1. STAND UP Stress and Depression
Presentation by
Alexandria Wise-Rankovic, M.S.
Clinical Psychology
Dr. Tina Lepage
Licensed Clinical Psychologist

2. Today’s Discussion Stress – What it is and how it’s triggered
Depression – It’s symptoms and what to do
Suicide – How to identify it
Feeling Happy – Not just for the lucky ones
Resilience – Bouncing back
Resources – Where to go
Questions and Answers – From the audience

3. Have you or your friend said…?
“I’m depressed.”
“I can’t stop crying.”
“I am so stressed out. I can’t take it.”
“You don’t understand how I feel.”
“Life just isn’t worthwhile.”

4. Have you or a friend felt like this…?
I don’t enjoy doing the things I used to enjoy.
I just want to roll over in the morning and stay in bed all day, or I wake up earlier than I want.
I don’t want to eat or I can’t stop eating lately.
I just don’t care about anything or anyone anymore.
I feel worthless.
I feel irritable and frustrated.
I feel like nothing will ever get better.

5. What is stress?
Stress is a normal reaction to frustrations that happen in one’s everyday life.
Stress can feel like you are losing control.
You can feel overwhelmed and tired.
It may be too hard to complete everything you set out to do.
You may feel burned out.

6. Types of stress Holiday stress or “blues” School stress
“The holidays are too busy and stressful.”
School stress
“I got a bad grade on my test.”
Relationship stress
“I think my friend is mad at me.”
Family stress
“My parents make me so mad.”

7. Everyday stress triggers
Feeling rejected
Bad feelings about one’s body
Having an argument with mom or dad
Schoolwork is piling up or is hard
Pressure from friends or boyfriend/girlfriend
Confusing messages about sex

8. What to do about stress Internal stress External stress
Worry
Anxiety
Doubt
Feeling helpless
External stress
People around us who are stressed or depressed
Events outside of our control
You can’t control external stress!
But the feeling of stress can control you if you don’t have the right tools.

9. Stress Tools Tools to beat stress: Get a good night’s rest
Exercise daily
Ask for help
Talk to your parents and friends (get it out!)
Take a break from what you are doing.
Think stress-buster thoughts:
It will be better tomorrow.
This may not feel so bad later on.
I can get through this!

10. What is depression? There are different types of depression
Major depression
Dysthymia
Reactive depression
Manic depression (aka Bipolar depression)
All of these involve feeling sad or blue.
There is Clinical Depression and “feeling depressed”
10-15% of teenagers have symptoms of depression
5% of teenagers have Major Depression

11. Symptoms of Depression
Depressed mood most of the day nearly everyday
You may feel irritable or you may cry easily
Less interest in and fun doing things you used to enjoy
Increased or decreased appetite
Can’t fall asleep or can’t get enough sleep
Feeling restless or very slowed down
Lack of energy nearly everyday
Feeling worthless or guilty about something
Hard to make decisions
Thinking about death or hurting yourself

12. Physical signs of stress and depression
Chest pain
Neck, Face, and Shoulder Pain
Stomach Pain
Difficulty Swallowing, Shortness of Breath
Dry Mouth
Shaking
Sleep Difficulties
Headaches

13. What to do about depression
Talk with someone you trust
Tell your parents or school counselor
Get help early
Take extra care of yourself during these times
Stay away from alcohol and drugs
Remind yourself that it can get better

14. Suicide It is the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents.
Things that increase the risk:
Teens who don’t get help for depression or anxiety
Alcohol and substance abuse (such as beer, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, prescription pills and more)
Previous suicide attempt
Feelings of hopelessness about life and feelings of shame about mental illness
Feeling alone and isolated from other people

15. Help for those at risk of suicide
Talk to a professional psychologist, therapist, or counselor
Seek treatment for alcohol and substance abuse disorders
Get support from family and friends
Learn problem solving skills from parents or professionals
Believe in the reasons to stay alive and healthy: your family, your friends, your religious beliefs, your future.

16. Feeling Happy It’s not easy for all people to be happy.
Make time in your day to laugh and be with friends.
Keep a positive attitude about life.
Think: The glass is half-full, not half-empty.
Take a deep breath and remember that tomorrow is another day!

18. Resources On the web Got Bounce? Resilience for Teens Books to read
Got Bounce? Resilience for Teens
Books to read
Depression: What It Is, How to Beat It (Teen Issues) by Linda Wasmer Smith
An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D. 

19. www.lepageassociates.com Click on Resources