Depression
Southern New Hampshire University Counseling Service offers individual and personal counseling for all day and graduate students free and confidential, call (603) 645-9679.
- Symptoms of Depression
- Why Does Depression Occur?
- What Can be done?
- Coping With Depression
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
- depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day
- diminished interest or pleasure in most activities
- significant weight loss or weight gain
- insomnia or excessive sleep nearly every day
- feelings of worthlessness
- difficulty concentrating on class work
- frequent thoughts of death or suicide
WHY DOES DEPRESSION OCCUR?
The most obvious causes are stresses in academics or in relationships. Failure to get high enough grades, intense academic pressure, loss of an important relationship, being far from home and friends, are all part of the "occupational hazards" of college students. Other causes include problems with parents, childhood trauma, adult trauma or a genetic predisposition for depression in one's family. If other members of your family have experienced a depressive disorder, there is a higher risk for the disorder in all family members. It is not "catchy" but there are genetic patterns that predispose some people to become depressed more easily than others. Depression is often accompanied by negative thoughts that feed on one another and this leads to a downward spiral and increasing feelings of depression.
WHAT CAN BE DONE?
The most important fact about depression is that it is treatable. It is one of the most successfully treatable disorders. The first step is to consult a counselor for an evaluation. If treatment is needed it may include both counseling and medication. Counseling can offer an objective source of help for the negative feelings and thoughts that seem so overwhelming. Medication can help correct the imbalance in neurotransmitters that is often present with depression.
Together, medication and counseling are highly effective in bringing relief.
COPING WITH DEPRESSION
- Seek out professional help. Depression is very treatable.
- Give yourself time to heal
- Don't make major life decisions
- Participate in activities and be with friends
- Don't use alcohol or other drugs. They increase the symptoms of depression.
- Eat balanced nutritious meals
- Get plenty of rest and sleep
- Reduce the stressful demands you face
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