*Disclaimer This is a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For quesitons about this blog project or its content please email the teacher Chris Jocham: jocham@fultonschools.org

1. Major Depression By. Lifewithmdd

2. What is Major Depression Disorder? Mental Disorder where one feels loss of interest in things and in a low mood.

3. What are the Symptoms? Depressed mood most of the day and nearly every day No interest or pleasure in things that were pleasurable before Significant weight loss Insomnia

4. More Symptoms.. Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlesness, hopelessness Decreased ability to concentrate Having thoughts of death…

5. Who does it affect? Twice as many women as men Those of 25-44 years of age 10-25 percent of women 5-12 percent of men

6. Causes of Major Depression Biological differences: People with depression tend to have physical changes in their brains Neurotransmitters: Naturally occurring brain chemicals linked to mood may play a role Hormones: Changes in the body’s balance of hormones may trigger

7. Causes of Major Depression Cont. Inherited Traits: One is more likely to have this disorder if a biological family member had it Life events: Events such as death of loss of a loved one, financial problems, or high stress Early childhood trauma: Traumatic events during childhood

8. Treatments Medication Counseling Combination of Both Antidepressant drug therapy Psychotherapy

9. Risk of Effective Treatment Antidepressant medications can be very effective, but for some people it may not be right. In young adults, use of such drugs can cause suicidal behavior

10. What’s important in Treatment Avoid alcohol and drugs Eat well balanced meals Get regular exercise Seek supportive relationships

11. Complications of Major Depression Suicide Increased risk of alcohol and drug related problems Increased risk of tobacco dependence Increased problems with physical health

12. Prevention of Major Depression Avoid drugs, alcohol, caffeine Exercise regularly Learn how o relax and manage stress Maintain good sleeping habits Get involved with activities

13. I have difficulty sleeping every night. I close my eyes to try to get some rest, but all I can think about are my concerns and it doesn’t let me sleep…

14. I can’t eat anything.. My stomach is empty and I’m hungry but I lose my appetite and I don’t find food appetizing at all. Everything that I used to like eating, I can’t eat anymore. I keep losing weight.

15. I feel worthless. I feel like no one loves or cares for me and it makes no difference whether I’m living in this world or not. Afterall, I’m just a being on earth..

16. I feel hopeless. I don’t think that 9 could feel any better any time and I feel trapped. I feel like I’mliving in a black hope and there’s no way out. I don’t think I can ever find happiness again.

17. The more lonely and depressed I feel, I should go out and have some fun, but I don’t want to leave the house or go out with friends. I feel like I have no energy or urge to do so.

18. I don’t find anything interestinganymore. Hobbies and things that Ienjoyed doing once doesn’t interest meanymore. It’s strange because I used to love doing certain things.. But now nothing catches myattention..

19. I can’t concentrate in anything I do. I try to focus in school to listen and learn, but nothing gets into my head.. I tend to zone out and my mind goes blank.

20. I think about committing suicide sometimes. Should I overdose on pills or should I use a weapon? Suicidal thoughts cross my mind often and I feel that it wouldn’t be a big deal even if I was gone.