Depression
Depression is a common, highly treatable illness affecting the way a person feels emotionally and physically. Depression can co-occur with anxiety disorders, eating disorders or substance abuse.
What is depression?
Depression is an illness involving the body, mood, and thoughts. It can affect the way you eat, sleep, feel, and think about yourself, others, and the future. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood or feelings of sadness caused by the loss of a loved one or the break up of a relationship. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be willed or wished away. Left untreated, depressive symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years, and the consequences can be deadly—depression is a common risk factor for suicide. With appropriate treatment, however, most people recover from depression.
A depressive disorder can be triggered by major life changes, traumatic events, hormonal changes, psychosocial stressors, or the presence of another illness. Substance abuse, anxiety disorders, and eating disorders can co-occur with or be worsened by depression.
It is estimated that 10% of college students have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder. Women are almost twice as likely as men to become depressed.
What are the symptoms of depression?
- Prolonged sadness or unexplained crying spells
- Significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns
- Irritability, anger, worry, agitation, anxiety
- Hopelessness, pessimism, indifference
- Loss of energy, persistent lethargy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
- Inability to concentrate, indecisiveness
- Inability to take pleasure in former interests, social withdrawal
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Recurring thoughts of death or suicide
It is common to feel some of these symptoms from time to time, but if you experience 5 or more of these symptoms for more than 2 weeks or if any of these symptoms interfere with work or social activities, you should consult with a doctor for a thorough examination.
What are the treatments for depression?
Treatment of depression may include medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of strategies. The right treatment is the one that works best for you. Some people have to try several treatments before they can make this determination. Once the right strategy has been determined, depression is extremely responsive to treatment. With proper care, approximately 80 percent of people with a depressive disorder experience significant improvement.
How can you take care of yourself?
Because depression affects clear thinking, it is not wise to try to overcome depression on your own by “pulling yourself together” or waiting to “snap out of it.” If you are experiencing symptoms of depression that are more than the occasional blue mood or feelings of sadness associated with disappointment or rejection:
- seek help from a doctor or counselor. Once you have begun the treatment recommended by your health care provider, you may also find it helpful to follow these strategies for improving your mood:
- Exercise: Research indicates that walking for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, can significantly improve your mood.
- Eat well: Eat well-balanced meals. Stay hydrated by drinking 4-8 glasses of water daily.
- Stay active: Participate in activities even when you don’t feel like it.
- Laugh: The physical act of laughter can often improve your mood. Watch a funny movie or read a funny book.
- Express your feelings: Talk, journal, express yourself creatively.
- If you are having thoughts of suicide or feel suicidal, call for help IMMEDIATELY! Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255), or call 911, or go to the nearest emergency room.
How do you help someone who may be depressed?
Often people who are depressed do not recognize the symptoms in themselves. The most important thing anyone can do for someone who is depressed is to help him or her get an appropriate diagnosis and effective treatment. This may involve gently encouraging the person to find a doctor or counselor and make their first appointment. You may also want to offer to go with the person to Student Health Services or a local emergency room.
The second most important thing is to offer emotional support. This involves understanding, patience, and encouragement. Engage the person in conversation and listen carefully. Resist the urge to function as a therapist or try to come up with answers to the person’s concerns. Often the individual will just want someone to listen. Do not put down feelings expressed, but continue to encourage them to utilize the many resources available to them. If the person denies his or her depression, do not force the issue; this will only isolate them further.
Where can you go for help?
Campus Experts
- Student Health Services, 314.935.6666. Call to make an appointment for a consultation with a psychiatrist or a professional counselor.
- Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource Center, 24 hour hotline, 314.935.5099. If you wish to speak to someone in person, visit the Uncle Joe’s office in the basement of Gregg Hall, 10pm-1am nightly.
On-line Resources
- National Institute of Mental Health: http://www.nimh.nih.gov
- For self-evaluation and other resources, go to: http://ulifeline.org
How you can learn more?
Professional
- Health Promotion Services, provides brochures and other resources. To request a program on depression, contact Melissa Ruwitch at 314.935.7139 or mruwitch@wustl.edu
Peer
- Uncle Joe’s Peer Counseling and Resource Center, 314.935.5141. Call to request a program on depression.
