Teen Depression Dispel the Myths…

Empower with Facts!

Introduction…

!  Catherine Siegel TASIS High School Counselor !  Office: Lanterna - B (next to the Nurses’

office)

Prompt…

!  When you think of depression, what do you think of?

!  Pair / share.

Most people think depression looks like this…

But depression can look like this too…

Agenda…

!  Global Health Blog !  Depression 101 !  Criteria !  Causes !  Signs & Symptoms !  Treatment Options !  Resources

A great start!

!  http://globalhealthattasis.blogspot.com/2012/01/effects-of-teen-depression.html

What is depression?

!  Depression is a strong mood involving sadness, discouragement, despair, or hopelessness that lasts for weeks, months, or even longer.

Criteria for diagnosis…

A medical doctor (psychiatrist) or a clinical psychologist are licensed diagnosticians. He/she will ask focused questions regarding the following categories:

!  Duration !  Intensity !  Frequency

Criteria…

1.  Duration - how long?

Criteria…

1.  Intensity - how strong?

Criteria…

!  Frequency - how often?

What causes depression? Many researchers believe it is caused by chemical changes in the brain. This may be due to a genetic

predisposition, or triggered by certain stressful events. More likely, it's a combination of both. Some types of depression may run in families, but it can also occur if you have no family history of the

illness. The following may play a role in depression: !Alcohol or drug abuse !Certain medical conditions, including underactive thyroid, cancer, or long-term pain !Certain medications such as steroids !Sleeping problems !Stressful life events, such as: • Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend • Failing a class • Death or illness of someone close to you • Divorce • Childhood abuse or neglect • Job loss • Social isolation

Signs & Symptoms Wide - ranging & unique to each individual * Feelings of sadness, irritability, and/or anger/rage * Loss of interest in activities and seeking out fun; low energy; withdrawn * Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, hopelessness/helplessness, powerlessness * Change in sleep patterns (too much or too little sleep) * Physical symptoms: headaches, body aches, fatigue, etc. * Frequently tearful and crying over seemingly insignificant issues * Changes in weight (gain or loss) * Change in ability to concentrate & academic performance - usually for the

worse * Overreaction to criticism; problems with authority * Substance use / abuse * Thinking about death or suicide. (If this is true, talk to someone right away!)

Is depression preventable? !  There is evidence to suggest that people who live a healthy lifestyle

experience far less incidence of depression; this is difficult to quantify because people who don’t experience depression, don’t report it! However…

!  A healthy lifestyle includes: "  A proper & well-balanced diet; "  Exercise; "  Limited / no use of alcohol; "  Taking time out for fun and relaxation; "  Maintaining a healthy sleep pattern; "  Maintaining a social network of peers; "  Enjoying one’s academics / career.

Helping a loved one… !  Being a compassionate listener is much more important than giving advice! !  Encourage the depressed person to talk about his or her feelings, and be willing to listen without

judgment. !  Ways to start the conversation: * I have been feeling concerned about you lately. * Recently, I have noticed some differences in you and wondered how you are doing. * I wanted to check in with you because you have seemed pretty down lately. !  Questions you can ask: * When did you begin feeling like this? * Did something happen that made you start feeling this way? Tell me about it… * How can I best support you right now? What usually helps you feel better? * Have you thought about getting help / talking to someone like a counselor? (Offer to help find a

resources and/or accompany to the counselor.) !  Supportive statements: * You are not alone in this. I’m here for you. * You may not believe it now, but the way you’re feeling will change. * I may not be able to understand exactly how you feel, but I care about you and want to help. * You are important to me. Your life is important to me. * Tell me what I can do now to help you.

Treatment Options Much to be hopeful for… !  New research about the brain!

(Neuroplasticity) !  Many, many therapeutic approaches! CBT,

REBT, exercise, meditation practices, etc. (Search for the right one!)

!  Newer and more effective medications!

Resources… Caution: websites can mislead and cannot diagnose! !  http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/

depression.html#cat20123 !  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/

PMH0001941/ !  http://helpguide.org/mental/

depression_teen_teenagers.htm !  http://www.refocuser.com/2009/05/neuroplasticity-

your-brains-amazing-ability-to-form-new-habits/ !  Ms. Siegel :) catherine.siegel@tasis.ch

Questions, Comments….

!  Feedback, suggestions, comments,, questions are encouraged, welcomed and appreciated. :)

!  catherine.siegel@tasis.ch