Depression

We often use the word “depression” to refer to general, everyday feelings of sadness or being down.

In fact, depression is a medical condition that can affect a person’s ability to work, study, interact with people or take care of themselves. The symptoms of depression can last months to years if untreated.

Depression isn’t always easy to spot. It may be expressed through the abuse of drugs and alcohol; sexual promiscuity; or hostile, aggressive, and risk-taking behavior. Many factors can contribute to the onset of depression, including the presence of other emotional disorders, stress, poor nutrition, physical illness, personal loss and relationship difficulties. Not everyone experiences depression in the same way. Some people may experience primarily behavioral changes, some mainly emotional changes, and still others mostly physical changes.

The good news is that depression is highly treatable. Medication and/or counseling can help. If you think that you or someone you know may be depressed, contact your school’s health or counseling service.
It is not uncommon for people who are depressed to think about suicide, and it is important to seek help immediately if you or someone you know is having these thoughts.

Fact or Fiction?

When a person who is depressed talks about suicide, they are usually just being dramatic or trying to attract attention.

FICTION: Suicide is a very real risk when someone is depressed. Any mention of suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken seriously.

Depression can occur even when things are going well in a person’s life.

FACT: Even people who seemingly “have it all” can get depressed. Depression may occur independently of what is going on in a person’s life.

People with depression can get better.

FACT: Depression may be something that needs to be treated and monitored throughout a person’s life or may last for a limited time. In either case, with proper treatment, a person with depression can return to a normal state of activity and health.

People with depression are just experiencing sadness and can “get over it” on their own.

FICTION: Sadness and depression are not the same. Depression is a medical illness and can’t be overcome simply by positive thinking or willpower.

Drugs used to treat depression are not addictive.

FACT: The medications used to treat depression are not habit-forming.

Only suicidal people need antidepressants.

FICTION: Antidepressants can help people who experience depression to feel better, whether they are thinking about suicide or not.

If a person with depression wants or needs help, they will get it on their own.

FICTION: Depression can interfere with a person’s ability or desire to get help on their own. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with the person and assist them in getting appropriate help.

Understanding Depression

Depression is a medical condition that can last months to years if untreated
Not everyone experiences depression in the same way.
Nearly half of all college students say they have felt so depressed that they found it difficult to function during the last school year.
The first episode of depression often appears during the young adult years.
Depression affects about 19 million people in the USA every year.
Many famous people have suffered from depression including Abraham Lincoln, Barbara Bush, Stephen Hawking, Rosie O’Donnell, Theodore Roosevelt, Florence Nightingale, Michelangelo and Ludwig von Beethoven.
The majority (80-90%) of people who receive treatment for depression experience significant improvement, and almost all individuals gain some relief from their symptoms.
Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.

What to Watch For

Persistently sad, anxious, irritable or empty mood
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, including sex
Withdrawal from friends and family
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or rundown
Significant change in appetite and/or weight
Anger and rage
Overreaction to criticism
Feeling unable to meet expectations
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Feeling restless or agitated
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment
Substance abuse problems
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide