4. Depression Spiral – Check Your Answers

Look at this infographic, paying particular attention to the ‘warning signs’ section.  Are there any signs you missed when you completed the downward depression spiral?  If so, why not add them in.

Now look at the bottom part of the infographic. These are some ways in which young people can manage the symptoms of depression.

Feeling stuck? 

It’s often the case that low self-esteem (how negatively you think about yourself) can lead to low mood or depression. 

Pick your favourite tips about boosting self-esteem from here…

• Changing their ‘story’ – everyone creates a ‘story’ about themselves. When someone has low self-esteem this story is often negative.  Change the story into something positive and see how it might change your outlook on yourself.
• Ditch the ‘Self Bully’: People can often have a very ‘bullying’ self-critical view of ourselves, which, a bit like a bully, brings them down. Change the voice into a coach instead. So instead of saying ‘I’m useless’, a young person could practice saying ‘I can improve if I try it differently’
• Stop comparing! When someone is depressed, because their thinking is negative it’s easy to ‘compare and despair’. Recognise the positives and work on building these. Start now by writing five positive things a young person might say. 

Using this information and your knowledge from the fact file, write down on your worksheet, or piece of paper, how you might use one of these tips to help manage depression effectively.

Can you note any other ways in which a young person might manage their depression effectively? Write these down as well.