Informative Speech Outline

Informative Speech Outline

“Depression”

INTRODUCTION

I. Good evening everyone! Many of us have face depression sometime before or maybe facing it now.
II. This is something that most of us feel at one time or another in our lives.
III. I have taken some time to research three websites all about depression as well as have experienced it myself in my life.
IV. Depression is the most common mental disorder and according to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 9.5 percent of the population experiences some form of Depression within any given year.

TRANSITION: Now that we know the statistics associated with depression, let’s learn a little more about what depression is.

BODY

I. Depression is a disorder that can seriously affect the body, mood, and thoughts of a person.
A. True clinical depression is a mood disorder in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration interfere with everyday life for a long period of time.
1. The feelings associated with Depression are persistent and chronic.
2. The person suffering with Depression cannot simply pull themselves out of the way that they are feeling.
B. People with depression may experience a lack of interest and pleasure in daily activities.
1. This makes it hard for the people faced with depression to wake up in the morning.
2. Depression can impair the ability to work, study, sleep, eat, and enjoy life.
C. There are two main types of depression.
1. Dysthymia is the less severe form when someone has the symptoms.
2. Bipolar Disorder involves a cycle of mood changes from excessive highs to equally excessive lows.
TRANSITION: Since we have gotten into what depression is, it’s time to explore some causes and symptoms of depression.

II. The exact cause of depression is unknown, though you can tell that a person is depressed through the symptoms that the depressed individual shows.
A. People who have depression usually see everything with a more negative attitude, unable to imagine that any problem or situation can be solved in a positive way.
B. Some of the depression symptoms include:
1. Thoughts of death or suicide
2. Trouble sleeping or excessive sleeping
3. Fatigue and lack of energy
4. Extreme difficulty concentrating
5. Difficulty managing mood swings
6. Dramatic change in appetite, often with weight gain or loss
7. Agitation, restlessness, and irritability
8. Feelings of worthlessness, self-hate, and inappropriate guilt
TRANSITION: Now that we understand that there is no known cause for depression and the symptoms associated with depression, let’s take a look at some treatments.

III. Fortunately, depression is treatable.
A. Depression can be treated with Psychiatric treatment.
1. People who are so severely depressed that they are unable to function, or who are suicidal and cannot be safely cared for in the community may need to be treated in a psychiatric hospital.
B. Medication is also a treatment option for depression.
1. Drugs used to treat depression are called antidepressants.
2. Some people with major depression may feel better after taking antidepressants for a few weeks.
C. Most people benefit from antidepressant drug therapy, along with psychotherapy.
1. As treatment takes effect, negative thinking diminishes.
2. It takes time to feel better, but there are usually day-to-day improvements
TRANSITION: Since we have learned some treatments for depression, let’s take a look back at the main points that we have covered.

CONCLUSION
I. Depression is a serious disorder with no known cause and many symptoms that is treatable.
II. Now, if you are ever feeling down you know the symptoms of depression and if you are truly depress and you also know how to treat it or to get some kind of help.