1. In this exercise, you will research the causes, symptoms, and treatments for depression and you will learn about constructive and destructive ways of communicating with those suffering from depression. 2. Before starting the activity, remember that depression is different from sadness. This is especially important for interpersonal communication because the behaviors that would help a sad person would not necessarily help a depressed person, and vice versa. 3. You will research depression and prepare a 2-3 page typed, double-spaced paper. The research should focus on the following questions: a) What is depression, and how is it related to sadness? b) What are the causes of depression? c) What are the common symptoms of depression? d) What therapies exist to treat depression? e) What are the most constructive and destructive ways of communicating with a depressed person? 4. Your sources should involve books, journal articles, discussions with mental health professionals, and/or discussions with people who have or have had depression. When finding sources, it is important to make sure you are looking at reliable sources. Internet sources can be especially tricky because anyone can post information there and it may be inaccurate information. Your points of advice on this issue should NOT come from your own imagination or common sense, but from credible sources such as mental health professionals. 5. Since this paper requires that you conduct research, you must use APA style formatting when citing your sources (within the writing). This also includes preparing a bibliography page that lists your sources. 6. The most important outcome of the activity should be a better understanding about how one should and should not communicate with those suffering from depression.
