Depression

Depression is highly treatable...

If you need immediate help, please call 1 800 273-TALK (8255)

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SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

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

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
Talk to someone today.
Call 1-800-273 TALK or
Find help at your school

About Depression

Depression is a medical condition that can affect a person’s ability to work, study, interact with people or take care of themselves. Depression affects about 19 million people in the USA every year, and 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. 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.

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. Some people may experience primarily behavioral changes, some mainly emotional changes, and still others mostly physical changes.

Dealing with Depression

Medication and/or counseling can help. The majority (80-90%) of people who receive treatment for depression experience significant improvement, and almost all individuals gain some relief from their symptoms. However, if untreated, the symptoms of depression can last months to years if untreated.

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. If you think that you or someone you know may be depressed, contact your school’s health or counseling service.

Resources

Help is often available on or around campuses through the following resources:

Student counseling center

Student health service

Resident hall director, dean, academic advisor, tutor, or faculty

Campus religious or spiritual leader

Community mental health center

Local crisis center or hotlines

Find help on your campus now

For immediate assistance, contact these services:
United States:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline
With more than 130 crisis centers across the country, our mission is to provide immediate assistance to anyone seeking mental health services.
Helpline: (800) 273-8255 (TALK)

International:
Samaritans
Provides confidential non-judgmental emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which could lead to suicide – in the United Kingdom and in many other regions around the world

For further information:

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)
DBSA offers information on depression and bipolar disorder as well as listings to patient support groups across the USA.
Helpline: (800) 826-3632

Mental Health America
Dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
The nation’s largest grassroots organization for people with mental illness and their families.
Helpline: (866) 615-6464

National Institute of Mental Health MedlinePlus
News, overview, clinical trials, research, treatment, organizations on depression provided by National Institute of Mental Health.