DEPRESSION Depression is a change in mood marked by a deep sense of sadness. We have all heard someone say they feel depressed. Most people, including college students, feel this way at some time in their lives. Feeling blue or sad is the common type of depression. These feelings are usually of limited duration and, while painful at the time, cause little disruption in everyday life. In depressive disorders, these symptoms are more serious. They change in mood is considerable -- and long-lasting. Daily life can be disrupted. The person usually copes and continues to function but the feelings are serious. Depression affects mood or emotions, thoughts, physical well-being, and behavior. Depression has a variety of emotional symptoms. The most common is the lack of ability to stop feeling sad and hopeless for an extended period of time. Other symptoms include: feelings of loneliness and isolation; feelings of helplessness and frustration; feelings of unloveablity, worthlessness, or an increased sense of guilt or shame. Disruptions in thoughts may include negative self-thoughts, like "I'm a jerk" or "I can't do anything right;" negative thoughts about the future, like "Nothing will make a difference" or "It's no use;" difficulty in concentrating and making decisions; and a decrease or loss of interest in goals and aspirations. The most common disruption in physical functioning is a change in appetite -- a decrease or the other extreme of increased appetite. Sleep disturbances are also common and may include difficulty falling asleep or waking up, early morning waking, or increased or decreased sleep. There is often a drop in energy level and interest in physical activity -- the person may not got out much or may not meet responsibilities such as going to class. Physical or somatic complaints may include headache, backache, and gastrointestinal problems such as dry mouth, constipation, or diarrhea. Behavior may include tearfulness and/or crying spells or the other extreme of lack of emotional responsiveness. Things that used to be fun and interesting may lose their appeal. Physical movements may be slow -- the person my mope around. School performance may become poor. There may be an increase in drug and alcohol use to escape. More severe disruptions include interruptions in all usual activities including eating, dressing, bathing, school and seeing friends.
In general, what we see as depression is caused by the withdrawal from physical and psychological stress. Sources of stress may include environmental, personality or physical factors. We need to understand the underlying cause to cope. When the cause is apparent, as in the case of a known loss such as the death of a loved one, the reaction is more likely to subside over time. When the cause is not obvious, it's more difficult to understand what we are going through and the symptoms are likely to worsen. Physical factors may include biochemical imbalances brought on by illness, poor diet and nutrition, infections, lack of exercise, and substance use, including prescription drugs and alcohol. Contrary to the notion that alcohol provides a pick me up, alcohol use always worsens the depressive symptoms.
If you have mild symptoms of depression, what can you do to help yourself? - First, try to figure out what is really bothering you. Is it school pressures, your social life, relationships with family and friends?
- Change your routine. Try to become more involved. Force yourself to do something new.
- Increase your exercise. Get proper nutrition and sleep.
- Recognize your need to take care of yourself. Avoid over-committing or putting yourself in a position where you feel trapped.
There are also things you can do to help a friend: Listen. Avoid criticizing. do not tell them to "cheer up" -- these feelings cannot be controlled in this way. Saying you feel the same way sometimes feels minimizing to a person who feels depressed. Encourage them to do the things mentioned earlier, such as getting involved and getting proper sleep and exercise. Encourage them to seek help. Talk with them openly about whether they are considering suicide. Depression does not go away by itself. When these measures do not help or when depression is more severe, you need to seek professional help. Seek help immediately when there is more pain than pleasure in your life, when depression is affecting social life, intimate relationships, or school performance -- or when suicide is considered a viable alternative. Depression should not be taken lightly but is treatable. The Loyola University Maryland Counseling Center offers free counseling and referral services to Loyola students. Just call 617-5109 for an appointment . You may also wish to read our page on suicide.
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