Hopelessness Helplessness Depression Why do people get depressed

Hopelessness Helplessness Depression

Why do people get depressed? l There is no single cause of depression. l Many factors play a role in depression such as:

Heredity l Research has revealed that depression runs in families. l Some people inherit genes that make it more likely for them to get depressed.

Life Events l For example: death of a close family member or friend. Grieving can go beyond normal grief and can sometimes lead to depression.

Family and Social Environment l Negative, stressful, or unhappy family atmosphere can affect a teens self-esteem and lead to depression.

Social Conditions l Poverty l Homelessness l Community violence

Undiagnosed Learning Disabilities l Block school success

Substance Abuse l l l Causes chemical changes in the brain that affect mood Alcohol and some other drugs are depressants Negative social and personal consequences of abuse can lead to severe unhappiness and depression

Certain Medical Conditions Can affect hormone balance therefore have an effect on mood l Hypothyroidism-can cause depression l Depression usually disappears when condition is treated l

What happens in the brain when someone is depressed? Affects the brain’s delicate chemistry (specifically neurotransmitters) l Neurotransmitters assist transmitting messages between nerve cells in the brain. l Certain neurotransmitters regulate mood. l When they are not available in l sufficient quantities, the result can be depression

A person is probably depressed if l They have 5 or more of these symptoms l For most of the time l Or for 2 weeks or longer

Symptoms of Depression l l l Depressed mood or sadness most of the time. Lack of energy or feeling tired all of the time Inability to concentrate l l l Withdrawal from friends and family Irritability, anger, or anxiety Inability to enjoy things that used to bring pleasure

Symptoms continued l l l Significant weight loss or gain Significant change in sleep patterns Feelings of guilt or worthlessness l l l Aches and pains for no apparent reason Pessimism and indifference Thoughts of death or suicide

Getting Help 1. Prescription medicine It's important to know that it could take as many as 6 to 8 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to occur. It is important to give the medication a chance to work and to take it exactly as directed by your health care professional.

2. Psychotherapy l Psychotherapy is known as "talk therapy, " which research has shown can be very helpful for people with some forms of depression. Like all treatment options, psychotherapy can be used alone or in combination with medication or other treatments.

3. Healthy Living l l l l Maintain proper sleep hygiene Eat a well-balanced diet Manage anxiety Participate in an exercise program Set realistic goals for yourself Create small and manageable tasks Let others you can trust help you