Understanding Depression

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

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.

Postpartum Depression

15% of women report depression within three months of delivery

Women with a prior history of depression are at greater risk

Postpartum “blues” or “baby blues” is normal mild feeling of being down, tearful lasts for only a day or so

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!

Causes of Depression

Depression can be caused by one or more of the following:

Imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain

Triggered by stress, medication or other medical problems

Certain personality factors or genetic traits

Who suffers from Depression

Depression can effect anyone but there is a significantly higher rate of depression among women than men.

17 million Americans develop depression each year.

8.6% of adults over 18 have a mental health problem for at least 2 weeks a year.

What is Depression?

Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts

It impacts the way a person functions socially, at work, and in relationships.

It is more than feeling blue, down in the dumps or sad about a particular issue or situation.

It is a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment

What Depression IS

TREATABLE

No matter what the cause of a persons depression, there is treatment and it is widely available!!

What Depression is NOT:

It is not something to be ashamed of.

It is NOT a character flaw or sign of weakness.

No one with depression can just “Snap Out of It”.

You can’t “Pull yourself up by your bootstraps”.

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

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

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

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

Common Types of Depression

Major DepressionDysthymiaBipolar DisorderSeasonal Affective Disorder

(SAD)

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

Dysthymia

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

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

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.

Professional treatment is necessary for all these types

of depression.

Treatment for Depression

Medication Antidepressants can help ease the

symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming.

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

If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression…

Take Action!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Helping a depressed friend…

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