1. Negative Feelings
Sadness – list 2 or 3 things that bring unhappiness to your life
Anger – list 2 or 3 things that create anger in your life
Guilt – list 2 or 3 things that bring guilty feelings

2. Positive Feelings
Fun and pleasure – list 2 or 3 things that you enjoy doing
Contentment – list 2 or 3 things that help you feel peaceful
Joy – list 2 or 3 things that you may have to work at but bring you positive feelings for a long time

3. Locus of Control
Look over the list of “things” you created and underline those over which you have no control.
Circle those things that you have control over.
Which do you have more control over? The positive feelings or the negative feelings?

4. External Locus of Control
Allowing those things that you don’t have control over to dominate your life.

5. Internal Locus of Control
Taking responsibility for everything that happens to you.

6. “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 E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

7. Signs of 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.

8. Signs of Depression
When a depressed state persists for several weeks, then deepens and starts interfering with everyday life it becomes an illness. Depressive illness brings about changes in a person’s mood, behaviour, and thinking.

9. Types of Depression
Psychological – caused by thoughts and behaviours that can corrected through therapy. A trained counsellor or psychologist can provide therapy.
Clinical – caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Can be treated via medication. Only a doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

10. Types of Depression
There is no test to determine which depression somebody is suffering from. There are indicators, though, such as:
Family history of depression or
feeling depressed when things are going well
If you are suffering from depression, you may try therapy first. If that doesn’t work you may then see a doctor or psychiatrist.

11. Signs of Depression Feeling sad or irritable
Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
Changes in weight or appetite
Changes in sleep pattern
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness, helplessness
Inability to concentrate or make decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Restlessness or decreased activity
Feeling physical aches and pains
Thoughts of death or suicide

12. Treating Depression
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. They include:
Counselling
Medications
Psychotherapy
Self-help groups
Support groups

13. Signs of Suicide
If depression goes unrecognized or is ignored, those with depression may become vulnerable to suicide. There are warning signs that a person may be suicidal. They are categorized as behavioural and verbal.

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

15. 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

16. If you are concerned that somebody may be suicidal, 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 to your doctor
Talk to your pastoral counsellor
Call the local Canadian Mental Health Association office
Book an appointment with a social worker or psychiatrist
Find out more information about depression