Depression things you may not know

Rodney Williams

Student of Psychology

What is Depression

bull A mental state or chronic mental disorder characterized by feelings of sadness loneliness despair low self-esteem and self-reproach accompanying signs include psychomotor retardation (or less frequently agitation) withdrawal from social contact and vegetative states such as loss of appetite and insomnia

Symptoms of Depression

Feelings of sadness or unhappiness bull bull Irritability or frustration even over small matters bull bull Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities bull bull Reduced sex drive bull bull Insomnia or excessive sleeping bull bull Changes in appetite mdash depression often causes decreased appetite and weight loss but in some people it causes increased cravings for

food and weight gain bull bull Agitation or restlessness mdash for example pacing hand-wringing or an inability to sit still bull bull Slowed thinking speaking or body movements bull bull Indecisiveness distractibility and decreased concentration bull bull Fatigue tiredness and loss of energy mdash even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort bull bull Feelings of worthlessness or guilt fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things arent going right bull bull Trouble thinking concentrating making decisions and remembering things bull bull Frequent thoughts of death dying or suicide bull bull Crying spells for no apparent reason bull bull Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches

What are the different forms of depression

bull Major depressive disorder or major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a

persons ability to work sleep study eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime but more often a person may have multiple episodes

bull Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia is characterized by long-term (2 years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe

enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes

bull Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression

Without treatment people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder

bull Some forms of depression are slightly different or they may develop under unique circumstances However not everyone agrees on how to characterize and define these forms of depression They include

bull Psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis such as having

disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations)

bull Postpartum depression which is much more serious than the baby blues that many women experience after giving birth

when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth1

bull Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months when

there is less natural sunlight The depression generally lifts during spring and summer SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms either alone or in combination with light therapy2

bull Bipolar disorder also called manic-depressive illness is not as common as major depression or dysthymia Bipolar

disorder is characterized by cycling mood changesmdashfrom extreme highs (eg mania) to extreme lows (eg depression)

How can I help myself if I am depressed

bull Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated There is research showing the longer one waits the greater the impairment can be down the road Try to see a professional as soon as possible

bull

bull Try to be active and exercise Go to a movie a ballgame or another event or activity that you once enjoyed bull

bull Set realistic goals for yourself bull Break up large tasks into small ones set some priorities and do what you can as you can bull

bull Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative Try not to isolate yourself and let others help you

bull

bull Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately Do not expect to suddenly snap out of your depression Often during treatment for depression sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts

bull

bull Postpone important decisions such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs until you feel better Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation

bull

bull Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment

bull

bull Continue to educate yourself about depression

Treatment Options bull Medication

bull Antidepressants primarily work on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters especially serotonin

and norepinephrine Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine Scientists have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood but they are unsure of the exact ways that they work The latest information on medications for treating depression is available on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website

bull Psychotherapy

bull Two main types of psychotherapiesmdashcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)mdashare effective in treating depression CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

bull Electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies

bull For cases in which medication andor psychotherapy does not help relieve a persons treatment-resistant depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful ECT formerly known as shock therapy once had a bad reputation But in recent years it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

What is Depression

bull A mental state or chronic mental disorder characterized by feelings of sadness loneliness despair low self-esteem and self-reproach accompanying signs include psychomotor retardation (or less frequently agitation) withdrawal from social contact and vegetative states such as loss of appetite and insomnia

Symptoms of Depression

Feelings of sadness or unhappiness bull bull Irritability or frustration even over small matters bull bull Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities bull bull Reduced sex drive bull bull Insomnia or excessive sleeping bull bull Changes in appetite mdash depression often causes decreased appetite and weight loss but in some people it causes increased cravings for

food and weight gain bull bull Agitation or restlessness mdash for example pacing hand-wringing or an inability to sit still bull bull Slowed thinking speaking or body movements bull bull Indecisiveness distractibility and decreased concentration bull bull Fatigue tiredness and loss of energy mdash even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort bull bull Feelings of worthlessness or guilt fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things arent going right bull bull Trouble thinking concentrating making decisions and remembering things bull bull Frequent thoughts of death dying or suicide bull bull Crying spells for no apparent reason bull bull Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches

What are the different forms of depression

bull Major depressive disorder or major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a

persons ability to work sleep study eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime but more often a person may have multiple episodes

bull Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia is characterized by long-term (2 years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe

enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes

bull Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression

Without treatment people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder

bull Some forms of depression are slightly different or they may develop under unique circumstances However not everyone agrees on how to characterize and define these forms of depression They include

bull Psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis such as having

disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations)

bull Postpartum depression which is much more serious than the baby blues that many women experience after giving birth

when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth1

bull Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months when

there is less natural sunlight The depression generally lifts during spring and summer SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms either alone or in combination with light therapy2

bull Bipolar disorder also called manic-depressive illness is not as common as major depression or dysthymia Bipolar

disorder is characterized by cycling mood changesmdashfrom extreme highs (eg mania) to extreme lows (eg depression)

How can I help myself if I am depressed

bull Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated There is research showing the longer one waits the greater the impairment can be down the road Try to see a professional as soon as possible

bull

bull Try to be active and exercise Go to a movie a ballgame or another event or activity that you once enjoyed bull

bull Set realistic goals for yourself bull Break up large tasks into small ones set some priorities and do what you can as you can bull

bull Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative Try not to isolate yourself and let others help you

bull

bull Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately Do not expect to suddenly snap out of your depression Often during treatment for depression sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts

bull

bull Postpone important decisions such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs until you feel better Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation

bull

bull Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment

bull

bull Continue to educate yourself about depression

Treatment Options bull Medication

bull Antidepressants primarily work on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters especially serotonin

and norepinephrine Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine Scientists have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood but they are unsure of the exact ways that they work The latest information on medications for treating depression is available on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website

bull Psychotherapy

bull Two main types of psychotherapiesmdashcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)mdashare effective in treating depression CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

bull Electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies

bull For cases in which medication andor psychotherapy does not help relieve a persons treatment-resistant depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful ECT formerly known as shock therapy once had a bad reputation But in recent years it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

Symptoms of Depression

Feelings of sadness or unhappiness bull bull Irritability or frustration even over small matters bull bull Loss of interest or pleasure in normal activities bull bull Reduced sex drive bull bull Insomnia or excessive sleeping bull bull Changes in appetite mdash depression often causes decreased appetite and weight loss but in some people it causes increased cravings for

food and weight gain bull bull Agitation or restlessness mdash for example pacing hand-wringing or an inability to sit still bull bull Slowed thinking speaking or body movements bull bull Indecisiveness distractibility and decreased concentration bull bull Fatigue tiredness and loss of energy mdash even small tasks may seem to require a lot of effort bull bull Feelings of worthlessness or guilt fixating on past failures or blaming yourself when things arent going right bull bull Trouble thinking concentrating making decisions and remembering things bull bull Frequent thoughts of death dying or suicide bull bull Crying spells for no apparent reason bull bull Unexplained physical problems such as back pain or headaches

What are the different forms of depression

bull Major depressive disorder or major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a

persons ability to work sleep study eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime but more often a person may have multiple episodes

bull Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia is characterized by long-term (2 years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe

enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes

bull Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression

Without treatment people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder

bull Some forms of depression are slightly different or they may develop under unique circumstances However not everyone agrees on how to characterize and define these forms of depression They include

bull Psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis such as having

disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations)

bull Postpartum depression which is much more serious than the baby blues that many women experience after giving birth

when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth1

bull Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months when

there is less natural sunlight The depression generally lifts during spring and summer SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms either alone or in combination with light therapy2

bull Bipolar disorder also called manic-depressive illness is not as common as major depression or dysthymia Bipolar

disorder is characterized by cycling mood changesmdashfrom extreme highs (eg mania) to extreme lows (eg depression)

How can I help myself if I am depressed

bull Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated There is research showing the longer one waits the greater the impairment can be down the road Try to see a professional as soon as possible

bull

bull Try to be active and exercise Go to a movie a ballgame or another event or activity that you once enjoyed bull

bull Set realistic goals for yourself bull Break up large tasks into small ones set some priorities and do what you can as you can bull

bull Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative Try not to isolate yourself and let others help you

bull

bull Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately Do not expect to suddenly snap out of your depression Often during treatment for depression sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts

bull

bull Postpone important decisions such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs until you feel better Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation

bull

bull Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment

bull

bull Continue to educate yourself about depression

Treatment Options bull Medication

bull Antidepressants primarily work on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters especially serotonin

and norepinephrine Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine Scientists have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood but they are unsure of the exact ways that they work The latest information on medications for treating depression is available on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website

bull Psychotherapy

bull Two main types of psychotherapiesmdashcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)mdashare effective in treating depression CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

bull Electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies

bull For cases in which medication andor psychotherapy does not help relieve a persons treatment-resistant depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful ECT formerly known as shock therapy once had a bad reputation But in recent years it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

What are the different forms of depression

bull Major depressive disorder or major depression is characterized by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a

persons ability to work sleep study eat and enjoy once-pleasurable activities Major depression is disabling and prevents a person from functioning normally Some people may experience only a single episode within their lifetime but more often a person may have multiple episodes

bull Dysthymic disorder or dysthymia is characterized by long-term (2 years or longer) symptoms that may not be severe

enough to disable a person but can prevent normal functioning or feeling well People with dysthymia may also experience one or more episodes of major depression during their lifetimes

bull Minor depression is characterized by having symptoms for 2 weeks or longer that do not meet full criteria for major depression

Without treatment people with minor depression are at high risk for developing major depressive disorder

bull Some forms of depression are slightly different or they may develop under unique circumstances However not everyone agrees on how to characterize and define these forms of depression They include

bull Psychotic depression which occurs when a person has severe depression plus some form of psychosis such as having

disturbing false beliefs or a break with reality (delusions) or hearing or seeing upsetting things that others cannot hear or see (hallucinations)

bull Postpartum depression which is much more serious than the baby blues that many women experience after giving birth

when hormonal and physical changes and the new responsibility of caring for a newborn can be overwhelming It is estimated that 10 to 15 percent of women experience postpartum depression after giving birth1

bull Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) which is characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months when

there is less natural sunlight The depression generally lifts during spring and summer SAD may be effectively treated with light therapy but nearly half of those with SAD do not get better with light therapy alone Antidepressant medication and psychotherapy can reduce SAD symptoms either alone or in combination with light therapy2

bull Bipolar disorder also called manic-depressive illness is not as common as major depression or dysthymia Bipolar

disorder is characterized by cycling mood changesmdashfrom extreme highs (eg mania) to extreme lows (eg depression)

How can I help myself if I am depressed

bull Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated There is research showing the longer one waits the greater the impairment can be down the road Try to see a professional as soon as possible

bull

bull Try to be active and exercise Go to a movie a ballgame or another event or activity that you once enjoyed bull

bull Set realistic goals for yourself bull Break up large tasks into small ones set some priorities and do what you can as you can bull

bull Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative Try not to isolate yourself and let others help you

bull

bull Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately Do not expect to suddenly snap out of your depression Often during treatment for depression sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts

bull

bull Postpone important decisions such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs until you feel better Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation

bull

bull Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment

bull

bull Continue to educate yourself about depression

Treatment Options bull Medication

bull Antidepressants primarily work on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters especially serotonin

and norepinephrine Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine Scientists have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood but they are unsure of the exact ways that they work The latest information on medications for treating depression is available on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website

bull Psychotherapy

bull Two main types of psychotherapiesmdashcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)mdashare effective in treating depression CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

bull Electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies

bull For cases in which medication andor psychotherapy does not help relieve a persons treatment-resistant depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful ECT formerly known as shock therapy once had a bad reputation But in recent years it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

How can I help myself if I am depressed

bull Do not wait too long to get evaluated or treated There is research showing the longer one waits the greater the impairment can be down the road Try to see a professional as soon as possible

bull

bull Try to be active and exercise Go to a movie a ballgame or another event or activity that you once enjoyed bull

bull Set realistic goals for yourself bull Break up large tasks into small ones set some priorities and do what you can as you can bull

bull Try to spend time with other people and confide in a trusted friend or relative Try not to isolate yourself and let others help you

bull

bull Expect your mood to improve gradually not immediately Do not expect to suddenly snap out of your depression Often during treatment for depression sleep and appetite will begin to improve before your depressed mood lifts

bull

bull Postpone important decisions such as getting married or divorced or changing jobs until you feel better Discuss decisions with others who know you well and have a more objective view of your situation

bull

bull Remember that positive thinking will replace negative thoughts as your depression responds to treatment

bull

bull Continue to educate yourself about depression

Treatment Options bull Medication

bull Antidepressants primarily work on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters especially serotonin

and norepinephrine Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine Scientists have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood but they are unsure of the exact ways that they work The latest information on medications for treating depression is available on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website

bull Psychotherapy

bull Two main types of psychotherapiesmdashcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)mdashare effective in treating depression CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

bull Electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies

bull For cases in which medication andor psychotherapy does not help relieve a persons treatment-resistant depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful ECT formerly known as shock therapy once had a bad reputation But in recent years it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

Treatment Options bull Medication

bull Antidepressants primarily work on brain chemicals called neurotransmitters especially serotonin

and norepinephrine Other antidepressants work on the neurotransmitter dopamine Scientists have found that these particular chemicals are involved in regulating mood but they are unsure of the exact ways that they work The latest information on medications for treating depression is available on the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website

bull Psychotherapy

bull Two main types of psychotherapiesmdashcognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT)mdashare effective in treating depression CBT helps people with depression restructure negative thought patterns Doing so helps people interpret their environment and interactions with others in a positive and realistic way It may also help you recognize things that may be contributing to the depression and help you change behaviors that may be making the depression worse IPT helps people understand and work through troubled relationships that may cause their depression or make it worse

bull Electroconvulsive therapy and other brain stimulation therapies

bull For cases in which medication andor psychotherapy does not help relieve a persons treatment-resistant depression electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be useful ECT formerly known as shock therapy once had a bad reputation But in recent years it has greatly improved and can provide relief for people with severe depression who have not been able to feel better with other treatments

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

Tips for living with depression bull Take medication as described bull Join a Support Group bull Having a caring group of people who can be there to listen to you and support you is perhaps the most important thing you can do

outside of medical treatment to help you with your depression There are numerous groups both online and in your community dedicated to supporting those with depression and other mental illnesses

bull Reduce Your Stress bull When the body is under stress the adrenal gland increases secretion of cortisol Short-term this hormone can help aid in survival Long-

term elevation of cortisol however can have detrimental effects Although the exact mechanism that causes depression is uncertain clinical studies suggest that chronically elevated cortisol may induce clinical depression by somehow affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin Learning stress reduction techniques may be helpful in reducing depression

bull Improve Your Sleep Hygiene bull Sleep and mood are intimately related In fact some studies seem to show that rather than being only a symptom of depression

insomnia may in fact be a cause of depression Learning how to get a good nights sleep could improve your mood

bull Improve Your Eating Habits bull A poor diet can affect both your physical and mental well-being Eat better to feel better

bull Learn How to Stop Negative Thoughts bull Did you know that habitual negative thinking can lead to depression Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy which works

to alter common patterns of negative thinking called cognitive distortions in order to eliminate depression Numerous studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for both depression and anxiety The best results are obtained by using CBT in conjunction with medication

bull Beat Procrastination bull The symptoms that we experience when depressed such as fatigue and hopelessness make it easy to fall into a habit of putting things

off until we feel better When important deadlines draw near however procrastination creates anxiety and guilt that further feeds our depression Its a vicious cycle but it can be stopped by learning how to break through the habit of procrastination

bull Get a Handle on Your Household Chores bull Depression destroys so much of our motivation and energy that if can become difficult to keep up with day-to-day chores yet a dirty

living environment only serves to make us feel more worthless and discouraged

bull Learn How to Forgive bull Holding on to anger about past events can contribute to depression Forgiving these wrongs can help you heal and move forward with

your life but the Biblical definition of forgiveness is very hard for most of us to swallow How can you forget the unforgettable How can you forgive the unforgivable To enjoy the benefits of forgiveness however we dont need to go that far

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

A True Story bull January 2009 as I was about to put the last of the seasons decorations in the hall closet I suddenly felt drained

and very sad I made it upstairs to the bedroom and crawled into bed and there I stayed for almost two weeks only leaving to use the bathroom or nibble on something to eat I was asleep most of the time so I had no idea how much time was passing When I was finally feeling well enough to get out of bed and participate in life I noticed that everything annoyed me I wanted to fly into a rage over the smallest things I became so sensitive to the world around me and the people in it I was afraid that I might do damage to something or someone so I voluntarily signed myself into an inpatient facility for evaluation I was diagnosed with major depression and the first a many medication regiments was implemented

bull Taking the medications as prescribed and seeing my doctor on a regular basis helped some but I still had sadness low energy lack of enthusiasm and began to isolate myself at home with little or no contact with the outside world Desperate to get some relief I took the suggestion of getting involved with group therapy

bull The decision to get involved with group therapy was one of the best ones I have ever made At first it was difficult to get up and be somewhere at a specific time with complete strangers It did however get me out of the house and present the opportunity for social interaction As time passed I began to feel more alive Having a place to talk about the way I was feeling and hearing how others were feeling cleared my thoughts and allowed new ones to flow through that were not all about me The tools that were introduced by the therapist for coping with feelings thought stopping affirmations and others are as important as the medications I take to effectively manage my symptoms I have learned so many valuable techniques over the past three years all of which are directly responsible for my success with mental health daily living and now seeing a future that looks bright

bull I have recently started college and rarely have any symptoms of depression but when I do have low days I use all of the tips mentioned in the rdquoliving with depressionrdquo section of this presentation Itrsquos not easy but with determination discipline and the tools I have to help me cope I dare say I am happy most of the time now

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom

Resources

bull Medilexicon Medical Dictionary

bull wwwmedilexiconcom

bull Mayo Clinic

bull wwwmayocliniccom

bull Depression Outreach Study

bull wwwdepressionoutreachstudycom

bull National Institute of Mental Health

bull wwwnimhnihgov

bull US Food and Drug

bull wwwfdagov

bull Nancy Schimelpfening

bull httpdepressionaboutcom