1. Understanding Depression

2. What causes Depression?
Family History
Having a family members who has depression may increase a person’s risk
Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain may lead to depression

3. Major Life Changes
Positive or negative events can trigger depression. Examples include the death of a loved one or a promotion.
Major Illnesses such as heart attack, stroke or cancer may trigger depression.

4. Certain medications used alone or in combination can cause side effects much like the symptoms of depression.
Use of Alcohol or other Drugs can lead to or worsen depression.
Depression can also occur for no apparent reason!

5. Symptoms of Depression
Vary from person to person
2 key signs are loss of interest in things you like to do and sadness or irritability

6. Additional Signs include:
Changes in feelings which may include:
Feeling empty
Inability to enjoy anything
Hopelessness
Loss of sexual desire
Loss of warm feelings for family or friends
Feelings of self blame or guilt
Loss of self esteem
Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or irritability

7. Changes in behavior and attitude
These may include:
General slowing down
Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
Poor memory
Inability to concentrate
Suicidal thoughts, feelings or behaviors
Difficulty making decisions

8. Physical Complaints These may include:
Sleep disturbances such as early morning waking, sleeping too much or insomnia
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Weight loss or gain
Unexplained headaches or backaches
Stomachaches, indigestion or changes in bowl habits

9. Common Types of Depression
Major Depression
Dysthymia
Bipolar Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

10. Major Depression This type causes symptoms that may:
Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss, crisis or change
Interfere with normal functioning
Continue for months or years
It is possible for a person to have only one episode of major depression. It is more common for episodes to be long lasting or to occur several times during a person’s life

11. Dysthymia
People with this illness are mildly depressed for years. They function fairly well on a daily basis but their relationships suffer over time.

12. Bipolar Disorder
People with this type of illness change back and forth between periods of depression and periods of mania (an extreme high).
Symptoms of mania may include:
Less need for sleep
Overconfidence
Racing thoughts
Reckless behavior
Increased energy
Mood changes are usually gradual, but can be sudden

13. Season Affective Disorder
This is a depression that results from changes in the season. Most cases begin in the fall or winter, or when there is a decrease in sunlight.

14. Professional treatment is necessary for all these types of depression.

15. Treatment for Depression
Medication
Antidepressants can help ease the symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming.

16. Psychotherapy
This can help many depressed people understand themselves and cope with their problems. For example:
Interpersonal therapy works to change relationships that affect depression
Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people change negative thinking and behavior patterns

17. If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression…
Take Action!

18. See a doctor for a complete check up.
Go to the counseling center and talk to a counselor.
Talk things over with a friend, family member or a residential life staff member.

19. Don’t expect too much of yourself
Take a break
Get some exercise
Avoid extra stress and big changes

20. Things to do Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol or drugs
Exercise or engage in some form of physical activity
Eat a proper, well-balanced diet

21. Obtain an adequate amount of sleep
Seek emotional support from family and friends
Focus on positive aspects of your life
Pace yourself, modify your schedule, and set realistic goals

22. Things to Avoid
Don’t make long-term commitments or important decisions unless necessary
Don’t assume things are hopeless
Don’t engage in “emotional reasoning” (i.e.: because I feel awful, my life is terrible)
Don’t assume responsibility for events which are outside of your control
Don’t avoid treatment as a way of coping

23. Intervening with a depressed friend
Be empathetic and understanding
Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person
Avoid critical or shaming statements
Challenge expressions of hopelessness
Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief, anger and frustration

24. Helping a depressed friend…
Don’t argue about how bad things are
Don’t insist that depression or sadness are the wrong feelings to be experiencing
Don’t become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected

25. Helping a depressed friend…
Advocate for their recovery from depression
Emphasize that depression is treatable
Seek consultation
Encourage them to seek help, go with them to the counseling center
Be supportive of counselor or doctor suggestions