Depression
What is depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, think, and act.
A state of being sad and blue for longer than 2 weeks.
What is self-harm?
Deliberate self-inflicted harm that isn't intended to be suicidal
Includes cutting skin, burning yourself, punching yourself, etc.
Sign of emotional distress and a way of handling mental pain
True or False: If the first trusted adult does not help you, do not ask another!
FALSE:
If the first trusted adult does not help you, ask another! Remember that it’s ok to ask for help and it’s normal to struggle with mental health issues. Reach out to a trust adult, whether that’s a parent, teacher, coach, etc.
What are some causes of depression?
Biochemistry: chemicals in the brain may be unbalanced and cause the symptoms of depression
Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a 70 percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: people that are generally pessimistic, have low self esteem, and are easily overwhelmed by stress have a greater risk for depression
Environmental factors: exposure to violence, neglect, abuse may make people more vulnerable to depression, as well as any major life changes, like the death of a loved one
What are some signs and symptoms of someone who is suicidal?
Symptoms include:
Talking about dying: Any mention of dying, disappearing, jumping, shooting oneself or other types of self harm.
Recent loss: Through death, divorce, separation, broken relationship, self-confidence, self-esteem, loss of interest in friends, hobbies or activities previously enjoyed.
Change in personality: Sad, withdrawn, irritable, anxious, tired, indecisive, apathetic.
Change in sleep patterns: Insomnia, often with early waking or oversleeping, or nightmares.
Fear of losing control: Acting erratically, harming self or others.
No hope for the future: Believing things will never get better, or that nothing will ever change.
True or False: Self-harm is only done by teenagers.
False: Children, teenagers, young adults, adults, etc. can do self-harm.
What are some symptoms of depression? Name at least 3.
-Feeling worthless
-Feeling guilty
-difficulty concentrating
-difficulty making decisions
-losing interest in activities that you used to enjoy
-losing your apetite
-over eating
-trouble sleeping
-sleeping too much
-loss of energy
-increased fatigue
What is the name of this mental health disorder:
can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist act, war/combat, rape or violent personal assault.
People with this disorder have intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings related to their experience that last long after the traumatic event has ended. They may experience lasting nightmares or flashbacks, sadness, anger, fear, or detachment from other people
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
True or False: Women are more likely to experience depression than men
TRUE
True or false: Symptoms for depression must happen for at least two weeks in order for it to possibly be depression.
TRUE
Fill in the blank: __ disorders are brain disorders that cause changes in a person’s mood, energy and ability to function; characterized by switches between manic high state and depressed low state.
Bipolar disorders
True or False: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is not a form of depression.
FALSE:
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) IS a form of depression. People with SAD experience mood changes and symptoms similar to depression but the symptoms usually occur during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight and usually improve with the arrival of spring
What are some coping mechanisms for dealing with depression?
Regularly exercise
Get lots of sleep (8 or more hours)
Healthy diet
Seek help from friends, family, or a trusted adult
Therapy
AVOID ALCOHOL/DRUGS
Alcohol is a depressant that may make you feel good for a short period of time, but it will only make your depression worse later on.
Drugs may cause depression and other serious mental issues
What is the 2nd highest cause of death for people aged 10-34?
Suicide
True or False:
If your friend talks about being depressed or suicidal and tells you to not tell an adult… DO IT ANYWAY. You’re not betraying or hurting your friend, you’re getting them the help that they may need.
TRUE
Other ways to help people struggling with depression or suicide:
If your friend talks about being depressed or suicidal and tells you to not tell an adult…ABSOLUTELY DO IT ANYWAY. You’re not betraying or hurting your friend, you’re getting them the help that they may need.
ALSO:
Listen to what your friend has to say very carefully and try to give them advice
Encourage them to talk to a trusted adult
At the end of the day, your efforts may not have an impact, and that’s ok. Remember that their decisions are out of your control.
Kids usually feel more comfortable talking to friends rather than their parents or other adults