You are learning to recognize the You are learning to recognize the warning signs of depressive warning signs of depressive

disorders and the importance of disorders and the importance of seeking help for these disordersseeking help for these disorders

Warm-Up:Warm-Up: Answer the following questions (True or false)Answer the following questions (True or false)1.1. Mental illness is second only to heart disease as the Mental illness is second only to heart disease as the

leading cause of disability in Canada and worldwide.leading cause of disability in Canada and worldwide.2.2. Mental health problems affect one in every 5 young Mental health problems affect one in every 5 young

people at any given time.people at any given time.3.3. The first symptoms of severe, chronic forms of mental The first symptoms of severe, chronic forms of mental

illness generally appear between the ages of 15 and 24.illness generally appear between the ages of 15 and 24.4.4. An estimated 2/3 of all young people with mental health An estimated 2/3 of all young people with mental health

problems are not receiving the help they need.problems are not receiving the help they need.5.5. Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young Suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young

people aged 15-24. At least 90% of those who commit people aged 15-24. At least 90% of those who commit suicide have a diagnosable mental illness.suicide have a diagnosable mental illness.

6.6. Learning about mental illness and the importance of Learning about mental illness and the importance of seeking treatment can save lives.seeking treatment can save lives.

7.7. Fear of stigma and the resulting discrimination Fear of stigma and the resulting discrimination discourages individuals and their families from getting discourages individuals and their families from getting the help they need.the help they need.

Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when Feeling down from time to time is a normal part of life. But when emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be emptiness and despair take hold and won't go away, it may be depression. depression.

More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it More than just the temporary "blues," the lows of depression make it tough to function and enjoy life like you once did. tough to function and enjoy life like you once did.

Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re Hobbies and friends don’t interest you like they used to; you’re exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be exhausted all the time; and just getting through the day can be overwhelming. overwhelming.

When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and When you’re depressed, things may feel hopeless, but with help and support you support you cancan get better. But first, you need to understand get better. But first, you need to understand depression. depression.

Learning about depression—including its signs, symptoms, causes, Learning about depression—including its signs, symptoms, causes, and treatment—is the first step to overcoming the problem.and treatment—is the first step to overcoming the problem.

What is depression?What is depression? We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal

reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but depression is much more than just sadness. but depression is much more than just sadness.

Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or Some people describe depression as “living in a black hole” or having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed having a feeling of impending doom. However, some depressed people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and people don't feel sad at all—they may feel lifeless, empty, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and apathetic, or men in particular may even feel angry, aggressive, and restless. restless.

Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal Whatever the symptoms, depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your sadness in that it engulfs your day-to-day life, interfering with your ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of ability to work, study, eat, sleep, and have fun. The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. unrelenting, with little, if any, relief.

Are you depressed?Are you depressed?

If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and If you identify with several of the following signs and symptoms, and they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical they just won’t go away, you may be suffering from clinical depression. depression.

you can’t sleep or you sleep too muchyou can’t sleep or you sleep too much you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now you can’t concentrate or find that previously easy tasks are now

difficultdifficult you feel hopeless and helplessyou feel hopeless and helpless you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you you can’t control your negative thoughts, no matter how much you

trytry you have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eatingyou have lost your appetite or you can’t stop eating you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than you are much more irritable, short-tempered, or aggressive than

usualusual you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other you’re consuming more alcohol than normal or engaging in other

reckless behavior reckless behavior you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help you have thoughts that life is not worth living (Seek help

immediatelyimmediately if this is the case) if this is the case)

Signs and symptoms of Signs and symptoms of depressiondepression

Depression varies from person to person, but Depression varies from person to person, but there are some common signs and symptoms. there are some common signs and symptoms. It’s important to remember that these symptoms It’s important to remember that these symptoms can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more can be part of life’s normal lows. But the more symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and symptoms you have, the stronger they are, and the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is the longer they’ve lasted—the more likely it is that you’re dealing with depression. that you’re dealing with depression.

When these symptoms are overwhelming and When these symptoms are overwhelming and disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.disabling, that's when it's time to seek help.

Common signs and symptoms of Common signs and symptoms of depressiondepression

Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. A bleak outlook—nothing A bleak outlook—nothing will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.will ever get better and there’s nothing you can do to improve your situation.

Loss of interest in daily activities. Loss of interest in daily activities. No interest in former hobbies, No interest in former hobbies, pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pastimes, social activities, or sex. You’ve lost your ability to feel joy and pleasure.pleasure.

Appetite or weight changes. Appetite or weight changes. Significant weight loss or weight gain—a Significant weight loss or weight gain—a change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.change of more than 5% of body weight in a month.

Sleep changes. Sleep changes. Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the Either insomnia, especially waking in the early hours of the morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia). morning, or oversleeping (also known as hypersomnia).

Anger or irritability. Anger or irritability. Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent. Your tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets tolerance level is low, your temper short, and everything and everyone gets on your nerves.on your nerves.

Loss of energy. Loss of energy. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Feeling fatigued, sluggish, and physically drained. Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are Your whole body may feel heavy, and even small tasks are exhausting or take longer to complete.exhausting or take longer to complete.

Self-loathing. Self-loathing. Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt. You harshly criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.criticize yourself for perceived faults and mistakes.

Reckless behavior.Reckless behavior. You engage in escapist behavior such as You engage in escapist behavior such as substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or substance abuse, compulsive gambling, reckless driving, or dangerous sports.dangerous sports.

Concentration problems. Concentration problems. Trouble focusing, making decisions, or Trouble focusing, making decisions, or remembering things.remembering things.

Unexplained aches and painsUnexplained aches and pains. An increase in physical complaints . An increase in physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.such as headaches, back pain, aching muscles, and stomach pain.

Depression and suicideDepression and suicide

Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and Depression is a major risk factor for suicide. The deep despair and hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like hopelessness that goes along with depression can make suicide feel like the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious the only way to escape the pain. Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behavior seriously. It's not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for not just a warning sign that the person is thinking about suicide: it's a cry for help.help.

Warning signs of suicide include:Warning signs of suicide include: Talking about killing or harming one’s selfTalking about killing or harming one’s self Expressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trappedExpressing strong feelings of hopelessness or being trapped An unusual preoccupation with death or dyingAn unusual preoccupation with death or dying Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red Acting recklessly, as if they have a death wish (e.g. speeding through red

lights) lights) Calling or visiting people to say goodbyeCalling or visiting people to say goodbye Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose Getting affairs in order (giving away prized possessions, tying up loose

ends)ends) Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out”Saying things like “Everyone would be better off without me” or “I want out” A sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happyA sudden switch from being extremely depressed to acting calm and happy

The faces of depressionThe faces of depression

Depression often looks different in men Depression often looks different in men and women, and in young people and and women, and in young people and older adults. An awareness of these older adults. An awareness of these differences helps ensure that the problem differences helps ensure that the problem is recognized and treated.is recognized and treated.

Depression in menDepression in men

• Depression is a loaded word in our culture. Many associate it, however wrongly, with a sign of weakness and excessive emotion. This is especially true with men.

• Depressed men are less likely than women to acknowledge feelings of self-loathing and hopelessness. Instead, they tend to complain about fatigue, irritability, sleep problems, and loss of interest in work and hobbies.

• Men are a higher suicide risk, especially older men.• Other signs and symptoms of depression in men include anger,

• aggression, violence, reckless behavior, and substance abuse

Depression in women Depression in women

Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. Rates of depression in women are twice as high as they are in men. This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to This is due in part to hormonal factors, particularly when it comes to

premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression. (PMDD), postpartum depression, and perimenopausal depression.

As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to As for signs and symptoms, women are more likely than men to experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, experience pronounced feelings of guilt, sleep excessively, overeat, and gain weight. and gain weight.

Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective Women are also more likely to suffer from seasonal affective disorder.disorder.

Depression in teensDepression in teens

• While some depressed teens appear sad, others do not. In fact, irritability—rather than depression—is frequently the predominant symptom in depressed adolescents and teens. • A depressed teenager may be hostile, grumpy, or easily lose his or her temper. • Unexplained aches and pains are also common symptoms of depression in young people.• Left untreated, teen depression can lead to problems at home and school, drug abuse, self-loathing—even irreversible tragedy such as homicidal violence or suicide. • With help, teenage depression is highly treatable.

Depression in older adultsDepression in older adults

The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as The difficult changes that many older adults face—such as bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead bereavement, loss of independence, and health problems—can lead to depression, especially in those without a strong support system.to depression, especially in those without a strong support system.

However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend However, depression is not a normal part of aging. Older adults tend to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs to complain more about the physical rather than the emotional signs and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes and symptoms of depression, and so the problem often goes unrecognized.unrecognized.

Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high Depression in older adults is associated with poor health, a high mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and mortality rate, and an increased risk of suicide, so diagnosis and treatment are extremely important.treatment are extremely important.

Types of depressionTypes of depression

Major depressionMajor depression Major depression is characterized by the inability to Major depression is characterized by the inability to

enjoy life and experience pleasure. enjoy life and experience pleasure. The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to The symptoms are constant, ranging from moderate to

severe. severe. Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about Left untreated, major depression typically lasts for about

six months. six months. Some people experience just a single depressive Some people experience just a single depressive

episode in their lifetime, but more commonly, major episode in their lifetime, but more commonly, major depression is a recurring disorder. depression is a recurring disorder.

There are many things you can do to support your mood There are many things you can do to support your mood and reduce the risk of recurrence.and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Dysthymia Dysthymia (recurrent, mild depression)(recurrent, mild depression)

Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. Dysthmia is a type of chronic “low-grade” depression. More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed, More days than not, you feel mildly or moderately depressed,

although you may have brief periods of normal mood. although you may have brief periods of normal mood. The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of The symptoms of dysthymia are not as strong as the symptoms of

major depression, but they last a long time (at least two years).major depression, but they last a long time (at least two years). These chronic symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the These chronic symptoms make it very difficult to live life to the

fullest or to remember better times. fullest or to remember better times. Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of Some people also experience major depressive episodes on top of

dysthymia, a condition known as “double depression.” dysthymia, a condition known as “double depression.” If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve always been If you suffer from dysthymia, you may feel like you’ve always been

depressed. Or you may think that your continuous low mood is “just depressed. Or you may think that your continuous low mood is “just the way you are.” the way you are.”

Dysthymia can be treated, even if your symptoms have gone Dysthymia can be treated, even if your symptoms have gone unrecognized or untreated for years. unrecognized or untreated for years.

Seasonal Affective Disorder Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)(SAD)

There’s a reason why so many movies and books There’s a reason why so many movies and books portray rainy days and stormy weather as portray rainy days and stormy weather as gloomy. gloomy.

Some people get depressed in the fall or winter, Some people get depressed in the fall or winter, when overcast days are frequent and sunlight is when overcast days are frequent and sunlight is limited. limited.

More common in northern climates and in More common in northern climates and in younger people. younger people.

Treatable: Light therapy, a treatment that Treatable: Light therapy, a treatment that involves exposure to bright artificial light, often involves exposure to bright artificial light, often helps relieve symptoms.helps relieve symptoms.

Bipolar Disorder: When Depression is Bipolar Disorder: When Depression is

Just One Side of the CoinJust One Side of the Coin

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is characterized by:• cycling mood changes. •Episodes of depression alternate with manic episodes, which can include impulsive behavior, hyperactivity, rapid speech, and little to no sleep.• Typically, the switch from one mood extreme to the other is gradual, with each manic or depressive episode lasting for at least several weeks. •When depressed, a person with bipolar disorder exhibits the usual symptoms of major depression. •Treatments for bipolar depression are very different. In fact, antidepressants can make bipolar depression worse.

Depression causes and risk factorsDepression causes and risk factors Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making Some illnesses have a specific medical cause, making

treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take treatment straightforward. If you have diabetes, you take insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery. insulin. If you have appendicitis, you have surgery.

Depression is more complicated. Depression is more complicated. Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance Depression is not just the result of a chemical imbalance

in the brain, and is not simply cured with medication.in the brain, and is not simply cured with medication. Experts believe that depression is caused by a Experts believe that depression is caused by a

combination of: combination of: biological, psychological, and social factors. biological, psychological, and social factors.

In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and In other words, your lifestyle choices, relationships, and coping skills matter just as much—if not more so—than coping skills matter just as much—if not more so—than genetics. genetics.

Ccertain risk factors make you more vulnerable to Ccertain risk factors make you more vulnerable to depression. depression.

Causes and risk factors for depressionCauses and risk factors for depression

LonelinessLoneliness Lack of social supportLack of social support Recent stressful life experiencesRecent stressful life experiences Family history of depressionFamily history of depression Marital or relationship problemsMarital or relationship problems Financial strainFinancial strain Early childhood trauma or abuseEarly childhood trauma or abuse Alcohol or drug abuseAlcohol or drug abuse Unemployment or underemploymentUnemployment or underemployment Health problems or chronic painHealth problems or chronic pain

The road to depression recoveryThe road to depression recovery

Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are Just as the symptoms and causes of depression are different in different people, so are the ways to feel different in different people, so are the ways to feel better. better.

What works for one person might not work for another, What works for one person might not work for another, and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases. and no one treatment is appropriate in all cases.

If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a If you recognize the signs of depression in yourself or a loved one, take some time to explore the many treatment loved one, take some time to explore the many treatment options. options.

In most cases, the best approach involves a combination In most cases, the best approach involves a combination of:of:

social support, lifestyle changes, emotional skills building, and social support, lifestyle changes, emotional skills building, and professional help.professional help.

Ask for help and supportAsk for help and support

If even the thought of tackling your depression If even the thought of tackling your depression seems overwhelming, don’t panic. seems overwhelming, don’t panic.

Feeling helpless and hopeless is a symptom of Feeling helpless and hopeless is a symptom of depression—not the reality of your situation. depression—not the reality of your situation.

It does It does notnot mean that you’re weak or you can’t mean that you’re weak or you can’t change! change!

The key to depression recovery is to start small The key to depression recovery is to start small and and ask for helpask for help. .

Having a strong support system in place will Having a strong support system in place will speed your recovery. speed your recovery.

StigmaStigma

What is stigma?What is stigma? A mark of disgrace associated with a A mark of disgrace associated with a

particular circumstance, quality, or person: particular circumstance, quality, or person: "the stigma of mental disorder". "the stigma of mental disorder".

What stigma does mental illness have?What stigma does mental illness have? What stigma does depression have?What stigma does depression have? What do we need to do as a school, What do we need to do as a school,

community, as people to eliminate community, as people to eliminate “stigma” around mental illness?“stigma” around mental illness?