1. Helping a Friend
Dealing with Depression
Home Base
February 2, 2018

2. What is Depression?
People use the word Depression in many different ways. Everyone feels sad or blue when bad things happen. Usually people only feel sad or blue for a short time. However, sometimes people feel sad for two or more weeks. This kind of depression is called major depression.

3. What does major depression look like?
Changes in eating habits, which may lead to weight loss or weight gain
Withdrawing from family or friends
Snap at people they care about, behave irritably, or pick fights with others
Decline in school grades because of incomplete, missing work, or missing school
Use alcohol or other drugs to deal with emotional symptoms
Complain of tiredness while sleeping more than usual
An unusually sad mood
Loss of enjoyment in activities they previously enjoyed
Low energy or tiredness
Feeling worthless or guilty
Difficulty concentrating

4. Encourage them to get professional help when needed.
How you can help:
Encourage them to get professional help when needed.
Everyone feels sad or down once in a while, but it is important to recognize that professional help is needed for depression that lasts longer than two weeks and is affecting their functioning in daily life. Suggest they talk to:
Family doctor
Therapist or counselor
Social Worker
Psychologist/Psychologist
Give reassurance and support Tell your friend that you are there to help as much as you can. Let them know that you will support and be there as much as you can. Encourage to maintain hope by saying that with time and help things will get better.
Listen Try not to judge your friend when you are talking about how they feel. Ask how your friend is feeling and how long they have been feeling sad or depressed. If you feel your friend need immediate help, take them to a trusted adult- parents, teachers, counselor, church leader or neighbor.

5. Where Else Can I Find Help?
Local Resources
Available 24/7
Professional Help
Available on your phone

6. Safe UT is a vital resource for someone in a crisis
Safe UT is a vital resource for someone in a crisis. DO NOT send in prank or false tips!
Someone’s life may depend upon speedy access to help. Pranks waste time and resources.

7. Anyone else who can help?
Teachers School Counselors School Administration School Resource Officer Trusted Adults
Please don’t be afraid to ask for help!

8. Remember Depression is a real illness
11/17/2018 6:01 PM
Remember
Depression is a real illness
People with depression can get help
Listening is one of the best things you can do to help
Get help when you need it
Things do get better with time and help from a professional
© 2014 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

9. 11/17/2018 6:01 PM
Resources
Parents, Teachers, Counselors, Law Enforcement, Doctors, etc.
Crisis Lines
© 2014 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS, IMPLIED OR STATUTORY, AS TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS PRESENTATION.

10. Finally
Happy Ground Hog Day!
GO MINUTEMEN!
BEAT SOUTH!

11. Thank You!