1. Depression

2. Quick Write!
Make a list of 5 characteristics you really like about yourself.
These characteristics help you to maintain your balance, confidence and well-being during turbulent times in your life.
How do these characteristics keep you happy?

3. Negative & Positive Feelings
That’s right, we are talking about feelings!

4. We can’t feel happy and positive all the time.
As a matter of fact, negative events and feelings in our lives help us to appreciate the happy times. If you block out all the negative, you have a hard time feeling happy.

5. Feelings Graphs
What does depression look like on a chart?

6. Normal
Happy
Unhappy

7. Depression
Lasts longer than one week
Happy
Unhappy

8. Depression
Everyone experiences unhappiness, and many people become depressed temporarily. These feelings are normal and relatively short lived; this is not the case with depressive illness.
When a depressed state persists for several weeks, then deepens and eventually starts interfering with work and everyday life it becomes an illness. Depressive illness brings about changes in a person’s mood, behaviour and thinking.

9. Definitions
Psychological depression – caused by thoughts and behaviours that can be corrected through therapy. A trained counsellor or psychologist can provide therapy.
Clinical depression – caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. This kind of depression can be helped by medicine. Only a doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe antidepressants.
There is no test to determine which type of depression a person is suffering from

10. Signs to look for: Feelings of sadness or irritability
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in weight or appetite
Changes in sleeping pattern
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness or worthlessness
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Restlessness or decreased activity
Complaints of physical aches and pains
Thoughts of death or suicide

11. Treatment
Depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. There are many treatments available that may be used, alone or in combination, to help people lead normal lives:
Counselling
Medications
Psychotherapy
Self-help groups
Support groups

12. Suicide
If depression goes unrecognized or is ignored, those with depression may become vulnerable to suicide.

13. Behavioural Signs of Suicide
Noticeable and sudden changes in behaviour
Signs of depression
Increased use of alcohol and drugs
Making final arrangements
Giving away valued possessions

14. Verbal Signs of Suicide
Expressions of helplessness and hopelessness
Talking or joking about suicide
Talking about a specific suicide plan
Talking about having access to the means of killing oneself

15. If You Recognize the Signs of Suicide
What Should You Do?
If You Recognize the Signs of Suicide

16. Take Action! Be observant Reach out to the person Ask about suicide
Show respect
Be actively involved
Determine risk
Offer support
Get help!

17. Help is Available!! Talk with your family and friends
Talk with your doctor
Talk with your pastoral counsellor
Call your local Canadian Mental Health Association office
Book an appointment with a social worker or psychiatrist
Find out more information about depression

18. How Do You Achieve Peace & Contentment in Life??
Peace and contentment usually come from making good choices and feeling in control of your life.
While you may not be able to control people and events around you, your are in total control of your reaction to them. You have total control over your thoughts and actions. You can feel contented and peaceful regardless of what is going on around you.

19. Internal Locus of Control
“Any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him – mentally and spiritually. The last inner freedom cannot be lost. It can be said that they were worthy of their sufferings; the way they bore their suffering was genuine inner achievement. It is this spiritual freedom – which cannot be taken away – that makes life meaningful and purposeful.”
Victor Frankl, a Jew in a German Concentration Camp