Depression can take on different forms and come about for different reasons. Some people experience symptoms of depression in response to life stressors, others experience depressive symptoms only at certain times of year, and others experience depression because of non-optimal neurochemical activity in the brain, even if everything seems to be going well in life. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms of depression, it is worth paying attention to:
Persistent sad, anxious, or empty mood
Feelings of hopelessness, or pessimism
Irritability
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness
Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
Decreased energy or fatigue
Moving or talking more slowly
Feeling restless or having trouble sitting still
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Difficulty sleeping, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
Appetite and/or weight changes
Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts
Aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems without a clear physical cause and/or that do not ease even with treatment
(source: National Institute of Mental Health)
There are resources on and around campus that can help you combat these symptoms. When you're not feeling your best, it can impact your academics as well as other areas of your life. CNU cares about the WHOLE you, and wants to support your wellness and your ability to get the most out of your classes.
Office of Counseling Services
The Office of Counseling Services is a free and confidential resource for students located in the Freeman Center. They can provide support and strategies to help you feel better, and to manage what feels overwhelming in the meantime. They are available for appointments during business hours M-F, and available 24/7 in the case of an emergency. It's easy to set up an appointment to meet with a counselor-- just call 757-594-7047 or even walk in and they will ask everything they need to know to get you connected to help. You can learn more about the Office of Counseling Services here.
Off-Campus Counseling
Some students who are experiencing depression may feel it is a better fit to seek longer-term counseling off-campus. Learn more about off-campus counseling here.
Center for Academic Success
The symptoms of depression make it hard to perform to the best of your ability academically. The Center for Academic Success is another free resource for students. They can help you develop a plan to address how your depression has been impacting your academics; for example, they can work with you on strategies to improve class attendance, motivation to work on your class work, and time management abilities, as well as strategies for communicating effectively with your professors if that would be useful in your situation. They are available for appointments during business hours M-F. Just call 757-594-7684 or walk in-- they are located in suite 124 in Christopher Newport Hall-- and they will set up an appointment for you. You can learn more about the Center for Academic Success here.
Free Self-Help Resources
Click here for free self-guided resources to help understand and challenge symptoms of depression.
If You Are Having Thoughts of Suicide
Sometimes when people feel this way, it can lead to thoughts of self-harm or of suicide. If you are feeling this way, you can speak directly with a counselor from the Office of Counseling Services 24/7, by calling 757- 594-7047. The National Suicide Prevention Line is another 24/7 resource, and can be reached by calling 800-273-8255.