DEPRESSION

“No matter how deep, we all drown. Try to stay afloat.”

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Depression (major  depressive   disorder)

is a common and serious medical illness that
negatively affects how you feel, the way you think
and how you act. Fortunately, it is also
treatable. Depression  causes feelings of sadness
and/or a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed.
Six Common Misconceptions About
Depression
1. I T ’ S A L L I N YO U R H E A D.
Some people deny the fact that depression is a real illness. The truth is that
depression is a legitimate medical condition related to brain chemistry, function,
structure, and sometimes involves environmental or biological factors.
Symptoms of depression can include aches and pains, sleeping too much or too
little, and extreme lethargy. Additionally, it can cause people to have feelings of
hopelessness, sadness, and self-doubt. Suicidal thoughts are not uncommon. It’s
important to know that depression is treatable through medication and/or
psychotherapy, and that recovery is possible.
Six Common Misconceptions About
Depression
2. D E P R E S S I O N O N LY A F F E C T S W O M E N .
Our culture sometimes discourages men from discussing their
feelings, asking for help or showing signs of weakness. As a
result, some men turn away from treatment. Men are four times
more likely to die by suicide than women, and white males over
the age of 45 are most vulnerable, according to the American
Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If you are a man experiencing
depression or have thoughts of suicide, know that you are not
alone. According to research done by the National Institute of
Mental Health, approximately six million American men go
t h r o u g h d e p r e s s i o n e a c h y e a r. O u r c u l t u r e m u s t a c k n o w l e d g e t h e
importance of mental health treatment for everyone who needs it
and this includes men.
Six Common Misconceptions About
Depression
3. MEDICATION WILL CHANGE YOUR PERSONALITY AND
YOU’LL BE TAKING IT FOREVER.
Today’s anti-depressants are safe and effective. For most people,
taking an anti-depressant makes them feel more like themselves.
Antidepressants are not the same as painkillers or sedatives and they
don’t typically make people feel “medicated”. Their job is to correct the
brain chemistry that is causing your symptoms of depression. Your doctor
will help you know if a particular medication is working for you and when
you are feeling well enough to stop taking it. In most cases, engaging in
therapy while using an anti-depressant will speed up your recovery.
Six Common Misconceptions About
Depression
4. THE BEST WAY TO HELP SOMEONE WITH DEPRESSION IS
TO CHEER THEM UP.
Well-meaning people will often tell a person with depression to
look on the bright side. Or snap out of it.  Or stop thinking about it. 
However, it’s much more complicated than that. The best way to
help a person with depression is to make sure they have access to
screening and treatment.  A depression screening can be done during
a primary care visit, during an intake appointment at a counseling
center or in the privacy of your home with a confidential call to a
crisis hotline.
Six Common Misconceptions About
Depression
5. D E P R E S S I O N I S A S I G N O F W E A K N E S S .
Depression can affect anyone regardless of physical or mental
strength. Some of America’s most well-known citizens – including
Abraham Lincoln, Terry Bradshaw, and Judy Collins - have
experienced depression. Oscar De La Hoya, one of boxing’s all-time
greats who won 10 world titles in six different weight classes, has
been treated for depression.
Six Common Misconceptions About
Depression
6. TA L K I N G A B O U T I T O N LY M A K E S I T W O R S E .
Try not to ignore the symptoms of depression if you see it in your
spouse, children or co-workers. Showing support can be very
valuable for the person going through depression. It is a relief when
someone notices a change in your mood or behavior and has the
compassion and courage to ask how you’re doing. Friends and family
members can be very helpful to a person experiencing depression by
listening and offering steady support and encouragement.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

There are a number of factors that may increase the chance

of depression, including the following:

▪ A B U S E . Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the

vulnerability to clinical depression later in life.
▪ C E R TA I N M E D I C AT I O N S . Some drugs, such as isotretinoin
(used to treat acne), the antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and
corticosteroids, can increase your risk of depression.
▪ D E AT H O R A LO S S . Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a
loved one, though natural, may increase the risk of depression.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

▪ OT H E R P E R S O N A L P R O B L E M S . Problems such as social

isolation due to other mental illnesses or being cast out of a family or
social group can contribute to the risk of developing clinical depression.
▪ G E N E T I C S . A family history of depression may increase the risk.
It's thought that depression is a complex trait, meaning that there are
probably many different genes that each exert small effects, rather
than a single gene that contributes to disease risk. The genetics of
depression, like most psychiatric disorders, are not as simple or
straightforward as in purely genetic diseases such as Huntington's
chorea or cystic fibrosis.
CAUSES OF DEPRESSION

▪ M A J O R E V E N T S . Even good events such as starting a new job,

graduating, or getting married can lead to depression. So can moving, losing
a job or income, getting divorced, or retiring. However, the syndrome of
clinical depression is never just a "normal" response to stresAsful life events.
▪ S E R I O U S I L L N E S S E S . Sometimes depression co-exists with a major
illness or may be triggered by another medical condition.
▪ S U B S TA N C E A B U S E . Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse
problems also have major or clinical depression.
▪ C O N F L I C T. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability
to develop depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with
family members or friends.
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
GENERAL SYMPTOMS

If you experience any of these symptoms nearly every day

for more than two weeks, you may have depression:

 Constant feelings of downheartedness, sadness or emptiness

 Cry easily
 Little interest or pleasure in daily activities and hobbies
 Everything feels like an effort
 No pleasure or joy in anything
 Loss of energy or tiredness for no reason
 Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
GENERAL SYMPTOMS
 Indecisiveness and trouble concentrating or remembering
 Restless and easily annoyed or irritated
 Persistent negative and/or disturbing thoughts
 Changes in appetite, with significant weight loss or gain
 Changes in sleeping patterns, from insomnia to oversleeping
 Loss of interest in sex
 Persistent physical symptoms that don’t respond to treatment; for example,
headaches, digestive disorders or chronic pain
 Feelings of isolation
 Thoughts of suicide or death
STEPS TO HELP YOURSELF
 STEPS TO HELP YOURSELF
▪ Do your best to remain active – Choose an activity you enjoy and make it
part of your regular routine.
▪ Avoid being alone too much – Seek out family and friends you can talk to
and who will listen.
▪ Do not set difficult goals or take on added responsibility – Break larger
tasks into smaller ones that you can accomplish.
▪ Avoid making major life decisions – Try taking it one day at a time.
▪ Go easy on yourself – Don’t expect too much, too fast. Treat yourself with
kindness and respect.
▪ Follow your doctor’s orders – Take your medication as prescribed, eat right
and keep your appointments.
 NEED HELP?
For Suicide Prevention Hotline in the Philippines
Call Crisis Line of In Touch Community Services! (free and
confidential) +632-8931893 +632-8937606 or +632-8937603 (24/7)
MOBILE TEXT MESSAGING: Type hello crisis line and send to
2333 (Globe) or 211 (Smart)
HOPELINE  Hotline- Philippines
PLDT- (02)-804 4673 (HOPE)
Mobile-0917-558-4673 (HOPE)
Toll Free 2919 for TM and Globe subscribers
MANILA LIFELINE CENTRE 
Hotline: (02) 8969191Hotline: 
Mobile phone: 0917 854 9191
“The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never
leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”-
Deuteronomy 31:8

TTTHHHAAANNNKKK YYYOOOUUU
GROUP 4

RAFFY ASUNCION
R A C H E L C A B AY
ANGEL DENNESSE CANLAS
MA. THERESA GALIVO
PA M E L A J AV O N I L L O
T R I S H A FAY E S E G I S M U N D O
TRACY ANNE TIMBREZA
T I FA N N Y S H A I N E TO M A S
BSN 1-B (2018-2019)