Depression

							A closer look at:




   Stress & Depression

 More than just a “mood swing”
Causes of Teenage Stress &
Depression
Stress Basics

• Eustress (+ stressors) i.e.. Homework
• Distress (- stressors)
• Bodies Response to Stress
     • Alarm (pituitary, adrenaline)
     • Resistance (fight or flight)
     • Fatigue (physical, psychological)
Warning Signs
• Headache, stomach ache, asthma, high blood pressure, weight
  gain/loss, weakened immune system.

• Difficulty concentrating, negative self-talk, mood swings.

• Change in eating habits, sleeping habits

• Isolation or withdraw
What is your level of stress?
• Let’s find out….

• Stress Inventory Results:

• 150-199    Chance of Illness low/Resistance to additional stress High


• 200-299    Chance of Illness moderate/Resistance to additional stress
             Borderline

• 300 & Up   Chance of Illness High/Resistance to additional stress Low
Management Strategies

     •   Identify cause      •   Meditation
     •   Time management     •   Laughter
     •   Sleep               •   Express feelings
     •   Physical activity   •   Positive attitude
     •   Nutrition           •   Relaxation
     •   Avoid tobacco etc
     •   Support
        Where do you go for help ????


             COUNSELORS
               TEACHERS
               COACHES
                CLERGY
               PHYSICIAN
        FRIEND & FAMILY MEMBERS
RELIABLE SOURCES (HELP LINES & WEBSITES)
Not something to be taken lightly. It is an illness that needs
recognition and treatment, the sooner the better.
An illness that can vary from person to person in It’s effects on the
mind/body
What causes clinical depression:
                 biological (run in the family)
                 emotional (life experiences)
    •Examples: Trauma, Stress, Critical illness, Failure
Often seen more in families with a history of depression within
their genetic makeup
TYPES & CATEGORIES
• Short Term – ordinary, often unexplainable, few minutes to 1 to 2
  days
• Situational – directly linked to an event. Last days to months
  depending on extent of trauma.
• Chronic – pervasive feelings of depression usually beginning early in
  childhood.

• Bi-polar disorder or Mania Depression – (1%) depths of depression
  to frenzied highs

• Major Depression (15%) chronic reoccurring illness

• Dysthymia (10 million) mild symptoms, not functioning at 100%
Low motivation
Grade change
Sadness
Fatigue
Guilt
Hopeless, worthlessness
Isolating / Withdrawing
Substance Abuse
Irritability
Sleep changes
Appetite weight changes
Loss of interest
Thoughts of death & suicide
 •Because depression is a mental illness, different
 treatments work on different people
 •Anti-depressants are prescribed by doctors for different
 cases of depression to balance the chemicals within the
 brain
 •Therapy and Counseling both can help a great deal with
 treatment, mainly known as Psychotherapy
 •Combined treatment of both.


***If someone suspects they have depression, early treatment by a doctor
decreases the length/severity of the illness a great deal
        Where do you go for help ????


             COUNSELORS
               TEACHERS
               COACHES
                CLERGY
               PHYSICIAN
        FRIEND & FAMILY MEMBERS
RELIABLE SOURCES (HELP LINES & WEBSITES)
•Depression is often considered a “weakness” or a disease
• It is also often considered a dramatization of bad mood
changes or “the blues”
These misconceptions/assumptions of the general public and
those depressed make those depressed unable to recognize,
evaluate or seek treatment of their condition.
These misconceptions can also be very harmful to those
depressed because when depressed, without treatment
depression can lead to suicide or life condemned by the mental
illness

 ***Do not consider depression a personal weakness or fault. It is a critical
 illness that needs to be treated!
         Because depression is such a diverse illness, no single set of steps
will ensure a person from never developing depression
However, some common things can be done to help to avoid depression
including:
•Leading a healthy lifestyle:/ Balanced Diet, Exercise (esp. outdoors)
•Developing a steady sleep routine/ getting proper rest (8-9 hours)
•Keeping up a large social support network (not just FB)
•Participating in various activities, being involved in something
•Finding something in life that one can be passionate about and find joy in.
•Treating one’s self with respect and care
•Being aware of any signs of depression and talking about it with a trusted
friend or doctor
Depression is ….
      when the down lasts for more than a couple of
weeks. It affects the total person – in addition to feelings, it
can change
              behavior
              physical health
              academic performance
              social activities
              handle everyday decisions & pressures