LO Life Skills Level 4 Module 8

Life Orientation: Life Skills NQF 4 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Understand & deal with depression in personal & work situations Module 8 Downloaded from hlayiso.com *see terms and conditions

Think about it… • Is medication always the answer for a person who is severely depressed? • What role do your thoughts play in feeling depressed? • Are all suicides actually preventable? Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Unit 8.1 Depression – its meaning, symptoms & effects Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

What does depression mean? • Depression = feeling generally sad (or “pressed down”). • Clinical depression = major depression:  Intense sadness  Utter hopelessness  No enthusiasm. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

What does depression mean? • Depression may be short-term or may continue throughout a person’s life. • Bipolar = depressive disorder with extreme lows & extreme highs. Figure 8.1: The occasional bout of sadness is normal, however, you need to approach someone to help you if it Downloaded carries on for a long timefrom hlayiso.com and for no specific reason

The link between stress & depression • A stressful event may cause depression, for instance:  Divorce  Financial problems  The death of a loved one. • Other causes of depression:  An imbalance in neurotransmitters  An imbalance in hormones  Certain medication. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

The link between stress & depression • Depression can cause physical problems, such as:  Heart attacks  Strokes  Heart disease. Figure 8.3: The symptoms and causes of stress and depression can follow one another in a spiral or cycle Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Symptoms of depression • Physical symptoms, for example:  Always tired  Change in appetite  Unexplained headaches or backache  Self-harm. Figure 8.4: Depression is mainly a condition of the mind and emotions but also affects people physically Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Symptoms of depression • Mental symptoms, for example:  Loss of interest in life  Difficulty concentrating  Avoiding other people  Thinking about death & suicide. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Symptoms of depression • Emotional symptoms, for example:  Anxiety  Sadness & negativity  Sensitivity to noise  Feeling hopeless & worthless. Figure 8.5: Although most depressed people feel emotionally overwhelmed Downloadedand fatigued, some may from become agitated hlayiso.com

Learning activity 8.1 Module 8 Test your knowledge of this section by completing Learning activity 8.1 in your Student’s Book. Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Effects of depression on personal situations • Difficulty coping with & recovering from illness. • May abuse alcohol or drugs. • May withdraw socially. • Lack of interest in usual activities. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Effects of depression on work situations • Lack of energy & decision-making skills. • Poor work performance. • Lack of motivation. • Moodiness. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Learning activity 8.2 Module 8 Test your knowledge of this section – and answer a mental health questionnaire – by completing Learning activity 8.2 in your Student’s Book. Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Unit 8.2 Strategies & support structures for dealing with depression Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Strategies against depression • Lifestyle strategies • Thinking strategies • Professional strategies. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Lifestyle strategies against depression Make positive choices about: • Food • Eating habits • Exercise • Sleep • Alcohol, smoking & drugs • Stress management • Medication. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Thinking strategies against depression • Try to think positively. • Face the stressors/life events that trigger depression. • Don’t isolate yourself. • Look after good relationships. • Break off negative relationships. • Learn to express your feelings & handle stress better. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Professional strategies against depression • See a healthcare professional for counselling or treatment. • If necessary, take prescribed medication according to prescription. Figure 8.14: Professional counsellors and therapists are trained to keep your problems confidential and not to judge you Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Support structures for people with depression • Offer support:  In the home  For family & friends  In support groups  In the work environment  In clinics  Through organisations & helplines. • Organisations & helplines include:  LifeLine  SADAG.Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Mathematics NQF Level 2 Click above to play this video. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Learning activity 8.3 Module 8 Test your knowledge of this section by completing Learning activity 8.3 in your Student’s Book. Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Unit 8.3 Handling suicidal colleagues or friends Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Dealing with a suicidal colleague or friend • Be aware of warning signs. • Get immediate help for the person. • Professional treatment is needed. • Encourage personal changes to make them feel better. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Learning activity 8.4 Module 8 Test your knowledge of this unit – and consider ways to deal with suicidal thoughts – by completing Learning activity 8.4 in your Student’s Book. Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Mathematics NQF Level 2 Click above to play this video. Downloaded from hlayiso.com

Summative assessment Module 8 Test your knowledge of this module by completing Summative assessment of Module 8 in your Student’s Book. Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation NQF Level 4

Mathematics NQF Level 2 Downloaded from hlayiso.com Life Orientation (Life Skills) NQF Level 4