Transcript Depression-Sadnessx

Sadness & Depression
What is Depression?
Depression is defined as a mood
disturbance, a disorder of feelings and
emotions that can range from mild to severe
in intensity
Depression is believed to be a result of a chemical imbalance
in the brain. Some scientists believe that an imbalance
happens first, causing the depression. Others believe that
emotional stress may bring on the chemical changes that
result in the characteristics of depression.
Signs & Symptoms
Frequent sadness
Decreased interest in activities
Extreme sensitivity to rejection or failure
Low self esteem
Hopelessness
Tearfulness
Persistent boredom
Inability to enjoy previously favorite activities
Difficulty with relationships
Increased irritability, anger, or hostility
Low energy
Social isolation
Frequent complaints of physical illnesses such as headaches and stomachaches
Frequent absences from school or poor performance in school
Poor concentration
Talk of or efforts to run away from home
A major change in eating and/or sleeping patterns
Thoughts or expressions of suicide or self destructive behavior
About Depression
Depression isn't just bad moods and occasional
melancholy. It's not just feeling down or sad,
either. These feelings are normal in kids,
especially during the teen years. Even when
major disappointments and setbacks make
people feel sad and angry, the negative
feelings usually lessen with time.
But when a depressive state, or mood, lingers
for a long time — weeks, months, or even
longer. This limits a person's ability to function
normally, it can be diagnosed as depression.
Types of depression include: major depression,
dysthymia, adjustment disorder with depressed mood,
seasonal affective disorder, and bipolar disorder or
manic depression. All of these can affect kids,
teenagers and adults.
Major depression is a serious condition characterized
by a persistent sad mood, feelings of worthlessness or
guilt, and the inability to feel pleasure or happiness.
Major depression typically interferes with day-to-day
functioning like eating and sleeping.
A child with major depression feels depressed almost
every day. In kids, depression can appear as "bad
moods" or irritability that persists for a long time, even if
a child doesn't acknowledge being sad.
Dysthymia may be diagnosed if sadness
or irritability is not as severe but
continues for a year or longer. Kids with
dysthymia often feel "down in the dumps."
They can have low self-esteem, feel
hopeless, and even have problems
sleeping and eating.
Bipolar disorder, another type of mood
disturbance, is characterized by episodes of
low-energy depression (sadness and
hopelessness) and high-energy mania
(irritability and explosive temper). Bipolar
disorder may affect as many as 1% to 2% of
kids. More than 2 million adults have bipolar
disorder, which often develops in the late teen
years and early adulthood.
Ellie’s Depression Video