Bell ringer 2/28/12

A perfect weekend would include the following:

DEPRESSION

What is depression??

• A Mental illness

• Prolonged feelings of helplessness, hopelessness and sadness that are much stronger than the everyday blues.

Depression is…

An illness not a character weakness

Usually doesn’t go away on its own

Develops after an upsetting event OR…….

for no particular reason

Who Gets Depressed?

ANYONE CAN !

19 Million Americans will become depressed THIS YEAR.

More Americans suffer from depression than heart disease(12 million), cancer(10 million) & HIV(1 million)

• 1 in 8 teens become depressed

Signs of Depression

Appearance- sad , slow movements, poor hygiene, dress differently

Unhappy feelings, sad, hopeless, discouraged.

(-) self talk= “I’m a failure”, “No one cares”

No energy More irritable or angry than usual

Signs of Depression (Continued)

Reduced Concentration Guilt and low self-esteem Physical problems- Weight

loss/gain, sleeping more/less, headaches etc.

Suicidal Thoughts

If you have 5 or more of these symptoms for 2 wks or more, you may be depressed.

Depression take on many forms

it can be overlooked!

* 1 in 3 teens will receive help

*Affects more girls than guys WHY?

*30% of depressed teens develop a substance abuse problem

* 80% w/ depression can be successfully treated

*Untreated depression = #1 cause of suicide

*40% get better w/ talk therapy

Clinical Depression Vs.

“The blues”Clinical depression is much

more severe and long term.

Clinical depression often interferes with an individual’s everyday tasks.

***Reactive Depression***- responses to a stressful event, death of someone close, disease, injury etc.

Lasts a few weeks and then the person moves on

V

Causes of Depression

We don’t ENTIRELY know…….But we do know:

Genetics Life events….. Stress & the way we react to it Medical conditions Family & social environment

What happens in the brain when someone is depressed?

Affects chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters which regulate mood. These chemicals send messages between nerve cells in the brain.

Neurotransmitters=

Serotonin & Norepinephrine

When neurotransmitters run low …

People feel depressed, anxious & stressed.

Medication may be needed to restore balance.

Treatment

Antidepressants and/or talk therapy

Medication may increase suicidal thoughts in the beginning

70-80% respond to therapy

Why don’t Teens Get help???

Why don’t teens get help?

Don’t recognize the symptoms Denial that anything is wrong Believe nothing can help Perception….sign of weakness Can’t admit to having a problem Embarrassed Can’t talk to parents

Helping Someone with Depression

Be available (Listen) Suggest professional help Make them feel important Listen and watch for threats of

suicide SAP referral Tell an adult

National Suicide Prevention

CALL 1-800-273-8255(TALK)It will connect you to the closest crisis

center

Remember…………..

Your help should never come at your own emotional expense. If you look after your own needs, you’ll be in a better position to take care of your depressed friend or relative