Newsletters for Mental Health
Jennifer Worman, Counseling Intern
March 2013
Depression is a common disorder affecting over 19 million Adults in America each year. Depression does not discriminate and can occur in all ages, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. The disorder is more common in women, with one in four women and one in ten men affected by depression at some point in their lives. Depression can be triggered by a loss or sad event in a person’s life but, unlike normal grief, the negative mood is out of proportion or lasts longer than appropriate and affects the person’s emotional wellbeing.
Although college can be one of the most exciting and rewarding times in a person’s life it also can also be a very challenging time for students. Students face a number of stressors including leaving home for the first time, living independently, irregular sleep patterns, meeting new people, having easier access to drugs and alcohol, developing study habits, dealing with social conflicts, and making career decisions. Navigating these concerns, whether they occur on or off of campus, can be overwhelming and may interfere with a student’s academic success. Nearly half of all college students report they have felt depressed and that their depression has made it difficult for them to function. Individuals may not recognize the symptoms or, due to social and academic pressures, may attempt to hide them.
For many people the first episode of depression occurs during their young adult years and treatment tends to be most effective when started in early adulthood. More than 80% of cases of depression can be effectively treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of the both.
Signs/Symptoms of Depression:
- Sullen mood
- Persistent sad or empty mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, guilt, anxiety
- Feeling worthless and not needed
- Loss of interest in things that used to be pleasurable
- Change in appetite: increased or decreased
- Change in sleep: Sleeping too much or too little, waking in the middle of the night or the early morning
- Inability to concentrate/make decisions
- Lack of energy/feeling run down
- Restlessness/irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms (pain or digestive problems) that do not respond to treatment
- Thoughts of suicide or death
What can you do?
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Exercise – studies have shown that regular aerobic exercise can improve emotional health and boost self confidence. Thirty minutes five times a week is recommended for best results
- Reduce caffeine intake – over use of caffeine interferes with normal mood and can aggravate depressive states.
- Adjust your diet – vitamins such as vitamin B can be helpful in mild depression. Also a well balanced diet that includes multi-vitamins and minerals can be beneficial.
- Vitamin D is effective with Seasonal Affective Disorder.
- Develop a support system of friends, family, professionals, and other important figures in your life to support you as address your depression.
- Establish and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Avoid the use of alcohol or drugs.
Seek Professional Help
- Visit Counseling Services to help explore the factors contributing to your depression.
- Make an appointment with a physician or a psychiatrist to discuss the need for medication to assist in treating your depression. Also check with your doctor to see if any of the over-the-counter or prescription medications you are taking could be contributing to your current depressive state.
Resources
- Take an online depression screen
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – Facts about Suicide and information about depression and suicide related to college students
- National Institute of Mental Health – information on all types of mental health concerns, including facts, signs/symptoms, and information about finding help for depression
- http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
- 1-800-421-4211
- Community Resources:
- MSOE Counseling Services
1245 N. Broadway, K230
(414) 277-7590
- MSOE Counseling Services
- Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital ER
2301 N. Lake Drive
(414) 291-1200
- Aurora Psychiatric Hospital
1220 Dewey Ave, Wauwatosa
(414) 454-6777
- Suicide Prevention Crisis Line of Milwaukee County (24 hours)
(414) 257-7222
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
(800) 273-8255