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Everyone has felt depression at one time or another due to challenging situations such as a death in the family, the end of a relationship or problems with a career. However, for most individuals, these feelings of sadness are temporary. For individuals diagnosed with clinical depression, the feelings are not temporary. The depression is long-lasting, can get worse over time, and greatly interferes with a person's daily living.
Everyone has felt depression at one time or another due to challenging situations such as a death in the family, the end of a relationship or problems with a career. However, for most individuals, these feelings of sadness are temporary. For individuals diagnosed with clinical depression, the feelings are not temporary. The depression is long-lasting, can get worse over time, and greatly interferes with a person's daily living.
Depression is the most common psychological disability, after anxiety disorder. According to the World Health Organization, it affects 7% of adults in the United States. Women are affected at about twice the rate of men yet men with depression are more likely to die by suicide. There are clear differences on how the symptoms are experienced by men and women. There are several types of depression, major depressive disorder being the most diagnosed. Major depression involves consistently being in a depressed mood. This disorder causes a loss of interest in participating in normal activities for a period of at least two weeks.
Depression is the most common psychological disability, after anxiety disorder. According to the World Health Organization, it affects 7% of adults in the United States. Women are affected at about twice the rate of men yet men with depression are more likely to die by suicide. There are clear differences on how the symptoms are experienced by men and women. There are several types of depression, major depressive disorder being the most diagnosed. Major depression involves consistently being in a depressed mood. This disorder causes a loss of interest in participating in normal activities for a period of at least two weeks.
Depression is protected under the ADA because the mood disorder affects several life activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression causes many symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms that may have a negative effect on a person's likelihood to succeed in an academic setting especially when untreated.
Depression is protected under the ADA because the mood disorder affects several life activities. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression causes many symptoms. The following are some of the symptoms that may have a negative effect on a person's likelihood to succeed in an academic setting especially when untreated.
There are no known causes of depression. However, research suggests that a combination of biological, genetic, and psychosocial factors can lead to depression. Possible psychosocial factors include environmental stresses such as poverty, unemployment and poor family functioning.
There are no known causes of depression. However, research suggests that a combination of biological, genetic, and psychosocial factors can lead to depression. Possible psychosocial factors include environmental stresses such as poverty, unemployment and poor family functioning.
Depression is one of the most commonly misunderstood conditions. Many people have personal attitudes towards depression that can create misunderstanding of the condition. Some individuals believe that people with depression should deal with their problems and that using medication only masks the symptoms resulting in an avoidance of "working through the issues." In addition, there is a negative stereotype about medication and with some believing it can be addictive and result in drug abuse.
Depression is one of the most commonly misunderstood conditions. Many people have personal attitudes towards depression that can create misunderstanding of the condition. Some individuals believe that people with depression should deal with their problems and that using medication only masks the symptoms resulting in an avoidance of "working through the issues." In addition, there is a negative stereotype about medication and with some believing it can be addictive and result in drug abuse.
Statistically, the incidence of depression is widespread, so the likelihood that faculty will encounter a student with depression is great. Sometimes, it may be an undiagnosed disorder, and the faculty member who has weekly interactions can be a wonderful resource for students in referring and obtaining support. Professors need to keep in mind that ADS is a starting point for these students to obtain the services they need to succeed. The student may already have a diagnosis but for multiple reasons including not knowing that they can qualify for accommodations, have not connected with ADS. Therefore, the referral made by a professor is crucial. In addition to the referrals made by professors, there are other strategies that would benefit students diagnosed with depression.
Statistically, the incidence of depression is widespread, so the likelihood that faculty will encounter a student with depression is great. Sometimes, it may be an undiagnosed disorder, and the faculty member who has weekly interactions can be a wonderful resource for students in referring and obtaining support. Professors need to keep in mind that ADS is a starting point for these students to obtain the services they need to succeed. The student may already have a diagnosis but for multiple reasons including not knowing that they can qualify for accommodations, have not connected with ADS. Therefore, the referral made by a professor is crucial. In addition to the referrals made by professors, there are other strategies that would benefit students diagnosed with depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Symptoms of Depression
- Difficulty concentrating and remembering details.
- Difficulty in making decisions.
- Extreme fatigue and has decreased energy.
- Feelings of hopelessness and helplessness.
- Insomnia or excessive sleeping.
- Anger, irritability and restlessness.
- Frequent aches and pains.
- Persistent sadness and feelings of anxiety.
- Suicidal ideation and some may act on these feelings.
Facts about Depression
Facts about Depression
Watch this short video to better understand depression.
What Can Faculty Do?
What Can Faculty Do?
- Allow and encourage the use of Disability Services-approved accommodations. Discuss privately with the student diagnosed with depression how accommodations will be provided.
- Become educated about depression. Know the warning signs and characteristics of depression so that when necessary appropriate referrals can be made.
- Observe and note concerning behaviors. These examples are important information when referrals are made to Disability Services or counseling. The key is not to diagnose, but to share observations with mental health professionals to include in their diagnostic process.
- Discuss these observations and concerns with the college's mental health professionals such as counselors in a timely manner so that they can guide the student towards beneficial interventions.
- Create an inviting classroom where all students feel safe to take healthy risks. Students with depression will avoid classes where they feel unsafe.
- Demonstrate none judgmental acceptance of all students though not necessarily their behaviors.
- Avoid singling out a student who may have depression in front of the rest of the students.
- Be a good listener, keeping a positive tone. Humor can be helpful, but sarcasm is not.
- Avoid using language that over generalizes. Words like "always" and "never" can have a devastating effect on a student.
- Provide feedback including why and how either the behavior or academic work needs to improve.
- Give suggestions for improvement that are constructive, specific and brief.
- Encourage the use of positive self-talk and problem solving. One suggestion is to allow and encourage a student to take a deep breath before beginning an assignment. Also, make comments like "It's ok to make mistakes" or "every situation has a solution."
- Make large assignments less overwhelming by assisting students to organize and break down the assignment into manageable parts. Ensure that students know the expectations and check frequently to determine progress and provide encouragement.
- Maintain a pleasant and interested tone with students with depression and avoid pressing students for details about family issues or treatment plans.
- Solicit information about what motivates the student with depression and attempt to integrate that information into the curriculum.
- Initiate conversations when students arrive, at the end of class, or during breaks. Students with depression will not likely begin conversations. Stop by the student's seat or during small group activities. Let students know that their interactions are being observed.
- Assist students in building a support network that includes classmates, campus resources, and counseling support.
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