Symptoms
What is the difference between sadness and depression?
Sadness is temporary; depression lasts 2+ weeks and interferes with daily life.
True or False: Depression can be genetic.
True
Name one physical activity that can boost mood.
Walking, dancing, stretching
What is a common negative thinking pattern often seen in depression that involves expecting the worst?
Catastrophizing
Name one type of talk therapy used to treat depression.
CBT, DBT, ACT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Acceptance Commitment Therapy
Name two physical symptoms of depression.
Fatigue, sleep changes, appetite changes, body aches
Name one brain chemical linked to depression.
Serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine.
What is “behavioral activation”?
Doing positive actions even when you don’t feel like it.
What is the name of the mental filter where someone only sees the negatives and ignores the positives?
Negative bias or filtering.
What kind of medications are commonly used to treat depression?
Antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs
What is anhedonia?
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you used to enjoy.
Name three life stressors that can trigger depression.
Loss, trauma, financial issues, relationship problems
Name a grounding technique used for managing depressive episodes.
5-4-3-2-1 method, deep breathing, cold water, etc.)
True or False: Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are all connected.
True
True or False: It’s okay to stop taking your medication when you feel better.
False—always talk to your doctor before making changes.)
How long must symptoms last to be diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
At least 2 weeks.
What’s the connection between substance use and depression?
Substance use can worsen or mask depression, and vice versa.
Why is routine important when managing depression?
It provides structure and predictability, which can reduce overwhelm.
Name two emotions that often show up underneath depression.
Anger, shame, guilt, fear, sadness
What is one benefit of group therapy for depression?
Connection, shared experience, support, learning new skills.
Name at least four emotional or behavioral symptoms of depression
Low mood, guilt, worthlessness, irritability, hopelessness, isolation
True or False: Depression only affects people with difficult lives.
False. It can affect anyone regardless of circumstance.
Name three healthy coping strategies for managing depression.
Journaling, therapy, mindfulness, calling a friend, creative outlets
What is cognitive restructuring?
A skill used to identify and challenge negative thoughts and replace them with more balanced ones.
Name two things to do if you’re feeling suicidal.
Tell someone you trust, call 988, go to the ER, use a safety plan.