DEPRESSION

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

1. ——To understand the meaning and nature of depression.
2. —To develop coping skills to deal with and to know the ways and means of overcoming it.

BRAINSTORMING SESSION:

1. What is depression?
2. Can i recall a situation of depression in my life and how I responded to it?
3. What are the symptoms of depression?

DEPRESSION

1. Severe despondency and dejection, accompanied by feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. 
2. A condition of mental disturbance, typically with lack of energy and difficulty in maintaining concentration or interest in life.

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

Illness that involves the body, mood and thoughts.
Differ from one person to another.
Vary over time.
Some have few symptoms.
Some have all at once.
Trouble concentrating
Lack of motivation
Crying, feeling of sadness
Constant worry
Sleep disturbance (hypersomnia or insomnia)
Continuous fatigue and tiredness
Headache
Feeling of irritability and excessive crying

SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION

—Loss of appetite
—Vague pains in the body
—Fluctuation in weight
—Loss of interest in any activity
—Constipation
—Decrease in sexual urge
—Poor concentration
—Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness and guilt

WHAT CAUSES DEPRESSION?

—No apparent reason, either life-changing event or medical illness.

—Run in families, biological vulnerability can be inherited.

—Chemical imbalance in the brain.

—Two chemicals – Serotonin and Norepinephrine

—Neurotransmitters- affect symptoms of depression.

—Medicines that affect neurotransmitters may play a role in treating depression.

—IMPACT OF DEPRESSION

—Affects the lives of not only suffers, but also their families and friends.

—Prevents a person from continuing a normal life.

—Increase the risk for subsequent physical illness, disability and premature death.

—Depression world’s leading cause of disability.

HOW TO OVERCOME DEPRESSION AND REGAIN A POSITIVE OUTLOOK

—Be aware of the cause of depression.
—Be optimistic about future.
—Be aware of negative thoughts.
—Replace with positive ideas.
—Make weekly list of positive accomplishments.
—Get socially active.
—Find a hobby or two
—Make weekly schedule of daily activities
—Include social activities.
—Exercise daily.
—Set realistic goals.
—Know and develop your strengths.
—Be assertive when you are expressing anger.
—Get professional help if symptoms of depression persist.

HOW TO HELP A DEPRESSED PERSON?

—Do not tell a depressed person that you know what he/ she is feeling. This may make the person become angry with you.
—Be supportive and patient.
—Let the person know that you are concerned and that you will be there for him/ her.
—Encourage the person to seek professional help if symptoms are persistent and seem to interfere with activities for daily living.

—DIARY

—Ask the students to prepare posters depicting depression and its evil effects on human personality.

—Have a group discussion of five to chalk out 5 ways of confronting depression.