2. What causes Depression?
Family History
Having family members who have
depression may increase a person’s
risk
Deficiencies of certain chemicals in
the brain may lead to depression
3. Major Life Changes
Negative or
particularly stressful
events can trigger
depression.
Examples include the
death of a loved one
or a job change.
Major Illnesses such
as heart attack,
stroke or cancer may
trigger depression.
4. 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 at all!
5. Symptoms of Depression
Vary from person to
person
2 key signs are loss of
interest in things you
like to do, and
pervasive sadness or
irritability
6. Additional Signs include:
Changes in feelings such as:
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
7. Changes in behavior and
attitude
These may include:
General slowing down
Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
Poor memory
Inability to concentrate
Suicidal thoughts and feelings
Difficulty making decisions
8. Physical Complaints
These may include:
Sleep disturbances such as
insomnia, early morning waking,
or sleeping too much
Lack of energy
Loss of appetite
Weight loss or gain
Unexplained headaches or
backaches
Stomachaches, indigestion or
changes in bowl habits
9. Common Types of Depression
Major Depression
Dysthymia
Bipolar Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
10. Major Depression
This type causes symptoms that may:
Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss,
crisis or stressful change
Interfere with normal functioning
Continue for months or years
It is possible for a person to have only one
episode of major depression. However, It is
more common for episodes to be long lasting
or to recur several times during a person’s life
11. Dysthymia
People with this illness may be
consistently and mildly depressed
for years. They function fairly well
on a daily basis, but their
relationships and self esteem suffer
over time.
12. Bipolar Disorder (A.K.A. Manic-Depression)
People with this type of illness change back and
forth between periods of depression and periods
of mania (an extreme high, sometimes with
agitation or irritability).
Symptoms of mania may include:
Less need for sleep
Overconfidence
Racing thoughts
Reckless behavior
Increased energy
Mood changes are often gradual, but can be
sudden
13. Season Affective Disorder
This is depression that coincides with
changes in the season. Most cases
begin in the fall or winter, when there is
a decrease in sunlight
(more common in regions
farther north)
Less often, depression
can occur in late Spring
or summer
15. Psychotherapy
Counseling can help many depressed people
understand, accept and feel better about
themselves. People also learn more effective
ways of coping with life’s adversities and
difficulties. For example:
Interpersonal therapy works to change how
people how to accept self and relate to
others that affects mood and self-worth.
Cognitive therapy helps people change
negative thinking, behavior patterns and
attitudes that affect self esteem and overall
sense of well being.
16. Medical Treatment for Depression
Medication
Antidepressants are an option (most often for
more severe cases) that can help ease the
symptoms of depression and return a person
to a better level of functioning. Medication is
often crucial for cases of bipolar (typically a
mood stabilizer).
Antidepressants are
not habit forming and
generally have minimal
side effects.
17. If you or someone you know
has symptoms of
depression…
Take Action!
18. See a medical doctor for a complete
check up. Some medical problems,
such as an under-functioning thyroid,
can cause depression.
Go to the counseling center and talk
with a professional counselor.
Talk things over with an under-
standing friend, family member
or student services staff.
19. Don’t expect too much of yourself until
your energy and mood improve
Take a break
Get some exercise
Avoid extra stress and big changes
20. 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
Establish a regular sleep
pattern
21. Obtain an adequate and consistent amount
of sleep—not too much, nor too little
Seek emotional support from family and
friends
Focus on meaningful, positive aspects of your
life
Pace yourself, modify your schedule, and set
small, realistic goals
Remember, depression is
a temporary difficulty, not
a reflection of your whole
life or self worth.
22. Things to Avoid
Don’t make long-term commitments or
important decisions unless necessary while you
are feeling down
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-take some action to cope
Don’t be critical of yourself; avoid critical others
23. Dealing with a depressed friend
Be empathic and understanding
Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person—it
can feel minimizing. Simply ask if there is
anything you can do to help—the answer will
often be “no,” but the support will be felt.
Avoid critical or shaming statements
Challenge expressions of hopelessness
Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief,
anger and frustration (other feelings will come
in time)
24. Don’t argue about how bad things are
or are not
Don’t insist that depression or sadness
is not warranted for their situation
Don’t react with anger even though your
efforts to help may be resisted or
rejected
Helping a depressed friend…
25. Helping a depressed
friend…
Advocate for their recovery—
convey hope
Emphasize that depression is very treatable
Seek consultation (professional counselors
from the counseling center are always glad to
consult—by phone or in person).
Encourage your friend to seek help; offer to
go with them to the counseling center
Be supportive of counselor or other doctor
suggestions