The document discusses depression, defining it as a serious medical illness affecting emotions, thoughts, and actions, characterized by symptoms like sadness, loss of interest, and changes in appetite. It emphasizes the importance of treatment, including psychotherapeutic approaches and lifestyle changes such as exercise, sleep management, and maintaining social connections. The document provides guidelines for managing depression, including talking to therapists, practicing positive thinking, and avoiding alcohol.

1. Topic: HOW TO HANDLE DEPRESSION
BY
ANUYENI MARY LAWAL.{Speaker}
Topic Outline:
● Introduction To Depression.(What is Depression)
● Symptoms Of Depression.
● How To Handle Depression.
While I was preparing for this topic,I came across a song lyrics that might help to
usher us into today's webinar session.
Grayskies are gonna clear up,put on a happy face. Brush off the clouds
and cheer up,put on a happy face.
This words have been sung for the time honoured stages of Broadway to the
functional streets of Springfield,home of The Simpsons. And if you or a friend is
simply having a bad day,"Put On A Happy Face" might actually do the trick. For
others, however,their pain goes much deeper.
What Is Depression?
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affect
how you feel,the way you think and how you act. Fortunately,it is also treatable.
Depression causes feeling of sadness and/or loss of interest in activities you
once enjoyed. It can lead to a vanity of emotional and physical problems and can
decrease you or ablity to function at work and at home.
Symptoms Of Depression:
Symptoms of depression can vary from mild to severe and can include:
● Feeling sad or having a depressed mood.
● Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed.
● Changes in appetite,weight loss or gain weight unrelated to dieting.
● Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
● Loss of energy or increased fatigue.
● Increase in purposeless physical activity (e.g inability to sit still,pacing,e.t.c) Note that:
this actions must be observable by others.
● Feeling worthless or guilty.
● Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions.
● Thoughts of death or suicide.

2. Symptoms must last at least 2weeks and might represent a change in your previous level of
functioning for a diagnosis of depression. Also, medical conditions (thyroid problems,a brain
tumor or vitamin deficiency) can minic symptoms of depression so it's important rule out general
medical causes.
Depression affects an estimated one in 15adults (6.7%) in any given year. And 1 in 6 people
{16.6%} will experience depression at the same time in their life.
Depression can occur at anytime, but on average,first appears during the late teens to mid-20's.
Women are more likely than men to experience depression. Some students show that one third
of some will experience a major depressive episode in their life time.
How To Handle Depression.
When you have depression,you can find ways to take control of your life and manage your
treatment even beyond medications. Making some lifestyle changes can boost your mood and
help alleviate many of your symptoms including low self esteem.
Minimizing stress as much as possible is a good idea when you are depressed especially
unnecessary or avoidable stressors that people can be pulled into when they are
depressed,says Erik Nelson,MD,a psychiatrist and assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at
the university of Cincinnati college of medicine,Ohio.
Here's a few guideline on HOW TO MANAGE DEPRESSION.
● Talk To A Therapist:
Working with a therapist is often an important part of successfully managing depression.
"Psychotherapy will focus on helping people adjust their lifestyle in ways that as possible,mimize
their stress and cope with their stressor. Among the issues that can be addressed is on how to
improve your self esteem,switch from negative to positive thinking and also, practice stress
management.
● Express Yourself In Writing:
Boost yourself image by writing out your feelings and emotions. Note that; Finding
ways to feel better about yourself is an important aspect of treatment.
● Stick To A Schedule:
Schedule is an activity that you have to do everyday. Make it one you really enjoy
and aim for as much balance as possible I'm your life.
● Stay Involved:
If you are experiencing depression,you may feel like you want to withdraw socially
and keep to yourself,either because of low self esteem or a lack of interest. Social life is
important,says Nelson. Push yourself to stay involved with your friends.
● Sleep Well:
Getting plenty of rest every night is a must for your mood.

3. ● Say NO To Liquor:
Alcohol isn't the answer when you are struggling with depression but many
people turn to liquor to attempt to escape illness.
Drinking can make the symptoms of depression worse.
● Exercise As Often As Possible:
Exercise offers physiological benefits that can help people going through
depression. Physical activity relieves stress and can make you feel good.
● Practice Positive Thinking:
It's important that you are a product of your own thoughts. It's important that you
think positive thought, it's seen as a means to counter your negative feeling and
emotions.
THE END!
● ANY QUESTIONS?