Lesson in Abnormal Psychology, Introduction to Psychology and General Psychology

1. Depression
Prepared by:
Orlando A. Pistan, MAEd-GC
Psychology Instructor

2. Depression
Most of us have experienced being down and
out. Especially in adolescence, where we’re
hit with physical, emotional, social and
psychological changes all at once. And the
stresses of school, relationships, and
unrealistic expectations seem to be magnified
a million times.
But these road bumps, stressors, and
emotions come and go… and we move on
with life. Is it easy? Maybe not. For some
people the unhappiness, numbness, and
feelings of worthlessness don’t go away.

3. Facts:
 3 million Pilipinos are affected by
Depression
 Adolescents and young adults are
vulnerable
 8 in every 100k commit suicide, 6 are
males, 2 are females, aged 15-29 years
old
 Depression is an epidemic
 Symptoms must last at least two weeks
for a diagnosis of depression.
August 2019 Figures

4. What is Depression?
Depression, otherwise known as major
depressive disorder or clinical
depression, is a common and serious
mood disorder that negatively affects
how you feel, think, and act.
It is more than just feeling sad.
Depression affects a person’s ability to
navigate daily activities, relationships,
school and work, and often decreases
their quality of life.

5. Depression Vs. Sadness
Given that the primary symptom associated with
depression is sadness it can be hard to know how to
make a distinction between the two psychological
states.
Sadness is a normal emotion that everyone will
experience at some point in his or her life.
Sadness is usually caused by a specific situation,
person, or event. When it comes to depression,
however, no such trigger is needed. A person suffering
from depression feels sad or hopeless about
everything. This person may have every reason in the
world to be happy and yet they lose the ability to
experience joy or pleasure.

6. Emotional Symptoms:
 Anger outbursts and Irritability
 Restlessness
 Avoiding friends and activities they
usually enjoy
 Feeling empty
 Feeling numb
 Feeling hopeless, helpless and
worthless

7. Physical Symptoms:
 Declining energy level or feeling of
tiredness
 Changes in eating (overeating or eating
too little)
 Changes in sleep patterns (sleeping too
much or too little)
 Inability to concentrate
 Unable to complete tasks
 Decrease in performance (school or
work)
 Thoughts of harming or killing oneself

8. Causes:
 Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability
to clinical depression later in life.
 Certain medications. Some drugs, such as isotretinoin (used to treat acne), the
antiviral drug interferon-alpha, and corticosteroids, can increase your risk of
depression.
 Conflict. Depression in someone who has the biological vulnerability to develop
depression may result from personal conflicts or disputes with family members
or friends.
 Death or a loss. Sadness or grief from the death or loss of a loved one, though
natural, may increase the risk of depression.

9. Causes:
 Major events. 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 stressful life events.
 Other personal problems. 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.
 Serious illnesses. Sometimes depression co-exists with a major illness or may be
triggered by another medical condition.
 Substance abuse. Nearly 30% of people with substance abuse problems also
have major or clinical depression. Even if drugs or alcohol temporarily make you
feel better, they ultimately will aggravate depression.

10. Dealing with Depression
Depression is a real illness and help is
available. With proper diagnosis and
treatment, most people will overcome it. If
you’re experiencing any symptoms or signs of
distress, don’t hesitate to speak and seek
help.
There are a number of things people can do
to reduce the effect that depression has on
them. Often, these involve some change of
lifestyle, which might be difficult to do at first.
But keep going, don’t give up, and things will
get better!

11. Getting Help
Often, depression is not an illness that one can handle alone. People
with depressive disorders need others on their team and in their
corner to keep them going when they don’t feel like can anymore. The
first step to getting better is to ask for help.
1. Talk to your parents
2. Talk to a helping professional
3. Talk to a medical doctor

12. Talk to your Parents
You may think that your parents won’t understand, or maybe, you’re concerned that instead
of helping you, telling them will only make things worse. Especially if they have a track record
of nagging or getting angry at you. But the truth is, more likely than not, your parents love
you and want to do anything they can to stop you from hurting. Sometimes they respond
with frustration or say things that they don’t mean because they themselves feel helpless,
don’t understand, or don’t know how to help. Tell them anyway, set aside time to have a
conversation, and tell them what you’re going through, how you feel, and help them
understand how serious it is.
NOTE: If your parents are abusive in any way (eg. physically, neglectfully, emotionally…etc), or
if they have their own challenges that may make it difficult for them to care for you, speak to
another person that you can trust, who can also direct you toward the support you need -
such as a savvy friend, relative, teacher, counsellor, coach, or pastor.

13. Talk to a helping Professional
It may be daunting to share your personal challenges with a stranger,
but helping professionals are trained to help you work through the
thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that you may be struggling with. These
people include, counsellors, social workers, and psychologists.
Therapy is a useful tool that can help you understand yourself better
and find strategies to help cope with the depressive feelings, thoughts
and beliefs. Helping professionals that work with you are also ethically
bound to keep the information that you share with them confidential.
Unless you’re in danger of hurting yourself or others.

14. Talk to a Medical Professional
Sometimes, depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the
brain, and medication may help relieve it’s symptoms. Such
medications are often only prescribed by psychiatrists - doctors who
have advanced training and experience with diagnosing and treating
mental health conditions.
As it’s usually not a long-term solution, medication is also often used
in conjunction with therapy, so your psychiatrist may suggest going to
see a helping professional during your visit.

15. Remember:
Ultimately, if you do have symptoms of depression, or think
you have a mental health condition - don’t dismiss it or try
to handle it on your own. Talk to somebody, especially if
you’re thinking about hurting yourself or someone else. The
bravest thing you can do right now, is to ask for help.

16. Depression
Thank you for paying
attention.
https://www.limitless.sg/depression