Signs and Symptoms
What are some common signs that someone may be experiencing depression?
Feeling down, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, low energy, changes in sleep or appetite, or withdrawing from others.
What is one coping skill you can use when you feel overwhelmed?
Taking a few slow breaths, listening to music, going outside, or talking to someone you trust.
Myth or Fact: Depression is just being sad.
Myth. Depression can affect mood, energy, sleep, thoughts, and daily life.
True or False: Depression only affects your mental health and cannot cause physical symptoms.
False. Depression can cause physical symptoms such as fatigue and changes in sleep or appetite.
What are some places you could go to ask for help?
A shelter staff member, case manager, community health centers, doctor, counselors, and therapists.
How does depression affect our thoughts?
Depression can cause negative thoughts, hopelessness, low self-worth, and difficulty seeing positive things.
Why can keeping a regular routine help when dealing with depression?
A routine can give your day structure and make it easier to keep up with daily needs and tasks.
Myth or Fact: Talking about depression can help someone get support.
Fact. Talking to someone you trust can help you feel less alone and connect you with resources.
True or False: Depression can affect how someone views their future.
True. Depression can make the future seem hopeless and make it hard to imagine things getting better.
What is the benefit of reaching out for support when you're struggling?
Reaching out for support can help you get connected to resources and find ways to manage what you're going through.
Someone has been feeling constantly tired and has trouble concentrating, even when they try to focus. Could these be related to depression?
Yes. Depression can affect energy, concentration, and motivation.
What is one coping skill that involves moving your body?
Taking a walk, stretching, exercising, playing a sport, etc.
Myth or Fact: You need to have a major reason or life event to become depressed.
Myth. Depression can develop for many different reasons and doesn't have to be one obvious reason.
True. Depression can make it harder to focus, remember things, or make even simple everyday decisions.
What is 988?
988 is the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Call or text if you're in an emotional crisis and need help.
A person has become more irritable and withdrawn, but he states he isn't sad. Could they still be experiencing depression?
Yes. Depression doesn't always look like sadness. It can show as irritability, anger, withdrawal, or even seeming fine or happy on the outside.
What can you do when negative thoughts start to feel overwhelming?
Journal, listen to music, paint, get some fresh air, exercise, or talk to someone you trust.
Myth or Fact: Someone can have depression even if they still laugh or work or socialize.
Fact. People don't always show it on the outside.
True or False: Depression can make someone feel like they are a burden to other people.
True. Depression can cause negative thoughts about yourself, including feeling worthless and a burden.
What's one reason it can be helpful to have a support person when dealing with depression?
A support person can help you stay connected, encourage you to seek help when needed, and be there when you need someone to talk to.
When should someone consider getting help for possible depression rather than just waiting for it to go away?
When symptoms last about 2 weeks or start interfering with daily life, relationships, or taking care of yourself.
What's one coping skill that involves connecting with someone else?
Talking to a trusted friend, shelter staff, case manager, counselors, therapist, calling a helpline.
Myth or Fact: Medication is the only way to treat depression.
Myth. Depression can be treated using different ways. Therapy, support from others, coping strategies, structured routines and sometimes medication. Treatment is different for everybody.
True or False: If someone is experiencing depression, they should wait until their symptoms become severe before getting help.
False. You don't have to wait to get help. Reaching out early can help you get the support and resources you need sooner.
If someone tells you they're thinking about suicide, what should you do?
Take them seriously. Stay with them and help them get immediate support. Call 988 or 911.