Depression & anxiety

Short introduction to depression and anxiety. Includes symptoms and possible treatments.

1. Depression & Anxiety Identifying your needs, finding solutions

2. Depression Signs and treatment

3. Depression signs Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness or constant pessimism Loss of interest in daily activity Changes in appetite or weight Sleep changes Anger, agitation, irritability Loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or guild Reckless behavior (drugs, alcohol, shopping, gambling) Difficulty concentrating Unexplained aches and pains

4. Depression Misconceptions It is obvious when you are depressed If you are not sad, you are not depressed If you are depressed, you are sad most of the time If you can work and function, you cannot be “clinically depressed” Medication and psychotherapy are only for those who are really bad off People choose to be depressed Depression is a sign of weakness You have nothing to be depressed about

5. Depression treatment First step: Visit a health professional who may rule out possible causes which can be treated Medications: antidepressants can work to treat depression. May have side effects, sometimes serious (especially in youth) Psychotherapy: May help by teaching new ways to cope Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): Although it has had a bad reputation, methods have improved, and it can be very helpful to seriously depressed people

6. Depression and helping others What can you do if a loved one is depressed? Offer support, understanding, patience Talk to him and listen carefully Do not ignore thoughts about suicide Invite them for walks and outings Remind them that with time things do change. If there is a crisis, call a doctor, or 911 National suicide prevention lifeline: 1800273TALK

7. Generalized Anxiety Disorder Signs and treatment

8. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) What are the signs & symptoms? Excessive worrying about everyday things Trouble controlling worries Know that you worry more than you should Not able to relax Hard time concentrating Easily startled Trouble falling asleep (or staying asleep) Tired most of the time Generalized pain (headaches, muscle, stomach) Hard time swallowing Tremble and twitch Irritable Go to the bathroom frequently

9. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Treatment for GAD Psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) teaches a different way of thinking, behaving and reacting Medication: Anti-anxiety medications and antidepressants. Anti-anxiety are powerful, and should not be taken for long periods of time. Medications may have side effects.

10. Other types of Anxiety related disorders Description and symptoms

11. Other types of anxiety related conditions Obsessive-Compulsive disorder Checking and rechecking Same routine over and over Anxiety over germs, loved ones, etc. Can’t control thoughts No pleasure from the rituals Panic Disorders Sudden and repeated attacks of fear Feeling of being out of control Intense worry about next attack Fear or avoidance of places where attacks have occurred Physical symptoms (heart, breathing, weakness)

12. Other types of anxiety related conditions Post traumatic Stress Disorder Caused by seeing violence, death or serious illness, war, car accidents, hurricanes, fires, violent crimes Symptoms include bad dreams, flashbacks, scary thoughts, staying away from certain places, worries and guilt, feeling alone, trouble sleeping, feeling on edge, angry outbursts, thoughts of hurting yourself or others. Social phobia Anxious about being with people Very self-conscious in front of people Afraid of being judged Worry about situations with others Hard time making friends

13. Depression and Anxiety Are serious conditions Seek help if you suspect That you or a loved one Is suffering from a Mental illness