activities or hobbies once pleasurable, including sex － Fatigue and decreased energy

Signs and Symptoms － Difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions － Insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping － Overeating or appetite loss － Thoughts of suicide, attempts at suicide –This symptom requires immediate attention. If you, or someone you love is having thoughts of suicide or has attempted suicide, seek help immediately. Your EAP is available 24 hours a day.

Signs and Symptoms － Physical ailments can also be a sign of depression –Some examples include: Aches or pains Headaches Cramps Digestive problems One of the reason these ailments may not be improving or going away, even with treatment, is that depression may be causing them.

Signs of Suicide Someone you know may be: –Talking about wanting to die –Looking for a way to kill him or herself –Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain –Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose –Talking about being a burden to others –Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs –Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly

Signs of Suicide –Sleeping too little or too much –Withdrawing or feeling isolated –Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge –Displaying extreme mood swings The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk that he or she may be considering suicide. Seek professional help immediately. (continued)

Seek Help Immediately Self-destructive behavior or thinking (especially thoughts of suicide), require immediate attention. –If you experience such thoughts or feelings, call your EAP. They’re available 24/7. –Or, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline’s toll-free number, which is also available 24/7, at TALK (8255). This service is available to everyone. –You may call for yourself or for someone you care about. All calls are confidential.

Treatment for Depression － Psychotherapy (talk therapy) - Cognitive - Interpersonal - Behavioral - Psychodynamic － Medication (changes brain chemistry) - Antidepressants; mood stabilizers － Combination of psychotherapy + medication

Helping Others If someone in your life is showing signs of depression, you can help them by: –Urging him or her to get professional help. –Offering emotional support, understanding, patience, and encouragement. –Listening without judgment. –Encouraging him or her to keep active, both physically and socially. –Being alert for suicide warning signs.

Getting Help － If depression becomes overwhelming for you or someone you know, or if it gets in the way of living life fully, talk to a mental health professional or a physician to start the first steps of moving ahead—and away from depression. － You deserve to have a full and happy life, so seek help when you need it.

Avoiding Depression Here are some simple tips that may help you avoid the biochemical, emotional, and psychological factors that can contribute to milder forms of depression. –Get plenty of physical activity, especially aerobic activity—brisk walking, running, biking, etc. –Get quality sleep –Manage stress through breathing and relaxation techniques –Add more social activity to your week

Avoiding Depression –Find activities that get you out and make you feel good about yourself—sports teams, adult education classes, etc. –Avoid alcohol and other recreational drugs— drugs taken to “escape,” or to artificially elevate your mood, rather than those used for medicinal purposes –Volunteer—this can get you “out of yourself”— not as concerned with your own problems—and it can put you into a more social environment

Remember － Know the signs and symptoms of depression. － Manage your stress. － Practice healthy living. － Give support to loved ones, friends, and coworkers. － Seek help and consultation, especially if your symptoms are overwhelming or you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide.

Remember Employee Assistance Program (EAP) Help Available All Day, Every Day. You have an with Contact your HR department to find out how to contact your EAP.