Download symptoms of clinical depression

STRESS AND DEPRESSION
STRESS: Stress is the nonspecific response of the body to any demand
made upon it. The necessity of significant change in the life pattern of
the individual. The rate of wear and tear on the body.
STRESSOR: Any stimulus that demands a response or change in the
individual.
EUSTRESS: successful adaptation to a stressor(s); leads to growth,
increased happiness, strength, security, and greater resistance.
DISTRESS: damaging or unpleasant stress; unsuccessful adaptation to
stressor(s) that leads to wear and tear, weakness, illness, stress
overload, and increased vulnerability.
GENERAL ADAPTATION SYNDROME
The manifestation of stress in the whole body evolving over time.
Alarm: prepares for fight or flight by mobilizing its biochemical
resources.
Resistance: vital resources are applied to enable the body to resist
and adapt to the stressor if this is compatible with adaptation. The
indications of the alarm reaction have disappeared.
Exhaustion: adaptation energy is eventually exhausted following
long-term exposure to the same stressor.
SOURCES OF STRESS
EXTERNAL
Home
School
Job
Church
Social
INTERNAL
Attitudes
Beliefs
Expectations
Behaviors
CAUSES OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION
Biological: Chemical disorder (neurotransmitters)
Cognitive: Errors in thinking: people with negative thinking patterns: those who are
pessimistic, have low self-esteem, worry too much or feel they have little control over
life events.
Genetic: There may be a family history of depression, which increases the
risk that you may get this illness – or there may be no history in your family.
Situational: Difficult life events, changes, financial problems, all can contribute to
depression.
Co-occurring: Clinical depression is more likely to occur along with some medical
illnesses, as well as with alcoholism or drug addiction.
Medications: Some meds can actually cause clinical depression, esp. when interacting
with other drugs. It is important for you doctor to know all meds you are taking, and to
report any side effects immediately.
SYMPTOMS OF CLINICAL DEPRESSION
A persistent sad, anxious or “empty” mood
Sleeping too little, or too much
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or the opposite!
Loss of interest or pleasure in activities you once enjoyed
Restlessness or irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment
(headaches
chronic pain, irritable bowel)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Thoughts of death or suicide
Grades fall
Begin to not care about your appearance
ANXIETY DISORDERS
Anxiety disorders are common, and can interfere with having a full,
productive life. They are characterized by feelings of panic and fear, and
discomfort that arise with no clear cause, in situations that are not usually
stressful or dangerous. More than 19 million American adults live with
anxiety disorders.
Anxiety disorders are linked to depression. The life-changing impact of
anxiety disorders may trigger depression – and visa versa. About 80% of
depressed individuals suffer psychological anxiety symptoms: unrealistic
apprehension, fears, worry, agitation, irritability, panic attacks. Some 60% of
people with depression have anxiety-related physical symptoms: Headaches,
irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue, and chronic pain, among others.
Approximately 65% of those with depression experience sleep disturbances,
about 20% feel agitated, 25% have phobia, approximately 17% report
generalized anxiety symptoms, and 10% suffer panic attacks.
Anxiety disorders and depression are VERY TREATABLE. The most
common and successful ways to treat both are antidepressant medication,
talk therapy, and the best is a combination of both!
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Can Also Link Up To Depression
Alcohol abuse does lasting damage. One night of heavy drinking can
impair your ability to think well for up to 30 days. Tens of thousands of
today’s college students will eventually die of alcohol-related causes,
accidents, cirrhosis of the liver, and heart disease to name a few.
Behavioral changes and consequences of drug abuse may include
changes in overall personality, depression, declining grades, loss of
interest in friends and family, , oversensitivity, moodiness, nervousness,
paranoia, secretive or suspicious behavior, and excessive talkativeness.
Often people also experience difficulty in paying attention,, and a general
lack of motivation and energy.
Physical Changes associated with substance abuse can be changes in
eating habits, lack of physical coordination, puffy face, hyperactivity,
tremors, excessive sweating, runny nose, or hacking cough.
Personal Safety is often compromised through substance abuse.
SUICIDE
Depression alone or in combination with aggressive behavior, substance abuse
and/or anxiety is found in over half of all suicides. If depression is present,
substance abuse, anxiety, impulsivity, rage, hopelessness, and desperation may
increase the risks of suicide.
SPECIFIC SIGNS OF POTENTIAL SUICIDE INCLUDE:
Talking openly about committing suicide
Talking indirectly about wanting out or ending it all
Taking unnecessary or life-threatening risks
Giving away personal possessions.
SUICIDE CAN BE TRIGGERED BY A NUMBER OF THINGS, INCLUDING:
Stressful events, such as a failed exam, or failure to get a job or make
the team
Crisis in significant social or family relationships
Interpersonal losses
Changes in body chemistry
High levels of anger or anxiety
HOW TO HELP A FRIEND WHO IS DEPRESSED
Be honest and express your concerns. For example, “You seem really
down lately, Is something bothering you?”
“Ask directly about thoughts of suicide. For example “Have you
thought of hurting yourself?” If suicidal thoughts are expressed it is
important to contact someone such as the college counselor , the
Center for Counseling 24-hour hotline, a teacher, the parents, or the
director of the residence hall. It is important NOT to promise to keep a
secret, NOT to leave the person alone, and NOT to try to handle the
situation yourself. You may be risking the person’s anger at you for
telling someone else, but it is better to do that than to lose them to
suicide.
Listen and offer emotional support, understanding and patience.
Convey the message that depression is real, common and treatable.
Suicidal feelings are real and preventable.
HOW TO HELP YOURSELF STAY MENTALLY HEALTHY
Be realistic. If you are taking on more responsibility than you can handle
rank the activities you are involved in and drop the ones that aren’t absolutely
necessary.
Drop the “superman/superwoman” mentality. Nobody is perfect, so don’t
expect perfection from yourself or others. Don’t be afraid to ask for help if you
need it. Delegate chores, and, until you are out of school, lower your
standards for housekeeping etc.
Reflect. Take time out to collect your thoughts. Personal reflections in the
form of meditation, prayer or other ways can reduce stress. (Notice beauty in
nature, in animals, in your family.)
Plan ahead. Feeling unprepared or scrambling to do something at the last
minute can be really stressful. For those who use a babysitter while at school,
have a backup sitter and a backup-backup sitter lined out in case of illness or
emergency.
Healthy lifestyle. Eat a well-balanced diet, and limit your use of caffeine and
alcohol. Exercise regularly as a way to reduce stress and increase self-esteem.
Make sure you are getting enough sleep to feel refreshed and energized. Spend
time in the sunshine.
Share your feelings. Talking to a friend or family member about problems
in your life can help you organize your thoughts and get support for your feelings.
Hobbies. Take a break from stressful situations by doing something you enjoy.
Be flexible. Respect other’s opinions and be prepared to compromise.
Take one thing at a time. When people are under stress, an average workload
can
seem overwhelming. Do one task at a time. The feeling of accomplishment will
encourage you to keep going.
Get help when you need it. It’s never a weakness to ask for help, whether it be
counseling, tutoring or hiring someone to clean your house! If you recognize the
downward spiral of depressive thinking, contact your school counselor, the
community mental health center or your minister and talk with someone
about how you’re feeling.
IF YOU ARE IN A RELATIONSHIP WITH SOMEONE WHO IS DEPRESSED
Remember, your role is to offer support and encourage your friend/spouse to seek
professional help. Explain that with the right treatment, people with depression can regain
their lives.
Don’t try to take over the life of someone who is depressed, even if you want very badly to
help. Your friend/spouse may seem overwhelmed, incapable or frustrated, but you cannot
run his or her life.
Give advice in the form of options. For example, recommend a counselor or suggest
support groups you think may be a step towards alleviating his or her symptoms.
Remember that depression is a real illness that should be taken seriously. Don't belittle
the person by saying such things as “Snap out of it,” or “Get over it.” Try your best to
understand the illness.
Recognize that depression is not rational. It is painful to be rejected, scorned or ignored.,
but this may be how your friend/spouse will respond to your efforts to help. .Be patient and
understanding.
Take any suicidal ideation or talk very seriously and get help.
Care for yourself. Follow your own interests and hobbies, or seek counseling for yourself if
the situation begins to become overwhelming for you!