The document discusses theories about why rates of depression have increased dramatically in recent decades. While biological factors are involved, they are insufficient to explain such a large rise. Theories discussed include that depression results from biological, behavioral, cognitive, and interpersonal factors interacting. Rates of depression also differ across cultures and time periods. Rumination, avoidance, isolation, and withdrawal from social support are behaviors associated with depression that paradoxically maintain the condition long-term rather than providing short-term relief.

1. Overcoming Depression

2.  What are some theories?

3.  Roughly 25 % of the US population will experience depression in their lifetime.
 If you have experienced one episode of depression, you are likely to have another, or
to become chronically depressed.

4.  Biological explanations are not sufficient to account for the vast increase in depression
over the past 50 years.
 Incidence of depression has tripled since World War II.

5. What are your theories about why depression has increased so dramatically?

7. we
Thinking of depression as an illness can help reduce the shame we may feel if
if we think it‟s a weakness, or that it‟s our fault.
Thinking of depression as an illness, because it has a recognizable set of
symptoms, gives the impression that it can be treated “medically.”

8.  Depression is caused and maintained by
 biological
 behavioral
 cognitive
 Interpersonal
ingredients

9.  Depression presents differently:
 In different cultures
 At different times in history

10. Makes you feel better in
the short term
Feeling
depressed
Staying inside, withdrawing
from friends, thinking about
problems
Gets you further stuck
in the long run

11.  Avoidance
 Isolation
 Rumination
are like digging
to get out of a hole

12. Speaking
Thoughts
Emotions
Personality
Attitudes
Beliefs
Values*
CONTROL
?
Doing
Inside
Outside

13.  “I‟m noticing that when I spend
a lot of time watching TV
and sitting in the recliner..
 My mood is__________________
 My energy is_________________
 My self concept is____________
 My attitude is________________
 My willingness is_____________

14. Avoidance, Isolation, & Comfort
Away from what
undesired consequence?
Toward what desired
consequence?

15. I should update my resume
I need to pay bills
I have to see my family and
friends
I should get some exercise
I „ve got to spend some time
on my hobby

16. Avoidance of thoughts, feelings and
values based actions
Away from what
undesired
consequence?
Toward what desired
consequence?

17. Triggers
Behaviors
• Bad stuff that happens
• Bad stuff that goes on for a long time
• Is the bad stuff inside you or outside you?
• Is the behavior aimed at short term relief?
• Is the behavior aimed at long term values?
• Does the behavior work or not? Does short term relief resolve depression?
• Do the payoffs or costs occur inside you (thoughts & feelings) or outside you (actions)?
Payoffs or
• Does taking action that increases pleasure or self efficacy resolve depression?
costs

18. 1. Much of your behavior is so automatic that it occurs outside of your awareness.
2. You do much of what you do out of habit. Depression can be viewed as habits of
depressive behaviors.
Rumination
Sedentary Lifestyle
Avoiding work

19. •
•
•
•
•
•
Isolation
Avoidance
Rumination
Sedentary-inactivity
Drugs and alcohol
Complaining
• Social support (family & friends)
• Pleasurable activities
• Values based activities (work, challenging tasks,
helping others, accomplishments)
• Increased physical activity/exercise

20. I‟ll get up when I
feel better…
I‟ll feel better when I
get up…

21. Notice depressant
behaviors
Schedule
antidepressant
behaviors
Notice antidepressant
behaviors

22. Trigger
Response
A situation that has an impact on a you
Your reaction to the trigger, frequently emotional
Avoidance Pattern The avoidance behavior the you engage in

23. Trigger
Response
Same trigger as the TRAP
The same feeling you have in the TRAP
Alternative Coping An active rather than avoidant, response