Depression


Changes in Thoughts and Feelings

  • Negative view of self
  • Negative view of the world/future
  • Self-blame
  • Self-criticism
  • Helplessness
  • Worthlessness
  • Hopelessness
  • Irrational thoughts (e.g., all-or-nothing thinking and paranoia)
  • Feelings of inadequacy
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Repeated thoughts of suicide or death (refer to “Suicide” section)
  • Low mood/affect
  • Slowed thinking or racing thoughts
  • Consideration of career change
  • Excessive guilt
  • Memory difficulties (e.g., absent-minded and short term memory loss)
  • Indecisiveness

NOTE:

Experiencing any one symptom is not necessarily suggestive of a problem; however, multiple symptoms may warrant a professional referral.


Coping Strategies to Recommend

Peer supporters can recommend the following coping strategies:

  • Physical exercise
  • Keep busy – structure time, maintain normal schedule
  • Get adequate rest
  • Eat well-balanced meals
  • Talk to people
  • Be cautious of using substances to numb or manage pain
  • Encourage reaching out to others
  • Encourage spending time with others
  • Encourage positive activity
  • Manage one day at a time
  • Record thoughts and feelings in a journal
  • Use spiritual resources
  • Reach out to another Peer Supporter
  • Attend support groups
  • Contact mental health professional
  • Consider medical evaluation (depression could be the result of a physical imbalance or a medical condition)


Definition


Depression is an illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts which can affect a person’s behavior. This can include the way a person eats, sleeps and reacts to the things around him/her. Depression is a lot more than just being in a bad mood or feeling down. What is important for a peer supporter to know is that it is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that a person can will away. It is very difficult for people to talk themselves out of the depression and force themselves to get better when it is true depression, compared to just feeling sad. Peer supporters should understand that without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. It is appropriate for a peer supporter to refer persons they are talking with to treatment. Treatment can help most people with depression. Depression can look different in everyone. Remember, it can affect an individual’s physical health, behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Depression can be the result of a life stressor such as the death of a loved one or work-related stressor. Some individuals may have a physical predisposition to depression, which will require a professional evaluation.


Frequently Asked Questions


How is depression diagnosed and treated?
A peer supporter should encourage a person to visit a doctor for a medical evaluation. Some medications and medical conditions can cause similar symptoms that look like depression. A physician can rule out these possibilities and can advise on the next best step. (Source: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation)

What is the difference between grief and depression?
Grief is a natural reaction to the loss of an important relationship. The reaction may include feelings of sadness for an extended period of time. However, people with depression usually experience a sense of worthlessness, guilt or low self-esteem. These reactions are not as common in the normal grief process.

When is being depressed a normal reaction and when is it truly “major depression?
Many people have days in which they feel “depressed” or “down.” A lot of times these feelings are temporary and the following day is better. Having the occasional bad day is a part of life and not depression. When people experience a number of depressive symptoms which impair their daily functioning, treatment should be sought out with a mental health professional. Depression can create feelings of worthlessness, negative self-concept, negative view of the world, hopelessness, helplessness as well as sleep problems. How do people react when they find out they have been diagnosed with depression? A lot of times people find it to be a relief, because they now have an answer to their problem and realize there are solutions available to them. On the other hand, many may feel a sense of shame, anger, frustration, and shock. After they accept their diagnosis of depression, individuals may still struggle with the diagnosis. Any and all reactions are common and normal. It is important to keep in mind that depression is treatable and carries a good prognosis. (Source: Psych Central)

Where else can I go to learn more about depression?

~ Canadian Networks for Mood and Anxiety Treatments http://www.canmat.org/
~ Centre for Addiction and Mental Health-Fact Sheet http://www.camh.net/About_Addiction_Mental_Health/Mental_Health_Information/depression_mhfs.html
~ Mayo Clinic http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ depression/DS00175

Does depression always lead to suicide?
No, but you can never rule out this possibility. It certainly depends on the severity of the depression.

Does someone who has been diagnosed with depression need medication?
No. Exercise, eating healthy, along with therapy, may be enough to help the person.

Does exercise help with depression?
Yes. Cardio exercise produces endorphins which are natural mood elevators. Getting 40 minutes 3 or 4 times a week can be very helpful.

Is depression hereditary?
Research shows a higher likelihood of an individual suffering from depression if parents or other family members have suffered from it as well.


Signs of Depression

  • Weight gain
  • Weight loss
  • Increased fatigue
  • Neglected appearance
  • Feelings of worthlessness
  • Increase or decrease in sleep patterns or duration of sleep
  • Increase or decrease in appetite
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of energy
  • Loss of interest
  • Self-blame
  • Self-criticism
  • Hopelessness
  • Helplessness
  • Diminished interests
  • Quiet/detached
  • Frequent crying
  • Easily agitated
  • Angry outbursts
  • Increase in substance use/abuse
  • Risky behaviors (e.g., increase in spending,
  • Increase or decrease in sleep patterns or duration of sleep
  • Increase or decrease in appetite • Difficulty concentrating
  • Loss of energy
  • Loss of interest
  • Self-blame
  • Self-criticism
  • Hopelessness
  • Helplessness
  • Diminished interests
  • Quiet/detached
  • Frequent crying
  • Easily agitated
  • Angry outbursts
  • Increase in substance use/abuse
  • Risky behaviors (e.g., increase in spending, shopping, and gambling)
  • Irritability and reactivity
  • Low motivation or decrease in goal-directed activities
  • Frequent, repeated thoughts of suicide

    • NOTE:

     Experiencing any one symptom is not necessarily suggestive of a problem; however, multiple symptoms may warrant a professional referral.