The cycle of depression
What are stressors?
A stressor is any situation that causes strain or hardship.
How long does symptoms have to last during a depressive episode?
Symptoms must last for at least two weeks.
Name the type of support: You can't make someone accept help, but you can provide the option.
Make a point to reach out.
Mental health issues can't affect me.
False. Mental health issues can affect anyone. In 2020, about one in 5 American adults experienced a mental health condition in a given year.
What is the term used for taking a step back and noticing the world, and one's thoughts and feelings, without judgment.
Mindfulness
How does stressors impact our thoughts?
Stressors often lead to negative thoughts, which may be irrational, or exaggerated. i.e. "I need to be perfect", "Nobody likes me"
This symptom causes the individual to be constantly tired.
Fatigue
Name the type of support: Mental health counseling and medication are effective in treating depression.
Encourage professional help
People with mental health conditions can be just as productive as other employees, especially when they are able to manage their mental health condition well.
True
What is behavioral activation?
It is choosing activities you are likely to complete and practicing your chosen activities.
How does our thoughts impact our feelings?
The way a person thinks about something has a major impact on how they feel, and vice versa. i.e. sadness, hopelessness, anger, loneliness
This symptom causes the individual to have difficulty staying focused.
Diminished concentration
Name the type of support: Supporting someone with depression include intense sadness, despair, and thoughts of suicide. It's okay to take a break just for you.
Make time for self-care
Mental health issues are a result of personality weakness or character flaws, and people can "snap out of it" if they try hard enough.
False. Mental health conditions have nothing to do with being lazy or weak and many people need help to get better.
How can you use social support to cope with depression?
You can use it by leaning on your existing relationships, saying "yes" to socializing and by joining a support group.
How does the body react physically to stressors?
The body responds to stressors, and negative thoughts and feelings, with physical symptoms. i.e. fatigue, poor concentration, sleep problems
Depression is also accompanied with a disorder that causes you to get very irritable and restless.
Anxiety
Name the type of support: In addition to professional help, your loved one may benefit from other sources of support
Connect your loved one with social support.
There is no hope for people with mental health issues. Once a friend or family member develops a mental health condition, they will never recover.
False. Studies show that people with mental health conditions get better and many are on a path to recovery.
What is three good things?
Three good things is writing about three positive experiences from your day and repeating this exercise every day for 1 week.
What is behavioral response?
The way a person acts in response to thoughts, feelings, and symptoms may worsen stressors, or create new stressors. i.e. social isolation, neglecting daily tasks, abusing drugs/alcohol
These thoughts are often reoccurring and very powerful during depression.
Thoughts of death/suicide
Name the type of support: Even if you disagree with some of their thoughts or feelings, respect and acknowledge that these experiences are real to them.
Just listening can help
Prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders focuses on addressing known risk factors, such as exposure to trauma, that can affect the chances that children, youth, and young adults will develop mental health conditions.
True
What are some activities you can complete to help cope with depression?
Exercise, socialize, hobbies, personal care