Anxiety and Teen Depression Becoming a Resilient Teen Lesson 7

What is Anxiety? The condition of feeling uneasy or worried about what may happen –Sometimes can have positive results, such as motivation or keeping you alert in a risky situation –Other times, anxiety can get in the way of a person’s performance Possible Symptoms: fear, sweating, trembling, muscle tension, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, lightheadedness

Managing Anxiety Stress management techniques –Redirecting your energy –Relaxation exercises –Physical activity –Support from friends and family

Depression A prolonged feeling of helplessness, hopelessness and sadness It is normal to feel occasional sadness that may last a few days but depression lasts longer and is much stronger –Reactive Depression: a response to a stressful event Most of the time it eventually goes away as the person finds a way to manage the event that caused it –Major Depression: medical condition requiring treatment More severe and longer lasting than reactive depression May develop from reactive depression Could be a chemical imbalance in the brain or genetic tendency

Symptoms of Teen Depression Irritable or restless mood Withdrawal from friends Withdrawal from activities that were previously enjoyable or important Change in appetite Change in weight Feelings of guilt or worthlessness Sense of hopelessness It is important to note that many people experience these symptoms once in a while. That is normal. However, it is NOT normal to experience multiple symptoms for two or more weeks. If this is the case professional help is needed

Getting Help When anxiety or depression begins to interfere with life, it’s time to seek help! Both are very treatable Talk with a trusted adult, counselor, school psychologist or other health care professional if you are experience moderate anxiety or depression

Being a Resilient Teen Resiliency: ability to adapt effectively and recover from disappointment, difficulty and crisis –Ability to handle adversity –Achieve long term success in spite of circumstances

Factors that Affect Resiliency External Factors –Family, school, community, opportunities –Little control over these factors BUT you can work to strengthen them Internal Factors –Ones you control –Attitudes, perceptions, behaviors –Commitment to learning: being engaged in your education increases self esteem and gives you a sense of belonging to the school community –Positive Values: reflected in words and actions –Social Competency: empathy and friendship skills, ability to resist negative peer pressure (often times these come naturally but other times people need to work hard at this if it was not taught to them growing up) –Positive Identity: sense of control over yourself, indicates a positive self esteem and sense of purpose, likely to have a positive view of future

Protective Factors Conditions that shield individuals from the negative consequences of exposure to risk –Can reduce harmful effects of difficult situations

FACT OR FICTION????? Debunking the MYTHS about Depression

Depression is hurtful but not a major medical condition. FICTION It is a serious medical condition that can interrupt a person’s daily functioning.

If your parent and grandparent had depression, you’re sure to get it eventually. FICTION Although depression does run in families (heredity) it is not inevitable that you will develop it as well.

Only emotionally troubled people become depressed. FICTION Depression affects people from all walks of life, not just people with previous emotional troubles.

Most people with depression never go to a mental health professional. FACT Only 39% of people with severe depression see a mental health professional.

Depression is most common in elderly people. FICTION Depression is not a normal part of aging. However, ill health, medication side effects, social isolation, and financial troubles can trigger depression in elderly people

Depression causes physical pain. FACT Depression causes both emotional and physical pain.

Talking about depression only makes it worse. FICTION Different types of psychotherapy, or talk therapy, have been proven effective in treating depression.

Being optimistic can cure depression. FICTION Depression is debilitating. Most people with the disorder will require treatment to get better. Few can will themselves to get well through positive thinking.