Depression

What is Depression?

100

Is depression a type of mental illness?

Yes, depression is one of many different types of mental illnesses.

200

Name one physical effect depression can have on your body.

Depression can take a toll on your body and cause symptoms such as body aches, weight gain, fatigue, and susceptibility to other illness/disease.

300

Mood disorders, including depression, are the third most diagnosed mental health illness in the world. True or False?

False. Mood disorders are the number one most diagnosed mental health illness in the world.

400

Name three different types/forms of depression.

Acceptable answers: Major Depression, Minor Depression, Dysthymic Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Seasonal Affective Disorder, Postpartum Depression, Psychotic Depression

500

There is a correlation between substance abuse and depression. What percentage of people with substance abuse problems also suffer from depression? o A) 75% o B) 55% o C) 15% o D) 30%

D) 30%

Causes

100

Anyone can become depressed. True or False?

True. Although certain people are more prone to becoming depressed, it can happen to anyone.

200

Is there more or less brain activity in the brain of a depressed person compared to a non-depressed brain?

There is less activity in the brain of a depressed person.

300

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.

400

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 low self-esteem, insecurity, bullying, or death of a close family member or friend.

500

500 FREE POINTS

500 FREE POINTS

Signs/Symptoms

100

Is anxiety a symptom of depression?

Yes, anxiety is one of many symptoms of depression.

200

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)

300

300 POINTS FOR YOU

300 POINTS FOR YOU

400

How can your work life be affected by depression?

People may become reckless and careless with completing their work tasks and may find it hard to concentrate for a full day of work. Depressed people often skip work or do not try hard enough and see a decrease in their attendance at work.

500

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 are extremely unhappy and constantly 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.

Getting Help

100

Who can you talk to to get help if you are feeling depressed?

You can talk to a teacher/counselor, a family member, a friend, or a worker at a community agency such as CAMH.

200

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.

300

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.

400

400 POINTS FOR YOU

400 POINTS FOR YOU

500

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, or parent if you are feeling overwhelmed.

Fun Facts

100

Are males or females more likely to develop depression?

Females develop depression twice as often as males.

200

Approximately how many people are affected from depression each year?

Nearly 121 million people worldwide feel the effects of depression each year.

300

What is the easiest and least expensive cure for depression?

Exercise is the easiest and least expensive cure for depression.

400

How is depression characterized?

Depression is characterized by constant sadness and loss of interest along with psychological, behavioral and physical symptoms.

500

What can depression lead to?

Depression can lead to drug and alcohol abuse, self–loathing and self–mutilation, pregnancy, violence, and even suicide.