1. More than just a “mood swing”
A closer look at:
Depression
More than just a “mood swing”
Power point by: Hayley Jones

2. Depression is...
Not something to be taken lightly. It is an illness that needs recognition and treatment, the sooner the better
An illness that can vary from person to person in it’s effects on the mind/body
A mental illness with no strong relation to poor types of diet that cause other types of diseases/illnesses
Not something caused by careless acts, but instead is known to creep upon its “victims” slowly and unexpectedly
Often triggered by an event in one’s life or a series of events that are not the most pleasant but instead, well quite depressing
Examples: Trauma, Stress, Critical illness, Failure
Often seen more in families with a history of depression within their genetic makeup

3. It is important to keep in mind...
Depression also has different levels and types, as it is a mental illness and no two minds think exactly alike
Low level depression (often caused by low self esteem)
Major depressive disorder,
Bipolar disorder
Postpartum depression
To be very clear, depression is more than a state of mind but involves chemical changes and imbalances within the brain called neurotransmitters
Depression is not caused by ones life alone

4. Horrible Misconception:
Depression is often considered a “weakness” or a disease
It is also often considered a dramatization of bad mood changes or “the blues”
These misconceptions/assumptions of the general public and those depressed make those depressed unable to recognize, evaluate or seek treatment of their condition.
These misconceptions can also be very harmful to those depressed because when depressed, without treatment depression can lead to suicide or life condemned by the mental illness
***Do not consider depression a personal weakness or fault. It is a critical illness that needs to be treated!

5. Depression Symptons are...
Very varied from patient to patient but can include:
-Self loathing
-Irritability
-Aches and pains (caused by more severe depression)
-Sleep changes
-Appetite or weight changes
-Loss of interest in daily activities
-Feeling of hopelessness
-Feeling of helplessness
-Loss of energy
-Thoughts of death or suicide
-Sadness, Anxiety, “Empty” feelings
-Difficulty concentrating

6. Depression Statistics:
Depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States
Almost 10% of Americans are affected each year, that’s almost 19 million people
10%-25% of women will struggle with depression within their lifetime
5%-12% of men will struggle with depression within their lifetime
More and more young children are showing signs of depression at an earlier age than past years

7. Depression Treatment:
Because depression is a mental illness, different treatments work on different people
Anti-depressants are prescribed by doctors for different cases of depression to balance the chemicals within the brain
Therapy and Counseling both can help a great deal with treatment, mainly known as Psychotherapy
Cognitive therapy is also a therapeutic method for depression treatment
***If someone suspects they have depression, early treatment by a doctor decreases the length/severity of the illness a great deal

8. Avoid it!
Because depression is such a diverse illness, no single set of steps will ensure a person from never developing depression
However, some common things can be done to avoid depression including:
Leading a healthy lifestyle:
Eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise
Developing a steady sleep routine
Keeping up a large social support network
Going outside or participating in various activities, being involved in something
Finding something in life that one can be passionate about and find joy in
Treating ones self with respect and care, if this is hard than therapy can prove beneficial
Being aware of any signs of depression and talking about it with a trusted friend or doctor

9. Sources for becoming informed:
There are many, many websites that deal out depression information, most of which are trustworthy places to visit. Here are a few that are guaranteed to be 100% factual:
I also found that depression.com, depression.about.com, and many others were sites worth checking out
Another valuable source for depression information is a local doctor or specialist clinic

10. School/Community Resources
How can each of the following provide help?
Counselor
Teacher
Coach
Clergy member
Physician
Friend or family member
Reliable Help-lines or Websites

11. School/Community Resources
How can each of the following provide help?
Counselor
Teacher
Coach
Clergy member
Physician
Friend or family member
Reliable Help-lines or Websites

12. School/Community Resources
How can each of the following provide help?
Counselor
Teacher
Coach
Clergy member
Physician
Friend or family member
Reliable Help-lines or Websites