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World Suicide Prevention Day/Week Sept 10th/7th to 13th Sept
Understanding Depression
What causes Depression?
Family History
Having family members who have depression may increase a person’s risk
Imbalances of certain chemicals in the brain may lead to depression
Major Life Changes
Positive or negative events can trigger depression. Examples include the death of a loved one or a promotion.
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!
Symptoms of Depression
Vary from person to person
2 key signs are loss of interest in things you like to do and sadness or irritability
Additional Signs include:
Changes in feelings which may include: 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, feelings or behaviors Difficulty making decisions
Physical Complaints These may include:
Sleep disturbances such as early morning waking, sleeping too much or insomnia
Lack of energy Loss of appetite Weight loss or gain Unexplained headaches or
backaches Stomachaches, indigestion or
changes in bowl habits
Late Life Depression
Common Types of Depression
Major DepressionDysthymiaBipolar DisorderSeasonal Affective Disorder
(SAD)
Major Depression
This type causes symptoms that may: Begin suddenly, possibly triggered by a loss,
crisis or change Interfere with normal functioning Continue for months or years It is possible for a person to have only one
episode of major depression. It is more common for episodes to be long lasting or to occur several times during a person’s life
Dysthymia
People with this illness are mildly depressed for years. They function fairly well on a daily basis but their relationships suffer over time.
Bipolar Disorder People with this type of illness change
back and forth between periods of depression and periods of mania (an extreme high).
Symptoms of mania may include: Less need for sleep Overconfidence Racing thoughts Reckless behavior Increased energy Mood changes are usually gradual, but can
be sudden
Season Affective Disorder
This is a depression that results from changes in the season. Most cases begin in the fall or winter, or when there is a decrease in sunlight.
The brain uses a number of chemicals as messengers to communicate with other parts of itself and with the nervous system. These chemical messengers, called neurotransmitters, are released and received by the brain's many nerve cells, which are also called neurons. Neurons are constantly communicating with each other by way of exchanging neurotransmitters. This communication system is essential to all of the brain's functions.
Neurotransmitters
Depression has been linked to problems or imbalances in the brain with regard to the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The evidence is somewhat indirect on these points because it is very difficult to actually measure the level of neurotransmitter in a person's brain.
Serotonin
The neurotransmitter serotonin is involved in regulating many important physiological (body-oriented) functions, including sleep, aggression, eating, sexual behavior, and mood. Serotonin is produced by serotonergic neurons. Current research suggests that a decrease in the production of serotonin by these neurons can cause depression in some people, and more specifically, a mood state that can cause some people to feel suicidal.
Norepinephrine In the 1960s, the "catecholamine hypothesis" was a popular
explanation for why people developed depression. This hypothesis suggested that a deficiency of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) in certain areas of the brain was responsible for creating depressed mood. More recent research suggests that there is indeed a subset of depressed people who have low levels of norepinephrine. For example, autopsy studies show that people who have experienced multiple depressive episodes have fewer norepinephrinergic neurons than people who have no depressive history. However, research results also tell us that not all people experience mood changes in response to decreased norepinephrine levels. Some people who are depressed actually show hyperactivity within the neurons that produce norepinephrine. More current studies suggest that in some people, low levels of serotonin trigger a drop in
norepinephrine levels, which then leads to depression.
Norepinephrine
Another line of research has investigated linkages between stress, depression, and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine helps our bodies to recognize and respond to stressful situations. Researchers suggest that people who are vulnerable to depression may have a norepinephrinergic system that doesn't handle the effects of stress very efficiently.
Dopamine
The neurotransmitter dopamine is also linked to depression. Dopamine plays an important role in regulating our drive to seek out rewards, as well as our ability to obtain a sense of pleasure. Low dopamine levels may in part explain why depressed people don't derive the same sense of pleasure out of activities or people that they did before becoming depressed.
New Research-Glutamate
Recently, another neurotransmitter, glutamate, has been implicated in depression as well, but more research is necessary at this time to determine the nature of this relationship.
Professional treatment is essential to treat depression.
Treatment for Depression
Medication Antidepressants can help ease the
symptoms of depression and return a person to normal functioning. Antidepressants are not habit forming.
Psychotherapy This can help many depressed people
understand themselves and cope with their problems. For example: Interpersonal therapy works to change
relationships that affect depression Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps people
change negative thinking and behavior patterns
If you or someone you know has symptoms of depression…
Take Action!
See a doctor for a complete check up.
Go to a Counseling Center or talk to AASRA (91-22-27546669).
Talk things over with a friend, family member or anyone who you feel can listen to you without judgement or criticism.
Don’t expect too much of yourself 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
Complementary&Alternative Medicine
Obtain an adequate amount of sleep Seek emotional support from family and
friends Focus on positive aspects of your life Pace yourself, modify your schedule,
and set realistic goals
Things to Avoid
Don’t make long-term commitments or important decisions unless necessary
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 as a way of coping
Intervening with a depressed friend Be empathetic and understanding Don’t try to “cheer up” a depressed
person Avoid critical or shaming statements Challenge expressions of hopelessness Empathize with feelings of sadness,
grief, anger and frustration
Don’t argue about how bad things are Don’t insist that depression or sadness
are the wrong feelings to be experiencing
Don’t become angry even though your efforts may be resisted or rejected
Helping a depressed friend…
Helping a depressed friend…
Advocate for their recovery from depression
Emphasize that depression is treatable Seek consultation Encourage them to seek help, go with
them to the counseling center/call AASRA
Be supportive of counselor or doctor suggestions
Aasra Crisis Intervention Center Helpline (24x7) 91-22-27546669 FREE!!! FREE!!! FREE!!! Confidential & Anonymous One time or many times-the choice is
yours. Individual, Group and Couples face-to
face interventions on appointments. Awareness, Publicity, Outreach ,
Training Workshops, Talks, Advocacy, Support Groups,Volunteering
http://www.aasra,info
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