Understand the impact of depression

1. Identifying
Depression

2. Course Objectives
• Identify the signs and symptoms of depression
• Recognize the difference between depression
and typical sadness
• Understand the impact the depression can
have on daily life
• Identify various methods for treatment and self
help

3. Introductions
Please tell us your name,
where you work and
share one thing that you
believe is a symptom of
depression

4. 10%
of the US population 18 and older is
affected each year by depression
80%
of depressed people are not
currently participating in treatment
Let’s look at the numbers…

5. Let’s Talk Statistics
• Depression affects approximately 9.5% of the
US population 18 and older each year
• Twice as many women as men experience
depression
• 15% of depressed people will commit suicide
• 54% believe that depression is a personal
weakness

6. WHAT IS
DEPRESSION?

7. Depression is an
illness that can
challenge your
ability to perform
routine daily
activities. At its
worst, depression
may lead to
contemplation of or
committing suicide

8. John’s view of Depression
johns depression

9. S o what exac tly is
depres s ion and how
is it different from
jus t being unhappy?
Depression lasts longer than 2 weeks.
Depression has specific symptoms.
Unhappiness is a short-lived response.

10. Depression & The Blues
DEPRESSION THE BLUES
• An illness • A normal reaction
• Multiple to life situations
Symptoms: • Single symptom:
moods, thoughts, mood
bodily functions • Temporary
• Persists • Rarely produces
• Can result in suicidal thoughts
suicide • Requires a good
• Requires specific listener/or time to
medical/psychiatric heal
treatment

11. What is depression?
• Clinical Depression is a medical condition
that affects a person’s mood, thoughts,
behaviors, and body
• It changes the way that a person thinks,
feels and acts.
• It can seriously affect your work, personal
life, and the lives of others.

12. Types of Depression
• Major Depression – characterized by a deep
sense of sadness or unhappiness and a lack of
interest in things you used to enjoy such as
hobbies, friends, or sex
• Bipolar Disorder - characterized by alternating
periods of depression and elation. The high
periods are called mania

13. Causes of Depression
• Complex – no clear cause
• Genetic, biological & environmental factors can
contribute
• Biochemical factors - neurotransmitters

14. Contributing Factors
• Heredity
• Personality
• Environmental Factors
• Situations
• Medical Conditions
• Medications
• Substance Abuse

15. Risk Factors for
Depression
• Female Sex
• Advanced age
• Lower socioeconomic
status
• Recent stressful life
experience
• Chronic medical
condition
• Family history/Genetics

16. Risk Factors for Children
In addition to the
previous…
• Continued mental or
emotional stress, at
home or school
• Recent loss
• Attention, learning, or
conduct disorder
• Obesity

17. DIAGNOSING DEPRESSION
• A thorough medical and
psychiatric history
• A complete psychiatric
evaluation which includes a
review of your symptoms,
current life stresses,
treatment history, personal
and family history, a risk
assessment and a thorough
examination of your thoughts
and feelings.

18. EMOTIONAL IMPACT
• Emotionally, you may experience:
• Sadness
• Irritability
• Isolation
• Loss of motivation
• Hopelessness
• Suicidal Thinking
• Anxiety
• Poor Self Esteem

19. PHYSICAL IMPACT
• You may Experience
• Fatigue – Body Slows Down
• Sleep Disturbance
• Appetite Disturbance
• Lowered Sex Drive
• Aches & Pains

20. BEHAVIORAL IMPACT
• Persistently feeling down, sad, tearful, irritable
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities or
friends
• Significant change in appetite or weight
• Sleep disturbances
• Restlessness or sluggishness

21. Additional Signs & Symptoms
• Lack of concentration or indecision
• Feeling helpless, worthless, or guilty
• Irritability, Restlessness

22. The Cycle of Depression
STRESSORS PHYSICAL
Medical Illness Sleep Problems
Pain Decreased energy
Family Problems Appetite Problems
Financial Problems Aches & Pains
THOUGHTS & FEELINGS
BEHAVIOR
Hopelessness
Social Withdrawal
Loneliness
Less Active
Negativity
Less Productive
Sadness

23. HOW DEPRESSION AFFECTS YOU
• Body – You may sleep poorly, have less
energy, have more aches and pains
• Behavior – You may talk less, socialize less,
spend more time alone
• Thinking – You may have more negative
thoughts than positive thoughts, feel hopeless,
or lose interest in things.

24. Role of Medication
• Different meds work for different people
• Never stop taking medication suddenly
• Length of time a person stays on meds varies
widely
• Feeling better doesn’t necessarily mean you
should stop taking the medication

25. Anti-depressant Medication
Information & Tips
• Anti-depressants help balance chemicals
in the brain
• Anti-depressants are not habit forming
• They need to be taken daily
• If you think you are experiencing side
effects, write down what they are and how
often they occur. Discuss side effects with
your doctor.
• Don’t stop the medication before you
discuss it with your doctor.

26. What you can do if you’re
depressed?

27. Finding
Professional Help
• Talk with your private
doctor
• Talk with a psychiatrist
Hel
p
• Talk with a therapist
Me • Talk with your Pastor

28. Self Help for Depression
• Educate yourself - Read
• Challenge Negative Thinking Habits
• Exercise
• Good nutrition
• Stay Social – Participate don’t Isolate
• Have someone to talk to
• Seek help from a professional if your
mood doesn’t lift.

29. How Can you Help Others
• If you know someone who is depressed
– Be Supportive, listen without judgment
– Don’t try to diagnose them yourself
– Recognize that they can’t just “Snap out of it”
– Urge them to do positive things that they
enjoy – accompany them
– Support the idea of counseling/medication
treatment
– Learn about depression yourself

30. Depression
Questions/Summary
• Sadness vs depression
- VIDEO

31. Test Your
Knowledge
• Test Answers -
Handout