1. Lesson 5 - Depression Learning Objectives:
Understand what depression is
Compare medical depression to ‘feeling down’.

2. Robbie Williams (singer-songwriter)
“Depression isn't about, 'Woe is me, my life is this, that and the other', it's like having the worst flu all day that you just can't kick.”

3. Marian Keys (author)
“I know of people who don't believe it, but depression is an illness, but unlike, say, a broken leg, you don't know when it'll get better.”

4. Why do people develop clinical depression?
job loss
bullied
bereavement

5. Signs and symptoms of depression
PSYCHOLOGICAL SYMPTOMS
Continuous low mood or sadness
Feeling hopeless and helpless
Having low self-esteem 
Feeling tearful or irritable
Not wanting to be with people
Having no motivation or interest in things
Finding it difficult to make decisions
Finding it hard to cope with everyday things
Feeling anxious
Using alcohol or drugs to cope with feelings
Having thoughts of harming yourself
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Moving or speaking more slowly than usual 
Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased) 
Unexplained aches and pains
lack of energy, always feeling tired
Feeling restless or agitated
Changes to menstrual cycle
Disturbed sleep (for example, finding it hard to fall asleep at night, or waking up very early in the morning)

6. If you think you might be suffering from depression… get help
Talk to someone (friend, parent, teacher)
Make an appointment with a doctor
The Samaritans can be phoned 24/7:

7. Suicide – key points
Most people with diagnosed depression do not take their lives
People who express suicidal thoughts are very unwell – immediate medical help is needed
Suicide devastates families and communities
People do not ‘commit suicide’ – they are not criminals
The Samaritans can be phoned 24/7:

8. Learning Outcomes
You should have an understanding of what depression is, as well as the signs and symptoms.
You should understand the difference between medical depression and ‘feeling down’.
You should have an understanding of what is appropriate and what is inappropriate to say to someone with medical depression

10. Mental Health Services Available in My School