Transcript DEPRESSION: Understanding it and getting help

•Clinical
•What
Definition
does it mean?
Who Suffers from Depression
• Causes
•Signs/ Symptoms
• Treatment
• Help
•
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A medical condition that leads to intense feelings of sadness or
despair; these feelings don't go away on their own, and are not
necessarily related to a particular life event.
Depression is an illness that affects the body, mood and thoughts
It impacts the way a person functions socially, at school or work,
and in relationships.
It is more than feeling blue, down in the dumps or sad about a
particular issue or situation.
It is a medical condition that requires diagnosis and treatment
Nuerotransmitters: Chemicals in the brain that allow nerve cells to
"communicate" with one another
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What does this mean?
 Too few or too many neurotransmitters may be released and cause or
contribute to depression.
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Depression can affect anyone but there is a
significantly higher rate of depression among
women than men.
17 million Americans develop depression each
year.
8.6% of adults over 18 have a mental health
problem for at least 2 weeks a year.
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2% of Children get depressed
6-8% of Teenagers
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Survey- reported that 1 of every 10 American high
school students reported making a suicide attempt
the year before.
Teenage boys are more likely than girls to commit
suicide.
Look for a change in behavior or performance in
school
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It is NOT something to be ashamed of.
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It is NOT a character flaw or sign of
weakness.
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No one with depression can just
“Snap Out of It”.
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TREATABLE
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No matter what the cause of a persons
depression, there is treatment and it is
widely available!!
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Depression can be caused by one or more
of the following:
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Imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain
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Triggered by stress, medication or other medical
problems
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Certain personality factors or genetic traits
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Must last for more than two weeks
difficulty concentrating, remembering details,
and making decisions
 fatigue and decreased energy
 Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, and/or
helplessness
 feelings of hopelessness and/or pessimism
 insomnia, early-morning wakefulness, or
excessive sleeping
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irritability, restlessness
loss of interest in activities or hobbies once
pleasurable
overeating or loss of appetite
persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or
digestive problems that do not ease even with
treatment
persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" feelings
thoughts of suicide, suicide attempts
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Approximately 80% of people who receive
treatment for Depression improve.
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There are three types of treatment:
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Psychotherapy
Medication
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)
 a procedure used to treat severe depression. It may be
used in people with symptoms such as delusions,
hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts or when other
treatments such as psychotherapy and antidepressant
medicines have not worked
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Psychotherapy is a form of “talking therapy”
that works by helping a person gain an
understanding or insight into their problems
and work on solving them.
Behavioral psychotherapy is a type of therapy
that looks at patterns of behavior that may
contribute to depression.
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Anti-depressant Medication helps by affecting
the brain chemistry.
Often take 3-5 weeks to become fully effective,
but improvement is often experienced within
the first week.
They work well and are safe
They are Non-habit forming!
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Faster acting than most medications
Is usually done on an Out Patient basis
Can be used in combination with medication
and therapy
Can be done 2-3 x’s/week for 2-3 weeks or can
be used as maintenance therapy for those who
remain medication resistant which is done
1x/week until tapering off to 1x/month
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ECT is a painless procedure
A person is put to sleep with general
anesthesia
Muscle relaxers are used to prevent any injury
from the procedure
Oxygen is given by mask during ECT
The whole treatment takes 5 minutes
You are awake, up walking and eating
breakfast with one hour. Home within two!
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Listen and provide support
Be patient, understanding and encouraging
 Don’t dismiss the symptoms but you can offer
hope
 Try to understand the negative feelings the
person may be feeling
 Remember that depression is a medical condition
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Take care of the “little things”
Remind person to keep doctor’s
appointments and to take their medication!
Help to support healthy habits: good
sleeping habits, eating well, trying to get
exercise
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Offer Support
 Let the person know that you’re there for them.
 Refrain from asking a lot of questions.
Be Gentle but Persistent
 Don’t give up, the person may shut you out at first. The hardest
thing to do is admit that there is a problem…
 BUT it is the first step to recovery
Listen Without Lecturing
 Do not pass judgment, the important thing is that the person is
talking.
Validate Feelings
 Acknowledge the feelings of pain and sadness they are feeling,
even if you think they are irrational.
 If you do not, they will feel you don’t take their emotions
seriously and will further their feelings of loneliness.
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Suicide threats are to be taken seriously!
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Take care of your self
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Remember:
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Depression is a very treatable illness, and you or
your loved one can get better with appropriate
medical treatment and support!
In School:
• Student Assistance Counselors
 - Ms. Kumpf
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School Nurses
 - Ms. Masterson
 - Ms. Kivetz
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Guidance Councelors
Teachers
Principals
Coaches
Local Help
• Somerset County (908)-253-3160
• Morris County (973)-839-2521 ex.
228
National Suicide
• 1-800-SUICIDE
• 1-800-273-TALK