Understanding

Depression
What causes Depression?
 Family History

 Having family members who have

depression may increase a person’s
risk
 Deficiencies of certain chemicals in
the brain may lead to depression
 Major Life Changes
 Negative or
particularly stressful
events can trigger
depression.
Examples include the
death of a loved one
or a job change.
 Major Illnesses such
as heart attack,
stroke or cancer may
trigger depression.
 Certain medications used
alone or in combination can
cause side effects much like
the symptoms of depression.
 Use of Alcohol or other Drugs
can lead to or worsen
depression.
 Depression can also occur for
no apparent reason at all!
Symptoms of Depression
 Vary from person to
person

 2 key signs are loss of

interest in things you
like to do, and pervasive
sadness or irritability
Additional Signs include:
 Changes in feelings such as:
 Feeling empty
 Inability to enjoy anything
 Hopelessness
 Loss of sexual desire
 Loss of warm feelings for family or friends
 Feelings of self blame or guilt
 Loss of self esteem
 Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or
irritability
Changes in behavior and
attitude
 These may include:
 General slowing down
 Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
 Poor memory
 Inability to concentrate
 Suicidal thoughts and feelings
 Difficulty making decisions
Physical Complaints
 These may include:
 Sleep disturbances such as
insomnia, early morning waking,
or sleeping too much
 Lack of energy
 Loss of appetite
 Weight loss or gain
 Unexplained headaches or
backaches
 Stomachaches, indigestion or
changes in bowl habits
Common Types of Depression

 Major Depression
 Dysthymia
 Bipolar Disorder
 Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
Major Depression

 This type causes symptoms that may:

 Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss,
crisis or stressful change
 Interfere with normal functioning
 Continue for months or years
 It is possible for a person to have only one
episode of major depression. However, It is
more common for episodes to be long lasting
or to recur several times during a person’s life
Dysthymia

 People with this illness may be

consistently and mildly depressed
for years. They function fairly well
on a daily basis, but their
relationships and self esteem suffer
over time.
 Bipolar Disorder (A.K.A. Manic-Depression)
 People with this type of illness change back and forth
between periods of depression and periods of mania (an
extreme high, sometimes with agitation or irritability).
 Symptoms of mania may include:
 Less need for sleep
 Overconfidence
 Racing thoughts
 Reckless behavior
 Increased energy
 Mood changes are often gradual, but can be sudden
Season Affective Disorder
 This is depression that coincides with
changes in the season. Most cases begin
in the fall or winter, when there is a
decrease in sunlight
(more common in regions
farther north)
 Less often, depression
can occur in late Spring
or summer
 Professional treatment is
helpful for all these types of
depression.
Psychotherapy
 Counseling can help many depressed people
understand, accept and feel better about
themselves. People also learn more effective
ways of coping with life’s adversities and
difficulties. For example:
 Interpersonal therapy works to change how
people how to accept self and relate to others
that affects mood and self-worth.
 Cognitive therapy helps people change
negative thinking, behavior patterns and
attitudes that affect self esteem and overall
sense of well being.
Medical Treatment for Depression
 Medication
 Antidepressants are an option (most often for
more severe cases) that can help ease the
symptoms of depression and return a person
to a better level of functioning. Medication is
often crucial for cases of bipolar (typically a
mood stabilizer).
 Antidepressants are
not habit forming and
generally have minimal
side effects.
If you or someone you know
has symptoms of
depression…

Take Action!
 See a medical doctor for a complete
check up. Some medical problems, such
as an under-functioning thyroid,
can cause depression.

 Go to the counseling center and talk with

a professional counselor.
 Talk things over with an under-
standing friend, family member
or student services staff.
 Don’t expect too much of yourself until
your energy and mood improve
 Take a break
 Get some exercise
 Avoid extra stress and big changes
Things to do
 Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol
or drugs
 Exercise or engage in some form of
physical activity
 Eat a proper, well-balanced diet
 Establish a regular sleep
pattern
 Obtain an adequate and consistent amount of
sleep—not too much, nor too little
 Seek emotional support from family and
friends
 Focus on meaningful, positive aspects of your
life
 Pace yourself, modify your schedule, and set
small, realistic goals
 Remember, depression is
a temporary difficulty, not
a reflection of your whole
life or self worth.
Things to Avoid
 Don’t make long-term commitments or
important decisions unless necessary while you
are feeling down
 Don’t assume things are hopeless
 Don’t engage in “emotional reasoning” (i.e.:
because I feel awful, my life is terrible)
 Don’t assume responsibility for events which
are outside of your control
 Don’t avoid treatment-take some action to cope
 Don’t be critical of yourself; avoid critical others
Dealing with a depressed friend
 Be empathic and understanding
 Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person—it
can feel minimizing. Simply ask if there is
anything you can do to help—the answer will
often be “no,” but the support will be felt.
 Avoid critical or shaming statements
 Challenge expressions of hopelessness
 Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief,
anger and frustration (other feelings will come
in time)
Helping a depressed friend…

 Don’t argue about how bad things are or

are not
 Don’t insist that depression or sadness
is not warranted for their situation
 Don’t react with anger even though your
efforts to help may be resisted or
rejected
Helping a depressed
friend…
 Advocate for their recovery—
convey hope
 Emphasize that depression is very treatable
 Seek consultation (professional counselors
from the counseling center are always glad to
consult—by phone or in person).
 Encourage your friend to seek help; offer to
go with them to the counseling center
 Be supportive of counselor or other doctor
suggestions