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STAND UP Stress and Depression. Presentation by Alexandria Wise-Rankovic, M.S. Clinical Psychology Dr. Tina Lepage Licensed Clinical Psychologist. Today’s Discussion. Stress – What it is and how it’s triggered Depression – It’s symptoms and what to do Suicide – How to identify it
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STAND UPStress and Depression Presentation by Alexandria Wise-Rankovic, M.S. Clinical Psychology Dr. Tina Lepage Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Today’s Discussion • Stress – What it is and how it’s triggered • Depression – It’s symptoms and what to do • Suicide – How to identify it • Feeling Happy – Not just for the lucky ones • Resilience – Bouncing back • Resources – Where to go • Questions and Answers – From the audience
Have you or your friend said…? • “I’m depressed.” • “I can’t stop crying.” • “I am so stressed out. I can’t take it.” • “You don’t understand how I feel.” • “Life just isn’t worthwhile.”
Have you or a friend felt like this…? • I don’t enjoy doing the things I used to enjoy. • I just want to roll over in the morning and stay in bed all day, or I wake up earlier than I want. • I don’t want to eat or I can’t stop eating lately. • I just don’t care about anything or anyone anymore. • I feel worthless. • I feel irritable and frustrated. • I feel like nothing will ever get better.
What is stress? • Stress is a normal reaction to frustrations that happen in one’s everyday life. • Stress can feel like you are losing control. • You can feel overwhelmed and tired. • It may be too hard to complete everything you set out to do. • You may feel burned out.
Types of stress • Holiday stress or “blues” • “The holidays are too busy and stressful.” • School stress • “I got a bad grade on my test.” • Relationship stress • “I think my friend is mad at me.” • Family stress • “My parents make me so mad.”
Everyday stress triggers • Feeling rejected • Bad feelings about one’s body • Having an argument with mom or dad • Schoolwork is piling up or is hard • Pressure from friends or boyfriend/girlfriend • Confusing messages about sex
What to do about stress • Internal stress • Worry • Anxiety • Doubt • Feeling helpless • External stress • People around us who are stressed or depressed • Events outside of our control • You can’t control external stress! • But the feeling of stress can control you if you don’t have the right tools.
Stress Tools • Tools to beat stress: • Get a good night’s rest • Exercise daily • Ask for help • Talk to your parents and friends (get it out!) • Take a break from what you are doing. • Think stress-buster thoughts: • It will be better tomorrow. • This may not feel so bad later on. • I can get through this!
What is depression? • There are different types of depression • Major depression • Dysthymia • Reactive depression • Manic depression (aka Bipolar depression) • All of these involve feeling sad or blue. • There is Clinical Depression and “feeling depressed” • 10-15% of teenagers have symptoms of depression • 5% of teenagers have Major Depression
Symptoms of Depression • Depressed mood most of the day nearly everyday • You may feel irritable or you may cry easily • Less interest in and fun doing things you used to enjoy • Increased or decreased appetite • Can’t fall asleep or can’t get enough sleep • Feeling restless or very slowed down • Lack of energy nearly everyday • Feeling worthless or guilty about something • Hard to make decisions • Thinking about death or hurting yourself
Physical signs of stress and depression • Chest pain • Neck, Face, and Shoulder Pain • Stomach Pain • Difficulty Swallowing, Shortness of Breath • Dry Mouth • Shaking • Sleep Difficulties • Headaches
What to do about depression • Talk with someone you trust • Tell your parents or school counselor • Get help early • Take extra care of yourself during these times • Stay away from alcohol and drugs • Remind yourself that it can get better
Suicide • It is the 3rd leading cause of death in adolescents. • Things that increase the risk: • Teens who don’t get help for depression or anxiety • Alcohol and substance abuse (such as beer, marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, prescription pills and more) • Previous suicide attempt • Feelings of hopelessness about life and feelings of shame about mental illness • Feeling alone and isolated from other people
Help for those at risk of suicide • Talk to a professional psychologist, therapist, or counselor • Seek treatment for alcohol and substance abuse disorders • Get support from family and friends • Learn problem solving skills from parents or professionals • Believe in the reasons to stay alive and healthy: your family, your friends, your religious beliefs, your future.
Feeling Happy • It’s not easy for all people to be happy. • Make time in your day to laugh and be with friends. • Keep a positive attitude about life. • Think: The glass is half-full, not half-empty. • Take a deep breath and remember that tomorrow is another day!
Resources • On the web http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/emotions/depression/ http://www.psychologyinfo.com/depression/teens.htm http://www.stress-anxiety-depression.org/newsletter/ • Got Bounce? Resilience for Teens www.lepageassociates.com • Books to read Depression: What It Is, How to Beat It (Teen Issues)by Linda Wasmer Smith An Unquiet Mind, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D.
