Living with Depression

& Coping Strategies

Presented by
Ms. Natasha Fernandes
Clinical Psychologist & Psychotherapist
Globally, more than 300
million people of all ages
suffer from depression.
Depression : What is it?
It's natural to feel down sometimes, but if that low
mood lingers day after day, it could signal depression.

Major depression is an episode of sadness or apathy

along with other symptoms that lasts at least two
consecutive weeks and is severe enough to interrupt
daily activities.

Depression is not a sign of weakness or a negative

personality.

It is a major public health problem and a

treatable medical condition.
Depression Symptoms: Emotional

A sad mood and/or

loss of interest in life.
guilt
Worthlessness
Lack of hope,
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.
Feeling Helpless.
Feeling agitated, restless, or even violent.
Low tolerance level
Anger, irritability.
Depression Symptoms: Physical
Depression is sometimes linked to physical symptoms. These include:

Fatigue and decreased energy

Insomnia, especially early-morning waking
Excessive sleep
Persistent aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive
problems that do not ease even with treatment.

Depression can make other health problems feel worse, particularly

chronic pain. Key brain chemicals influence both mood and pain.
Treating depression has been shown to improve co-existing illnesses.
Depression Symptom: Appetite
Changes in appetite or weight are another hallmark
of depression. Some patients develop increased
appetite, while others lose their appetite
altogether.

Depressed people may experience serious weight

loss or weight gain.
Depression: Who's at Risk?
Anyone can become depressed, but many experts believe
genetics play a role. Having a parent or sibling with
depression increases your risk of developing the disorder.
Women are twice as likely as men to become depressed.
 Causes of Depression
Some of the potential triggers of depression :

Stressful events
Personality
Family history (Genetics)
Giving birth
Loneliness
Alcohol and drugs
Illness
 Millions of people with
depression suffer needlessly because
they don't get/seek professional help
that starts with a doctor's /mental
health care specialist’s diagnosis.
 Types of Depression
Major Depression

Dysthymia (Chronic Depression)

Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Peripartum (Postpartum) Depression

 Depression & Suicide
A staggering 75% to 80% of all people who commit suicide in are
men.

Though more women attempt suicide, more men complete the

act of actually ending their lives.

Verbal & Behavioral Clues

• Children & Adolescents
• Adults ( Men & Women)
• Geriatric (Elderly)
 Diagnosis of Depression

Physical Examination : ( Vitals)

Lab Tests

Other Testing Methods

Depression Screening Tests

Treatment Choices for Depression
Medical Treatments for Depression
Anti Depressants
ECT ( Electroconvulsive Therapy)

Psychological treatments for Depression

Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
Behaviour therapy
Psychotherapy

Alternative treatments for Depression

Access Consciousness Bars®
Bowen Therapy
Bach Flower Remedy
Coping Strategies for Depression
The things that help the most are the things that are the most
difficult to do.

Reach out and stay connected

Do things that make you feel good
Exercise & Fitness
Nutrition
Exposure to Sunlight
Challenge negative thinking
Sleep patterns
5 Minute Technique for Relieving Stress
Questions ??
Don’t believe in things you tell yourself
when you are SAD or Alone.

Question Everything