1. Clinical Depression is a Medical Problem
ISMAIL Korme, LICSW, LCSW-C
Community Mental Health Awareness Series
OCO, Washington DC
09/29/2015

2. Disclaimer
The purpose of this presentation is not to provide a medical advice or professional counseling with Specific diagnosis. Rather it is to educate, create awareness and identify resources . If you think you can relate to some of the symptoms of depression discussed in this presentation, you should seek help from your Primary care provider or a therapist. Resources are provided on the last page of this presentation.

3. Goals and Objectives
To educate our self and the community as to why Depression is a mental health issue
To understand the impact of the stigma associated with Mental illness
To identify resources for those who are seeking treatment

4. True or False Depression is a form of Mental illness
Only weak people gets depressed
Females have higher rates of depression than males
Depression does not run in the family
Only adults can get depressed
Talking about depression can only makes it worse
Ans.: True, False, True, False, False, False.

5. Easy to explain physical complaints
Culturally it is easy to point out what exactly is wrong with parts of our body below our neck

6. Human Brain
But inside our head it is different story. In many culture it is a taboo subject to discuss or they have spiritual or supernatural explanation to what goes on inside our head. With the advancement biological science and imaging technologies however the experts can now tell us what part of the brain has a problem and what needs to be done to correct the problem

7. Images of a Depressed Person

8. The image of Depressed brain
Comparing two brain images .

9. Definition
Depression is a mood disorder. It is an impairment associated with social, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Depression can be a normal reaction to situation but can be also be disabling.

10. Facts
World wide there are more than 350 million people who are suffering from some sort of depression.( Source: WHO) About 9 % of American adults suffer from some form of depression. Married women are more likely to be depressed than unmarried women.

11. Physical symptoms Fatigue Memory loss Sleep problems
Trouble concentrating
Weight gain or loss
Headaches
Backaches
Muscle aches
Chest pain
Joint pain

12. Emotional Symptoms Crying Staying in bed all day and more
Frowning all the time
Feeling sad
Lacking energy
Lacking interest in activities
Sleeping or eating too much
Agitation and restlessness
Craving for carbohydrates
Anhedonia
Inability to concentrate or think
Feeling of worthlessness
Feeling of hopelessness
Suicidal ideation

13. Types of Depression
Major Depression- Five or more serious symptoms of depression for more than two weeks
Persistent Depressive Disorder- Depression lasting two years or longer
Bipolar Disorder- Mood swing between high energy and low energy episodes
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- usually happens during the winter season
Psychotic Depression- Person with both psychotic and depression at the same time
Postpartum Depression- Women exhibiting symptoms of Depression after childbirth ( before?)
Premenstrual Dysphonic Disorder (PMDD)- Depression at the start of menstrual period
'Situational' Depression- Depression when confronted with a very stressful situation
Atypical Depression- Symptoms are usually different from other types of depression
discussed above

14. Treatment of Depression
Talk therapy Medication Combination of two or more treatments Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) Light therapy Web-based/smart phone apps intervention Collaboration with other professionals Eat balanced diet and count your calories Relaxation techniques Physical activity

15. Other remedies Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) Herbal Holy water
Self help (exercise, relaxation, prayers)
Support groups

16. Self medication
Alcohol and other addictive substance use; which is eventually self destructive over time if used to treat depression

17. Professional Service Providers
Psychologists
Psychiatrists
Clinical Social Workers
Professional Counselors
Other Health Professionals

18. Other Providers
Spiritual leaders
Faith healers

19. Stigma
The shame of being hospitalized for mental illness The stigma of caring the diagnosis of major mental illness The isolation the person imposes on himself The isolation the society imposes on the person

20. In Summary
3 must do’s when one is inflicted with a disabling emotional illness:
1- Seek professional treatment
2-Seek disability benefits
3- Seek support groups

21. Web Sources http://dbh.dc.gov/ http://dhmh.maryland.gov/