You know that these college years can be complicated and demanding. Deep down, you are not quite sure of who you are, what you want to be, or whether the choices you make from day to day are the best decisions.
Sometimes the many changes and pressures you are facing threaten to overwhelm you. So it isn't surprising that from time to time you or one of your friends feels "down" or discouraged.
But what about those times when a friend's activity and outlook on life stay "down" for weeks and begin to affect your relationship? If you know someone like this, your friend might be suffering from depression. As a friend, you can help.
Questions About Depression:
What is depression?
Depression is more than the blues or the blahs; it is more than the normal, everyday ups and downs. When that "down" mood, along with other symptoms, lasts for more than a couple of weeks, the condition may be clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health problem that affects the total person. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health and appearance, academic performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures.
What causes clinical depression?
We do not yet know all the causes of depression, but there seem to be biological and emotional factors that may increase the likelihood that an individual will develop a depressive disorder. Research over the past decade strongly suggests a genetic link to depressive disorders; depression can run in families. Bad life experiences and certain personality patterns such as difficulty handling stress, low self-esteem, or extreme pessimism about the future can increase the chances of becoming depressed.
How common is it?
Clinical depression is a lot more common than most people think. It affects 10 million Americans every year. One-fourth of all women and one-eighth of all men will suffer at least one episode or occurrence of depression during their lifetimes. Depression affects people of all ages but is less common for teenagers than for adults. Approximately 3 to 5 percent of the teen population experiences clinical depression every year. That means among 100 friends, 4 could be clinically depressed.
Is it serious?
Depression can be very serious. It has been linked to poor school performance, truancy, alcohol and drug abuse, running away, and feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide often is linked to depression.
Are all depressive disorders alike?
There are various forms or types of depression. Some people experience only one episode of depression in their whole life, but many have several recurrences. Some depressive episodes begin suddenly for no apparent reason, while others can be associated with a life situation or stress. Sometimes people who are depressed cannot perform even the simplest daily activities - like getting out of bed or getting dressed; others go through the motions,but it is clear they are not acting or thinking as usual. Some people suffer from bipolar depression in which their moods cycle between two extremes - from the depths of despair to frenzied heights of activity or grandiose ides about their own competence.
Can it be treated?
Yes, depression is treatable. Between 80 and 90 percent of people with depression - even the most serious forms - can be helped. Symptoms can be relieved quickly with psychological therapies, medications, or a combination of both. The most important step toward treating depression - and sometimes the most difficult - is asking for help.
Why don't people get the help they need?
Often people don't know they are depressed, so they don't ask for - or get - the right help. Teenagers and adults share a problem - they often fail to recognize the symptoms of depression in themselves or in people they care about.
Be Able To Tell Fact From Fiction
Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. Friends need to know the facts. Some of the most common myths are these:
Myth: Teenagers don't suffer from "real" depresssion.
Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnic, or economic group.
Myth: Teens who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There's nothing anyone else can do to help.
Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychological therapy and medication is beneficial.
Myth: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help. By showing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you can encourage your friend about seeking treatment - that's what a real friend will do.
Myth: People who talk about suicide don't commit suicide.
Fact: Many people who commit suicide have given warnings to friends and family. A signal or warning may be a statement such as "I wish I were dead," "I can't take it anymore; I want out," or "My parents would be better off without me." Some people even tell a friend about a plan to kill themselves before they actually do. If a friend talks like this, take it seriously! Immediately make someone aware of what your friend has said.
Myth: Telling someone that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it.
Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person's ability or wish to get help. And many people do not understand the seriousness of depression or of thoughts of death or suicide. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a professional who can give your friend the help they need.
Know The Symptoms
The first step toward defeating depression is to define it. But people who are depressed have a hard time thinking clearly or recognizing their own symptoms. They may need your help. Check the following if you notice a friend with any of these symptoms persisting longer than two weeks:
Do they express feelings of:
....... sadness or "emptiness?
....... hoplessness, pessimism, or guilt?
....... helplessness or worthlessness?
Do they seem:
.......unable to make decisions?
.......unable to cncentrate and remember?
.......to have lost interest or pleasure in ordinary activities - like sports, hanging out with friends, or talking on the phone or computer?
.......to have more problems with school and family?
Do they complain of:
.......loss of energy and drive - so they seem "slowed down?"
.......trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting up?
.......appetite problems; are they losing or gaining weight?
.......headaches, stomach aches, or backaches?
.......chronic aches and pains in joints and muscles?
Has their behavior changed suddenly so that:
.......they are restless or more irritable?
.......they want to be alone most of the time?
.......they've started cutting classes or dropped hobbies and activities?
.......you think they may be drinking heavily or taking drugs?
Have they talked about:
.......death?
.......suicide - or have they attempted suicide?
FIND SOMEONE WHO CAN HELP
If you checked several of the boxes, a friend may need help. Don't assume that someone else is taking care of the problem. Negative thinking, inappropriate behavior, or physical changes need to be reversed as quickly as possible. Not only does treatment lessen the severity of depression, treatment also may reduce the length of time (duration) your friend is depressed and may prevent additional bouts of depression.
If a friend shows many symptoms of depression, you can listen and encourage him or her to contact the Personal Counseling Center at extension 7119. Accompany them if necessary. If your friend makes statements such as "Everyone would be better off without me around" or other thoughts suggesting death or suicide, contact your RA, RD, Area Coordinator or else Campus Police IMMEDIATELY!
*This information was adapted from a U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services brochure entitled: What to Do When A Friend Is Depressed; Guide For Students.