What is Depression?
Is anxiety a symptom of depression?
Yes, anxiety can be one of many symptoms of depression, as well as being its own diagnosis.
Who can you talk to to get help if you are feeling depressed?
You can talk to a teacher/counselor, therapist, staff, a family member, a friend, or even an anonymous hotline.
What are 5 signs that a person is suffering from depression?
Acceptable answers: The person seems to be sad, hopeless, easily irritated, angry, hostile, tearful, withdrawn, careless, anxious, stressed, self-loathing, reckless, fatigued, violent, helpless, self-mutilating, suicidal, or addicted to a new substance (mainly drugs or alcohol)
What is the first step to helping a friend who you think is depressed?
Allow your friend to talk to you about all of her feelings.Let her know that you are there to help her and will not judge her in any way.
What is the easiest and least expensive relief for depression?
Exercise is the easiest and least expensive relief for depression.
How does your chance of becoming depressed change if a family member has suffered from depression or another mental health illness in the past? Why?
People who have a family history in depression, or other mental health illnesses are more likely to develop the illness themselves. Depression is caused when there is an imbalance in brain chemistry and/or in the endocrine/immune system. These types of biological factors are passed down from generation to generation. That means that if a family member has had a mental health illness in the past, you are more likely to have a mental health illness as well.
Can someone who is depressed still laugh and have fun at times?
YES! Depression presents differently in each person. While it may take away your desire to do things you normally enjoy, you can still laugh and have fun while being diagnosed with clinical depression.
If you think a friend is depressed, should you talk to her or her parents first? Why?
You should always talk to your friend before her parents because she might not be comfortable with telling her parents yet and you would not want to upset her even more.
What other mental health disorder do people often have at the same time as depression?
Anxiety
Name three causes of depression.
Acceptable answers: If a person is stressed, has a family history in mental health illnesses, has imbalance in brain chemistry, or is suffering from another illness. Depression could also be brought on by trauma, low self-esteem, insecurity, bullying, or death of a close family member or friend.
How can school work be affected by depression?
Students may become reckless and careless with their work and may find it hard to concentrate for a full day of school. Depressed teens often skip school or do not try hard enough and see a decrease in their grades.
What are the main types of antidepressant medications?
SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
- Celexa, Lexapro, Zoloft, Prozac, etc.
How is depression characterized?
Depression is characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest along with psychological, behavioral and physical symptoms.
What types of neurotransmitters are often out of balance in the brain of someone with depression?
Serotonin: mood, cognition, memory, learning, appetite, sleeping, and physiological responses (like vomiting)
Dopamine: memory, attention, cognitive functioning, decision making, pleasure & reward
Norepinephrine: alertness, motor function, maintains organ function, immune system, blood flow, etc.
Why do depressed individuals often turn to drugs or alcohol? What is the short term effect? What is the long term effect?
When a person is depressed they may be extremely unhappy and often in a low mood. Drugs and alcohol will give them a short term feeling of happiness, but after the effect has worn off, and in the long term, they will most likely become more depressed.
What are three things you can do to help yourself if you are feeling depressed?
Acceptable answers: - Do not isolate yourself. Stay around family and friends who have the ability to cheer you up. - Keep your body healthy. Eat a regular healthy diet and participate in lots of exercise. - Avoid alcohol and drugs. Using them may give you a temporary mood boost, but will eventually make your depression worse. - Ask for help if you are stressed. Talk to a teacher, guidance counselor, therapist, or staff if you are feeling overwhelmed.