Depression
Depression can wreak havoc on our lives and get in the way of our goals, relationships and personal interests. Feeling depressed does not always mean you are feeling suicidal. Sometimes feeling depressed feels like agitation and getting angry easily. It can feel like sadness, exhaustion, and lack of interest in things you used to enjoy. Depression can feel like you are disconnected from people you once believed you were connected to. It can cause you to think negatively about yourself and others. There are many faces of depression and we all experience it to varying degrees throughout our lives. Here are some warning signs of depression that may be getting serious.
Warning Signs
No longer like to do things you used to love to do
Sleep longer or don't sleep at all
Loss of appetite or eating more than normal
Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
Feeling disconnected and alone
Feeling like others wouldn't care if you were gone
Crying all the time
Skipping classes/work
These feelings have lasted more than one week.
If you are experiencing any of the above or friends have asked you if you are feeling depressed, you may want to think about coming in for an appointment.
Ways to Manage Depression
If you are someone who tends to feel depressed whenever there is a transition of some kind or if you know this happens from time to time due to situations around you, below are some ways that you can help reduce the depression:
30 minutes of cardiovascular exercise a day.
Reconnect to friends and loved ones. Depression make us believe that no one cares, so prove yourself wrong, make plans to visit or talk with friends.
Do the things you love to do. If may feel like you're forcing yourself to do it at first, but eventually you'll remember what you loved about it.
Eat right - This means eating the appropriate amount of calories and a healthy blend of vegetables, fruit, carbohydrates and protein. To get more information on eating right or finding a way to help you get started, check out the following websites:
Healthy Eating Easy Tips for Planning a Healthy Diet and Sticking to It
You can also check out our Emotional Eating tab where you will find information about balanced nutrition, including a files you can print showing you a "healthy plate" as well as giving you some ideas for other tips to staying healthy in college.
Sleep Well - Sleeping well generally means getting between seven and nine hours of restful sleep without many interruptions.
For more information on sleeping, go to our Sleep tab.
Utilize the Counseling Center.
Call the Crisis Line at 1-888-568-1112.
More Information
My Dad Killed Himself When I Was 13. He Hid His Depression. I Won't Hide Mine. - Article in the Washington Post (By: Amy Marlow, February 9).
College Survival 101 - Article written for the Hope to Cope website (hopetocope.com)- Gives several stories of students who found themselves feeling anxious and/or depressed during college. Offers tips for managing.
NBA Laker Ron Artest shares his story about depression - Found at halfofus.com
Navigating Mental Health Issues in College: A Comprehensive Guide
https://www.premiernursingacademy.org/resources/navigating-mental-health-issues
Young man talks about his experience with Depression.
Tips for Parents
College and Depression: What Parents Need to Know - Taken from mayoclinic.com