Lesson video

Hello, my name's Ms. Willow.

And I'm going to be your teacher for today's lesson.

Today's lesson is called Depression, and it fits into the unit What Are Common Types of Mental Health Conditions? During this lesson, we are going to be talking about mental health issues.

So for this lesson, we require you to have an adult with you.

If, at any point, you do feel worried or uncomfortable, it's really important that you stop the lesson and speak to an adult that you trust.

Okay, let's make a start.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to describe some common features of depression and explain how to support someone and when to get help.

Before we start today's lesson, we need to go over some ground rules.

These help to make sure that everyone feels safe and comfortable during today's lesson.

First of all, Laura says that, "We need to listen to others.

It's okay to disagree with each other, but we should always listen properly before we make any assumptions or before we decide how to respond.

When we disagree with someone else, it's important to challenge the statement and not the person themselves." Next, Andeep says that, "We need to respect each other's privacy.

We can discuss examples, but we shouldn't use any names or descriptions that could identify anyone, including ourselves." If we want to share a story or an experience, we can refer to someone as my friend.

This means that we can share our story, but we're not going to give away any identifying information.

Next, Izzy says that, "We can choose our level of participation.

Everyone has the right to choose not to answer a question or to join in with discussion.

We should never put anyone on the spot." And finally, Jacob reminds us to not have any judgment.

"We can explore any beliefs and misunderstandings that we have about a topic without fear of being judged by others." We're now going to go through the keywords for today's lesson.

First of all, we have the word depression.

This is a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest that affects how you think and feel.

It can make daily activities hard, and it may include some physical symptoms too.

Next, we have support.

This is the actions taken to help someone who is in a difficult or dangerous situation, such as providing care and seeking medical attention.

Next, we have stigma.

This means being judged or treated unfairly just because of a particular characteristic, situation, or condition, like having a mental health condition, for example, depression.

Next, we've got empathy.

This is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

And finally, resource.

This is something we can use to help us.

Today's lesson is split into two learning cycles.

Our first learning cycle is called What are the Common Signs of Depression? And our second learning cycle is called What Support is Available? Let's make a start on our first learning cycle.

What are the common signs of depression? Izzy asks a really good question, "What is depression?" Dr.

Elsie says that, "Depression is a common mental health condition that can affect how a person feels, thinks, and acts.

It can cause persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a lack of interest or pleasure in daily activities.

It can last for weeks or longer, and it can significantly affect everyday life." Izzy asks, "Does everyone who feels sad have depression?" Dr.

Elsie says that, "No.

Everybody will experience short periods of time where they feel sad or more down than usual.

This could be because of an event in life, changes to hormones, or even just worry and anxiety about something.

However, although these feelings are difficult, they won't last long, and they can be helped through self-care strategies and support from friends and family." Everyone feels sad sometimes.

It's a natural response to events like losing a game, failing a test, or having an argument with someone that we care about.

Sadness usually goes away on its own after a short period of time, or when the situation improves.

Depression, however, is much more than just feeling sad, it's more than sadness.

People with depression often lose interest in things that they used to enjoy.

They can feel hopeless, and they may struggle to eat, sleep, concentrate, or even get out of bed.

It's a condition that needs support or treatment.

Izzy asks, "What causes depression?" Dr.

Elsie says that, "Depression is not anyone's fault, and it's not a sign of weakness either.

It can happen to anyone, even people who seem happy or successful on the outside.

Depression rarely has just one cause.

Instead, it usually develops from a combination of factors, including difficult life events, biological factors affecting brain function, genetics, and physical health conditions, like chronic pain." Depression can be caused by a combination of factors, including large or stressful life events.

These can trigger depression, especially if they're upsetting and hard to cope with.

For example, grief and bereavement, being bullied, breakups or relationship issues, academic stress or failure, or financial issues as well.

Sometimes if someone has previously experienced anxiety or another mental health condition, they might be at more risk of depression as well.

Depression can also be linked to changes in the brain chemistry and function.

Physical health can also impact someone developing symptoms of depression, for example, if they're coping with a long-term illness or chronic pain.

For other people, depression can be the result of a lack of support or connection with others.

Not having someone to talk to during difficult times, especially about your feelings, can make someone feel lonely and isolated, and can lead to them feeling hopeless too.

We are now going to look at someone's experience with depression.

This person says, "I previously struggled with anxiety, but I noticed that challenges got a lot worse after I suddenly lost my granddad.

I started to shut myself away from people and spend hours playing video games online.

I didn't realize at the time how addictive the games were, and I ended up spending a lot of money with in-app purchases and gambling.

Eventually, my family recognized that I was suffering with depression." Distracting ourselves or escapism online, for example, through video games might seem like a good idea when we're struggling with things in our real life.

However, there are risks related to online gaming, which can make mental health conditions worse.

Let's do a chat for understanding to see how you're doing with this learning cycle.

I'd like you to decide if this statement is true or false.

Depression is just feeling sad.

What do you think, is this true or false? Talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that this is false.

But why? You might have said that, "Depression is more than just feeling sad.

Depression is a serious mental health condition that lasts a long time and affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and day-to-day life." Well done if you said the same thing.

Dr.

Elsie says that, "If you or anyone you know are experiencing these symptoms, it's important to speak to someone to get advice on how to start to feel better.

Recognizing the signs of depression is often the first step in getting help." Dr.

Elsie says that, "Sometimes people don't open up about their feelings, for example, to their friends or family, because they worry about stigma.

Some people wrongly see depression as a sign of weakness or attention-seeking, and this stigma should be challenged, because depression is a common medical condition that is treatable, with lots of help available." People are also more likely to recover if they get support from the people around them.

There are a range of symptoms of depression, and these can be both physical and emotional, and include changes to behavior.

Some physical symptoms of depression are low energy or feeling constantly tired, sleeping too much or too little, changes in appetite or weight, so this might mean wanting to eat lots more or not wanting to eat at all, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, even if it's related to something that you would normally enjoy, withdrawing from friends and family.

and wanting to spend more time alone, moving or speaking more slowly than usual.

These are all physical symptoms of depression.

We're now going to look at some emotional and behavioral symptoms. So persistent sadness or low mood, feeling hopeless, feelings of being helpless, feeling worthless or guilty, losing interest in things that someone used to enjoy, and feeling irritable or frustrated.

These are all some emotional and behavioral symptoms of someone struggling with depression.

Dr.

Elsie says that, "For some people, one of the most serious symptoms of depression is experiencing suicidal thoughts.

If someone is thinking or feeling like this, it's crucial that they seek urgent help from a trusted adult or a professional immediately.

There are charities that can be contacted 24 hours a day for support, but if someone is in immediate danger, feels like they might seriously harm themselves or others, or they need urgent medical help, they should call 999 straight away." Experiencing suicidal thoughts is a medical emergency, and someone who's experiencing them needs to get support to stay safe.

Sophia says, "My aunt has depression.

It makes her feel really tired, and she often cancels plans with us at the last minute before we're about to meet." Jack says, "We also have a family member that struggles with these symptoms. However, my dad was really pleased that they felt that they could talk to him about it.

And I know that they're getting help to support them." Let's do another check for understanding to see how you're doing with this learning cycle.

Which of the following is a common symptom of depression, can you remember, A, feeling happy after doing something fun, B, being tired after staying up late, C, persistent sadness that lasts for weeks, or D, feeling sad when watching an emotional film? Which of the following do you think is a common symptom of depression? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that C is correct.

It is a common symptom of depression that someone experiences persistent sadness that lasts for weeks.

Well done if you got this right.

We're now going to move on to your first practice task.

And well done for your hard work so far.

Izzy has been asked why she disagrees with the statement and to explain her ideas.

I'd like you to list some suggestions to help her respond.

Here's the statement that Izzy's been asked why she disagrees with, everybody feels sad sometimes, people with depression can just snap out of it if they try hard enough.

Can you list some suggestions to help Izzy respond to why she disagrees with this statement? Pause the video, and we'll go through a model answer in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what you might have said.

You may have included, "I disagree with this statement because depression lasts much longer than normal sadness, often for weeks or longer.

Depression affects not only someone's mood, but also their thinking, behavior, and energy levels, and their physical health too.

People with depression often lose interest in things that they used to enjoy.

Depression can cause serious symptoms, like changes in sleep, appetite, and the ability to concentrate.

Sadness is an actual feeling that everyone experiences at some point, whereas depression is a common medical condition that needs support or treatment." Well done if your answer was anything like this.

It's now time to move on to our second learning cycle, What Support is Available? Dr.

Elsie says that, "We all need support when we're having a difficult time.

This could include talking to a parent, going for a walk with a friend, or doing a fun activity with a sibling.

It could also be in the form of more practical help, like helping someone with their homework when they're worried about a test." Being supportive of people with depression is really important, and there are lots of ways that you can support them.

Listening is the most important way that you can support someone.

This means being non-judgmental and being patient too.

Sometimes it can take someone time to express how they're feeling, and it can take someone time to be honest about how they feel too.

Nodding, smiling, and making acknowledging noises can also show that you care and that you are really listening.

Showing empathy and understanding is also really important when being supportive.

This can help someone to feel understood and supported, which can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, and remove the stigma that they might fear.

It can help to build trust and connection, making it easier for people to open up about their feelings.

Asking open questions, listening carefully, and looking at people when they talk can all show support and understanding.

There are lots of resources available to help support people who are experiencing symptoms of depression.

Encouraging someone to speak to a trusted adult about how they feel or to seek professional help is also an important supportive action.

You can encourage someone who's experiencing the symptoms of depression to self-refer for mental health support, to see their GP for a referral, to contact the charity for advice.

They could join an NHS or charity peer support group for help and strategies on managing how they feel.

There's also professional support for people who are supporting loved ones with depression.

Your local GP can recommend support services to help you to be supportive of the person who's experiencing depression.

There are also peer support groups that you can join, and there are charities and helplines for advice on how to help.

It can be really hard if someone that we care about is experiencing depression.

And there's lots of support available if we're supporting someone with depression.

Once you know that someone is experiencing symptoms of depression, you can also check in with them.

You don't always have to ask about their symptoms, or spend a long time talking about it, but you can share empathy for them.

Sending a message or making the effort to speak to someone can make someone feel less isolated and alone, and remind them that there are lots of people that care about them.

Asking someone if they want to have lunch or spend time hanging out, or doing something that they enjoy can be supportive to.

Even if someone says, "No," the first time, it's important to try again.

It can be helpful just to be invited to things, so that people know that they care about them.

Your check-ins could include saying something like, "Hey, I've been thinking about you.

I'm here if you ever want to talk.

Hey, just checking in.

How are you doing today? No pressure to reply, but I wanted you to know that I care and I'm here for you.

Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help, even just listening." All of these are ways that we could check in with a friend who's experiencing depression.

Let's do a check for understanding.

Which of the following are good ways to support someone with depression, A, by telling them to cheer up and stop being so negative, B, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult or professional, C, listen with empathy and let them know that they're not alone, or D, ignore the problems, so they don't feel embarrassed? Which of those ways are good ways to support someone with depression? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that B and C are correct.

Some good ways to support someone with depression are encouraging them to talk to a trusted adult or professional, and listening with empathy and telling them that they're not alone.

Well done if you got this right.

There are many free, in-person and online resources available to support someone who's experiencing depression, these include professional support, informal support, helplines and online support, and self-help and lifestyle support too.

Professional support includes seeking help from trained mental health and medical professionals.

Your local GP can assess symptoms and make a referral for specialist help.

Counselors or therapists can offer talk therapy sessions, which many people with depression can find helpful.

In some cases, medications, such as antidepressants, can also be prescribed by a doctor if needed.

Informal support can be seeking support from someone you know and trust, such as family members that can offer care, understanding, and encouragement.

Friends can listen, plan activities to engage in, and help to reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, teachers or school staff, like a form tutor, safeguarding lead, or school counselor can all listen and help to advise on where to access further support.

Informal support from friends can look like, for example, Andeep asking, "Do you want to come over and watch film at mine tomorrow?" Sam asking, "Who are you having lunch with? Want to join us?" Or Sofia is asking, "Do you want to come and help walk my dog at the weekend with me?" All of these are informal ways that we can offer support to friends who are experiencing depression.

There are lots of confidential helplines and online support services available to help.

Most of these are free and can be accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Make sure that you use the services of a recognized charity or provisioned by the NHS, and avoid using social media or seeking help in chat rooms, as this is not from trained professionals, and could offer bad or even dangerous advice.

Strategies for self-care to help improve symptoms include regular exercise and routine sleep patterns, as these support both physical and mental health.

Ensuring a healthy diet, as the right nutrition can improve mood and energy levels.

Using mindfulness strategies, like positive self-talk or keeping a diary, as these can help to manage thoughts and emotions, and can help someone to stay present too.

Limiting screen time or use of social media can also help to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Let's do a check for understanding to see how you're doing.

I'd like you to decide who is correct.

Laura says, "Taking medicine is the only way to get better from depression." Aisha says that, "It's important to talk to a trusted adult or health professional if you're struggling." And Jun says, "You have to pay a lot of money to get any help for depression." Who is correct, Laura, Aisha, or Jun? Pause the video, talk to the people around you, or have a think to yourself.

Well done if you said that Aisha is correct.

It's important to talk to a trusted adult or health professional if you're struggling.

This is correct.

It's not correct that taking medicine is the only way to get better from depression, and it's not correct that you have to pay a lot of money to get any help for depression.

Well done if you said the same thing.

We're now moving on to our final practice task.

And well done for your hard work already.

I'd like you to read the scenario and answer the question below.

Noah says, "My friend Isla and I are both 19.

Recently, Isla told me that she's always feeling low, and that maybe she's depressed.

I'm really worried about her, but I'm not sure what to do to help." I'd like you to advise Noah on how he can help his friend Isla.

Can you include how Noah can be supportive, the support resources that are available for Isla, and the support resources that are available for Noah too? Pause the video, and we'll go through some potential answers in a few minutes.

Okay, let's see what your answer may have included.

You might have said that, "Noah can be supportive by listening with empathy and reassuring Isla that they're not alone.

He can be patient and non-judgmental.

He can check in with Isla regularly, sending a message or asking how they're doing.

And he can ask if they want to spend time together or do activities.

Here are some resources available to support Isla, encourage them to talk to a trusted adult, like a parent or family member, suggest that a Isla speaks to their GP for assessment and potential referral for mental health support, recommend Isla that they contact the charity helpline for advice and support, let them know about peer support groups available through the NHS or charities, and suggest that they consider professional support like counselors or therapists.

Here's some resources available to support Noah, he could speak to his own GP for advice on how to help someone with depression, he could contact charities and helplines for guidance on supporting others, and he could consider joining peer support groups for people supporting loved ones with depression." Well done if your answers were anything like this.

We're now going to summarize the key learning from today's lesson.

In today's lesson, we've learned that depression is a common mental health condition that needs understanding and support.

Symptoms of depression can be physical, but also emotional and behavioral.

These symptoms will be persistent and last for a longer time than sadness.

Stigma may stop people from seeking help because they feel ashamed or afraid to talk.

Being supportive include showing empathy, being non-judgmental, and actively listening.

Support can come from professionals, like doctors and counselors, as well as from friends, family, and school staff.

There are also useful resources, such as help clients and online services, that offer reliable, confidential help.

Well done for your hard work in today's lesson.

In today's lesson, we have covered some tricky topics.

And if you've got any worries or concerns, it's really important that you share these with a trusted adult.

There's also some resources on the screen that are there to help you too.

Well done for your hard work today.

I hope to see you in another lesson soon.