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.
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:
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.
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.