Negative Feelings Sadness – list 2 or 3 things that bring unhappiness to your life Anger – list 2 or 3 things that create anger in your life Guilt – list 2 or 3 things that bring guilty feelings

Positive Feelings Fun and pleasure – list 2 or 3 things that you enjoy doing Contentment – list 2 or 3 things that help you feel peaceful Joy – list 2 or 3 things that you may have to work at but bring you positive feelings for a long time

Locus of Control

Look over the list of “things” you created and underline those over which you have no control.

Circle those things that you have control over.

Which do you have more control over? The positive feelings or the negative feelings?

External Locus of Control

Allowing those things that you don’t have control over to dominate your life.

Internal Locus of Control

Taking responsibility for everything that happens to you.

“Any man can, even under such circumstances, decide what shall become of him – mentally and spiritually. The last inner freedom cannot be lost. It can be said that they were worthy of their sufferings; the way they bore their suffering was genuine inner achievement. It is this spiritual freedom – which cannot be taken away – that makes life meaningful and purposeful.”

Victor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning

Signs of Depression

Everyone experiences unhappiness, and many people become depressed temporarily. These feelings are normal and relatively short lived. This is not the case with depressive illness.

Signs of Depression

When a depressed state persists for several weeks, then deepens and starts interfering with everyday life it becomes an illness. Depressive illness brings about changes in a person’s mood, behaviour, and thinking.

Types of Depression

Psychological

– caused by thoughts and behaviours that can corrected through therapy. A trained counsellor or psychologist can provide therapy.

Clinical

– caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Can be treated via medication. Only a doctor or psychiatrist can prescribe medication.

Types of Depression

There is no test to determine which depression somebody is suffering from. There are indicators, though, such as:

•Family history of depression or •feeling depressed when things are going well If you are suffering from depression, you may try therapy first. If that doesn’t work you may then see a doctor or psychiatrist.

Signs of Depression

•Feeling sad or irritable •Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed •Changes in weight or appetite •Changes in sleep pattern •Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, or worthlessness, helplessness •Inability to concentrate or make decisions •Fatigue or loss of energy •Restlessness or decreased activity •Feeling physical aches and pains •Thoughts of death or suicide

Treating Depression

Depression is the most treatable of all mental illnesses. There are many treatments available that may be used alone or in combination, to help people lead normal lives. They include: •Counselling •Medications •Psychotherapy •Self-help groups •Support groups

Signs of Suicide

If depression goes unrecognized or is ignored, those with depression may become vulnerable to suicide. There are warning signs that a person may be suicidal. They are categorized as behavioural and verbal.

Behavioural Signs of Suicide

•Noticeable and sudden changes in behaviour •Signs of depression •Increased use of drugs and/or alcohol •Making final arrangements •Giving away valued possessions

Verbal Signs of Suicide

•Expressions of helplessness and hopelessness •Talking or joking about suicide •Talking about a specific suicide plan •Talking about having access to the means of killing oneself

If you are concerned that somebody may be suicidal, take action:

•Be observant •Reach out to the person •Ask about suicide •Show respect •Be actively involved •Determine risk •Offer support •

Get help

Help is available

•Talk with your family and friends •Talk to your doctor •Talk to your pastoral counsellor •Call the local

Canadian Mental Health Association

•Find out more information about depression office •Book an appointment with a social worker or psychiatrist