The Truth About

1
The Truth About
DEPRESSION
2
What is Depression?

• Not easily defined
• Severe mood disorder
• Psychobiological illness

3
Who is affected?

• Over 17 million Americans every year
• Over 2/3 go untreated

4
SYMPTOMS

• persistent sadness
• empty mood
• withdrawal from everyday activities
• difficulty sleeping or concentrating
• weight loss or weight gain
• irritability, restlessness, or anxiety

5
Depression does not discriminate !
6
Some misconceptions

• Personal weakness
• Not a major health problem
• All emotional
• Simply negative self-attitude

7
Two Types of Depression Unipolar
Bipolar
8
UNIPOLAR DISORDER

• I. Major Depressive Episode
• - symptoms present for minimum
• of 2 weeks
• - cyclical or episodic
• II. Dysthymic Disorder
• - neurotic depression
• - depressed mood persisted for at
• least 2 years

9
BIPOLAR DISORDER

• Once called manic depression
• Affects fewer people
• Genetics seen as the cause
• Alternating episodes of mania

10
Possible Causes

• Increased stress
• Inadequate coping mechanisms to deal with stress
• Feelings of grief
• Suffering from a chronic disease or illness

11
African Americans

• Lack of proper treatment
• Ideas about depression
• Fear of medications
• Misdiagnosis

12
Men

• Less likely to recognize and seek help
• 4 times more likely to commit suicide than women
• Use drugs/alcohol and violence more than women

13
TREATMENT

• About 90 could be treated
• about 20 seek treatment

14
Antidepressants

• PROZAC, PAXIL, ZOLOFT, LITHIUM (for bipolar or
  manic depression)
• Dont work for everyone
• Possible addiction
• Bothersome side effects

15
ECT

• Electroconvulsive Shock Therapy
• Used only for severe depression, or serious risk
  of suicide
• More immediate relief than antidepressants

16
Saint-Johns-Wort Acupuncture

• Two fairly new treatments
• Herbal method
• Relaxation method

17
DEPRESSION IS TREATABLE,

• AND HELP
• IS AVAILABLE !

18
Dont let it get you down
GET HELP!
19
For more information on Depression contact

• The National Mental Health Association

[phone]
www.nmha.org
20
THE END