Are you sad, irritable or worried? Having nightmares or trouble sleeping?  Do you feel like your mood is interfering with your ability to handle life?

College can offer many new experiences and challenges. It can also be stressful and make you feel sad. But when the "blues" last for weeks or interfere with your social and academic functioning, it might be clinical depression.

What is clinical depression?

Clinical depression is a common, frequently unrecognized illness that can be treated effectively. It can affect your body, mood, thoughts and behaviors. It can even change your eating habits, the way you think and feel as well as your ability to work, study and interact with people around you.

Clinical depression is NOT a passing mood or just a "blah" day. It is a condition that cannot simply be willed away. Those with clinical depression are not displaying personal weaknesses and might not be able to just "pull themselves up" on their own.

Depression can be treated successfully, however.  With the correct treatment, 80% of those who seek help get better. Many people even begin to feel better in just a few weeks.

How can I tell if I may be experiencing depression?

The first step to treating your depression is recognizing it. It is normal for all of us to experience some sign of depression from time to time. But, five or more symptoms for two weeks or longer or changes in your normal functioning should be an indicator to seek an evaluation from a mental health professional.

Symptoms:

• Sadness, anxiety or "empty feelings"
• Decreased energy, fatigue or being "slowed down"
• Loss of interest in pleasurable activities
• Sleep disturbances
• Appetite or weight changes
• Feelings of hopelessness, guilt and worthlessness
• Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts
• Difficulty concentrating, making decisions or remembering
• Irritability or excessive crying
• Chronic aches and pains not explained by another physical condition

What causes depression?

The causes of depression are very complex. Typically, the causes are thought to be a combination of genetic, psychological and environmental factors. At times though, depression can occur for no apparent reason. Depression often runs in families which means that people with a family history of a mood disorder might have an increased risk or tendency to develop the illness themselves. Psychological and environmental stressors can also contribute to depression.

Remember, depression is an illness and one that can be effectively treated. Don't suffer in silence. Seek out help and begin the journey to feeling better.

If you or someone you know may be suffering from depression, check out our On-Line Depression Screening  or contact Counseling Services at X4526 to schedule a free and confidential appointment.