Understanding

Depression
What Is Depression?
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a
common and serious medical illness that
negatively affects how you feel, the way you
think and how you act. Fortunately, it is also
treatable. Depression causes feelings of
sadness and/or a loss of interest in activities
once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of
emotional and physical problems and can
decrease a person’s ability to function at work
and at home.
What causes Depression?
■ Family History

■ Having family members who have

depression may increase a person’s
risk
■ Deficiencies of certain chemicals in
the brain may lead to depression
■ Major Life Changes
■ Negative or
particularly stressful
events can trigger
depression. Examples
include the death of a
loved one or a job
change.
■ Major Illnesses such
as heart attack, stroke
or cancer may trigger
depression.
■ Certain medications used alone
or in combination can cause
side effects much like the
symptoms of depression.
■ Use of Alcohol or other Drugs
can lead to or worsen
depression.
■ Depression can also occur for
no apparent reason at all!
Symptoms of Depression
■ Vary from person to
person

■ 2 key signs are loss of

interest in things you
like to do, and pervasive
sadness or irritability
Additional Signs include:
■ Changes in feelings such as:
■ Feeling empty
■ Inability to enjoy anything
■ Hopelessness
■ Loss of sexual desire
■ Loss of warm feelings for family or friends
■ Feelings of self blame or guilt
■ Loss of self esteem
■ Inexplicable crying spells, sadness or
irritability
Changes in behavior and attitude

■ These may include:

■ General slowing down
■ Neglect of responsibilities and appearance
■ Poor memory
■ Inability to concentrate
■ Suicidal thoughts and feelings
■ Difficulty making decisions
Physical Complaints
■ These may include:
■ Sleep disturbances such as
insomnia, early morning waking,
or sleeping too much
■ Lack of energy
■ Loss of appetite
■ Weight loss or gain
■ Unexplained headaches or
backaches
■ Stomachaches, indigestion or
changes in bowl habits
Common Types of Depression

■ Major Depression
■ Dysthymia
■ Bipolar Disorder
■ Seasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
Major Depression

■ This type causes symptoms that may:

■ Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss,
crisis or stressful change
■ Interfere with normal functioning
■ Continue for months or years
■ It is possible for a person to have only one
episode of major depression. However, It is
more common for episodes to be long lasting
or to recur several times during a person’s life
Dysthymia

■ People with this illness may be

consistently and mildly depressed
for years. They function fairly well
on a daily basis, but their
relationships and self esteem suffer
over time.
 Bipolar Disorder (A.K.A. Manic-Depression)
■ People with this type of illness change back and forth
between periods of depression and periods of mania (an
extreme high, sometimes with agitation or irritability).
■ Symptoms of mania may include:
■ Less need for sleep
■ Overconfidence
■ Racing thoughts
■ Reckless behavior
■ Increased energy
■ Mood changes are often gradual, but can be sudden
Season Affective Disorder
■ This is depression that coincides with
changes in the season. Most cases
begin in the fall or winter, when there is
a decrease in sunlight
(more common in regions
farther north)
■ Less often, depression
can occur in late Spring
or summer
 Professional treatment is
helpful for all these types of
depression.
Psychotherapy
■ Counseling can help many depressed people
understand, accept and feel better about
themselves. People also learn more effective
ways of coping with life’s adversities and
difficulties. For example:
■ Interpersonal therapy works to change how
people how to accept self and relate to
others that affects mood and self-worth.
■ Cognitive therapy helps people change
negative thinking, behavior patterns and
attitudes that affect self esteem and overall
sense of well being.
 Medical Treatment for Depression
■ Medication
■ Antidepressants are an option (most often for
more severe cases) that can help ease the
symptoms of depression and return a person
to a better level of functioning. Medication is
often crucial for cases of bipolar (typically a
mood stabilizer).
■ Antidepressants are
not habit forming and
generally have minimal
side effects.
If you or someone you know
has symptoms of depression…

Take Action!
■ See a medical doctor for a complete
check up. Some medical problems,
such as an under-functioning thyroid,
can cause depression.

■ Go to the counseling center and talk with

a professional counselor.
■ Talk things over with an under-
standing friend, family member
or student services staff.
■ Don’t expect too much of yourself until
your energy and mood improve
■ Take a break
■ Get some exercise
■ Avoid extra stress and big changes
Things to do
■ Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol
or drugs
■ Exercise or engage in some form of
physical activity
■ Eat a proper, well-balanced diet
■ Establish a regular sleep
pattern
■ Obtain an adequate and consistent amount of
sleep—not too much, nor too little
■ Seek emotional support from family and
friends
■ Focus on meaningful, positive aspects of your
life
■ Pace yourself, modify your schedule, and set
small, realistic goals
■ Remember, depression is
a temporary difficulty, not
a reflection of your whole
life or self worth.
Things to Avoid
■ Don’t make long-term commitments or important
decisions unless necessary while you are
feeling down
■ Don’t assume things are hopeless
■ Don’t engage in “emotional reasoning” (i.e.:
because I feel awful, my life is terrible)
■ Don’t assume responsibility for events which are
outside of your control
■ Don’t avoid treatment-take some action to cope
■ Don’t be critical of yourself; avoid critical others
Dealing with a depressed friend
■ Be empathic and understanding
■ Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed person—it
can feel minimizing. Simply ask if there is
anything you can do to help—the answer will
often be “no,” but the support will be felt.
■ Avoid critical or shaming statements
■ Challenge expressions of hopelessness
■ Empathize with feelings of sadness, grief,
anger and frustration (other feelings will come
in time)
Helping a depressed friend…

■ Don’t argue about how bad things are or

are not
■ Don’t insist that depression or sadness
is not warranted for their situation
■ Don’t react with anger even though your
efforts to help may be resisted or
rejected
Helping a depressed friend…

■ Advocate for their recovery—

convey hope
■ Emphasize that depression is very treatable
■ Seek consultation (professional counselors
from the counseling center are always glad to
consult—by phone or in person).
■ Encourage your friend to seek help; offer to go
with them to the counseling center
■ Be supportive of counselor or other doctor
suggestions