Page 86 - SafeCert Approved First Aid for Mental Health at Work (Level 3) | Trainers Manual
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          Handouts


          Depression.
      Teaching     Facts





          •  Depression  serious  enough  to  need  treatment  and  is  more  common
             amongst women than men.
          •  Most people with depression can get on with their lives. What is it?


          Everyone  can  feel  sad  or  blue  when  bad  things  happen  but  this  is  not
          depression.  People  who  have  the  blues  may  have  a  short-term  depressed
          mood, but they can manage to cope and soon recover without treatment.

          Significant life events can trigger periods of depression for example exam or
          work stress, family turmoil, or concerns around identity or sexual orientation
      Administration   menopause can also contribute to depression.
          are all things that can be triggers. Hormonal changes, such as around adolescence, pregnancy or


          Signs and Symptoms


          Three symptoms are important indicators of depression. At least one of these must be present for
          most of the time for at least two weeks:

          •   Persistent sadness or low mood.
          •   Loss of interest or pleasure.
          •   Fatigue or low energy.
          •   Other associated symptoms may also be present:
          •   Disturbed sleep.
          •   Poor concentration or being indecisive.
              Low self confidence.
          •
      Lesson Plans   •   Poor or increased appetite.
              Suicidal thoughts or acts.
          •
              Agitation or slowing of movements.
          •
              Guilt or self blame.
          •


          Not  every  person  who  is  depressed  has  all  these  symptoms.  People  who  are  more  severely
          depressed will have more symptoms than those who are mildly depressed.

          Recovery

          There are many treatments for depression, from medication to complementary therapies to talking
          treatments. Often a combination of things works at different times. People may go to their GP who
          may prescribe some medication, recommend self help books or exercise or refer to a counsellor.
          Friends and family can be a very important source of support for a person who is depressed. People
          who feel supported by those around them recover faster.
     Handouts      s   For more information: www.depressionalliance.org








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