We all have times when we feel down. It is normal to feel sad in certain situations. However, these gloomy feelings will usually pass with time. Sometimes, it is not so easy to bounce back and we stop enjoying the things that used to be fun. These feelings might even get in the way of keeping up with studying or make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. These, and others, are possible signs for serious depression.
Depression
According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, in 2017 an estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode. Studies have shown that depression is one of the leading presenting concerns of college students seeking mental health services. Depression can affect a students ability to work, study, interact with peers, or take care of themselves.
There are several types of depressive disorders and each has their own set of unique symptoms as well as depression may manifest differently for each individual. The persistent feeling of sadness or loss of interest that characterizes major depression can lead to a range of behavioral and physical symptoms, including:
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in appetite
- Changes in energy level
- Lack of concentration
- Low feelings of self-esteem
- Changes in mood (guilt, anxiety, loss of interest in normal activities)
Depression can come in many forms, but is almost always a persistent feeling (i.e., it does not go away with time). Individuals with major depression may also experience thoughts of suicide.
If your safety or the safety of someone you know is at-risk, please call 911 immediately.
Counseling Center Resources
If you are wondering or worried about your mental health wellness, you may take our free, online Mental Health Screening. We also offer several services for those seeking mental health help for depression:
Useful Links
Ready to seek help but are not sure where to start? Start here!
Below is our informational brochure and a number of links to help you determine if you or a friend of yours are depressed and ways to manage your feelings, manage your life, and how to find help.
Self-Help Apps
- Depression CBT Self-Help Guide: The natural management of depression involves understanding depression and the factors that contribute to the symptoms. Learning to manage stress in your life and engage in self-care behaviors can improve your symptoms. This app contains a depression severity test, audios, articles, a cognitive diary, and a motivational points system that help you learn how to do this.
- Cognitive Diary CBT: Irrational beliefs lead to many life problems such as stress, anxiety, anger, depression, conflict in relationships and other issues. Don't feel hopeless about changing your life. Learn the methods shown in psychological research to be effective. These self-help methods use the tools of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to challenge irrational thinking.