Depression is a common mood disturbance characterized by feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loneliness that can lead to withdrawal from activities and loss of pleasure. It affects people in different ways and severities. Mild depression is brief and does not seriously interfere with daily life, while moderate depression causes hopelessness and interferes more, and severe depression involves detachment from reality. Treatment may include medication, counseling, and changes to one's environment, with the goal of easing symptoms and improving mood over time.

1. © Jenison International Academy
Melissa Rodgers

2. Depression
❖ When you feel your sadness will never go away,
you are depressed.

3. Depression
❖ Depression is a common mood disturbance with
feelings of sadness, disappointment, or loneliness that
can lead to:
❖ 1. Withdrawal from people and activities
❖ 2. Loss of pleasure and enjoyment in life.
❖ 3. Physical discomfort, aches, pains, fatigue,
poor digestion, sleep disturbance, etc.

4. Depression Affects Everyone in
Different Ways at Different Times:
❖ 1. Most people feel down or “blue” now and then - a
natural reaction to stress and tension. Occasional short
term bouts of depression are normal for everyone, but
people experience depression differently.

5. ❖ 2. Many people have more serious periods of depression,
but are still able to meet daily responsibilities.
❖ 3. Some people become so severely depressed they
cannot face problems of daily living. They may abuse
alcohol and drugs or become suicidal. Any depression that
lasts longer than 2-4 weeks and involves continually feeling
isolated, tired and bad about oneself, or that prompts the
person to take risks or engage in dangerous behavior, is a
signal that immediate help is necessary. When depression
becomes profound, people tend to feel helpless, hopeless,
and inferior.
Depression Affects Everyone in
Different Ways at Different Times:

6. ❖ Mild depression is our most common emotional
disturbance. Serious depression affects 1 in 4 people at
some time in their lives. And yet, depression is widely
misunderstood. It is often ignored or untreated. People
don’t recognize their symptoms, are afraid to seem “weak”,
or are too depressed to take action.
Depression Affects Everyone in
Different Ways at Different Times:

7. Depression can affect
anyone at any time:
❖ Elderly people commonly get depressed as a result of
physical problems, damaged self-esteem, retirement,
declining income, loss of loved ones, loneliness, etc.
❖ Middle aged adults are more likely to become depressed
than any other age group. Goals that seem unattainable,
children leaving home, etc. may trigger depression.

8. Depression affect
anyone at any time:
❖ Young adults frequently become depressed as they
struggle with intense job and family responsibilities and
search for fulfillment.
❖ Adolescents experience social stress and rapid physical
changes that often lead to mood swings.
❖ Children - even babies – can suffer from depression. It is
usually related to family conflicts, and symptoms quickly
pass. However, children can suffer sever depression, so it
is important to not ignore symptoms.

9. Types of Depression
❖ Mild depression (the “blues”) is the most common type of
depression. It is usually brief and doesn’t seriously interfere with
normal activities.
❖ Significant events such as holidays, anniversaries, a new
job, a move, as well as boredom and frustration can
produce a temporary “down” mood.
❖ Postpartum depression (after giving birth) is a common
type of mild depression. However, it can become severe,
so talk to your physician if you feel depressed after
childbirth.
❖ Treatment is usually not needed. A change of situation,
pace, etc., is usually enough to brighten a “blue” mood.

10. Types of Depression
❖ Moderate depression (feeling hopeless) symptoms are similar
to those of mild depression, but more intense and longer lasting.
❖ An unhappy event such as a loss of a loved one, career
setback, etc. is usually the cause. This person is aware
of unhappy feelings, but can’t stop them.
❖ Daily activities may be harder (but usually still possible)
to cope with.
❖ Suicide may be a danger. It seems like the only
“solution” as pain gets worse.
❖ Professional help may be necessary.

11. Types of Depression
❖ Severe depression (separation from reality) is when a loss of
interest in the outside world and serious prolonged behavior changes
are characteristic.
❖ Deep inner imbalances are usually the cause. Sometimes
another disorder such as schizophrenia, alcoholism, or drug
addiction may be related to depression.
❖ Physical symptoms often become obvious. The person may
suffer from delusions that his or her body is changing.
❖ Manic – depressive disorder is a form of depression in
which the person goes from extreme highs and deep lows.
❖ Professional treatment is necessary.

12. Treatment of Depression
❖ As with most illnesses, treatment is easiest and most
effective when it’s begun early. Health professionals can
develop a plan to treat depression that may include taking
medication, making changes in home or school
environment, or counseling. Treating depression takes
time, persistence, and patience.