Depression: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment

A medical condition in which a person feels sad for an abnormally prolonged period of time. Can include feelings of hopelessness and the inability to function as you normally do.

PAIR/SHARE: Prediction

•What are some of the causes of depression?

Causes: Genetic

•Higher risk of depression if a first degree relative has it. Genetics doesn’t = destiny. •Nature: Seratonin, which helps regulate our moods, is absorbed less efficiently. •Nurture: Growing up around depressed people can influence our own perceptions and reactions to stressful/unhappy events.

Causes: Medical

•Strokes, heart attacks (blood vessels). •Substance abuse. Expl: Alcohol is a depressant. Self-medicating doesn’t address the underlying causes of depression.

Causes: Social/Psychological

•Loneliness, isolation.•Grief/bereavement. •Traumatic event.

Everybody write one answer on the board.

What are some differences between depression and just being sad? Speculate if you don’t know.

General Symptoms Can Include:

•Loss of pleasure/interest in things you usually enjoy.•Abnormal sleep patterns.•Irritability. Self-isolation.•Lower levels of self-worth.•In extreme cases: Suicidal ideation, obsessive thoughts of death.

Symptoms of Dysthymia

•A mild depression that can last for years. •People with dysthymia function fairly well, but their enjoyment of life is substantially lower. •Can negatively affect relationships and health.

Symptoms of Clinical Depression

•Major interference with normal life activities.•Often triggered suddenly by a sad and/or traumatic event.•Can continue for months or years.

PAIR/SHARE: SPECULATE

•Women are twice as likely as men to experience some kind of depression. Why?

Treatments

•Sleep and exercise. •Look on the bright side. •Spend more time with your friends.•Seek out your loved ones for support and advice.•Talk to a counselor, a teacher, coach etc. •Therapy. •Anti-depressants.

Helping a Depressed Friend

•Emphasize that depression is treatable and not anybody’s “fault.”•Encourage them to seek help.•Be empathetic. Listen more than you talk.•Lovingly challenge expressions of hopelessness.

HW: (Answer at least 2)1. What are the main causes of depression?

2. In your opinion, what is the best way to deal with depression? 3. Have you or a loved one ever suffered from depression?

Option A: ½-1 page. Proofread please! Option B: Illustrate your answers to these questions. Follow the

illustration rubric carefully.