College can be the best four (or five) years of your life. Unfortunately, many people find their time at college to be more difficult. Increasing responsibilities, homesickness, difficult classes and more complicated relationships often cause feelings of depression and sadness.
According to the American Psychological Association, depression is a common and highly treatable disorder affecting over 17 million American adults annually. Once identified, depression can almost always be successfully treated either by psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both. Unfortunately, according to the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research, depression is underdiagnosed and undertreated by primary care and other non-mental health practitioners.
Depression can be triggered by many factors. One cause is an actual chemical imbalance that often requires medication for treatment. Other times, a recent life event or loss can cause the emotional suffering associated with depression.
People who suffer from depression often exhibit symptoms that allow people around them to pick up on the seriousness of their condition. One of the first and major indicators is a person who talks of feeling overwhelmed by sadness, anxiety, fear or helplessness. Depression can also cause feelings of emptiness that cause the person to stop experiencing joy. This may lead to a decreased interest in the people and activities they once enjoyed.
Depression also affects a person's basic functionality. They often have trouble concentrating or completing activities. In addition, they may have a disturbed sleep pattern and strong feelings of fatigue. Another symptom of depression is a change in appetite. This may be associated with a dramatic change in the person's weight.
If you find yourself feeling depressed for long periods of time, the University offers free counseling at student health through CAPS. If you notice a friend seems depressed, in addition to encouraging them to seek treatment, talking to them about their feelings can be extremely helpful because people suffering from depression often feel isolated and helpless. CAPS can be reached at 924-5556. The University also offers an after-hour helpline that can be reached at 972-7004.
Depression is surprisingly common, especially in Western countries. Many people will experience it throughout their lives and be able to work through it. Hanging out with friends, exercising, finding new enjoyable activities and other lifestyle changes can help. But sometimes, the feelings become too overwhelming and the person's feels so helplessness that they are unable to help themselves.
People in college, are at a particular risk to cause harm to themselves if they are seriously depressed. Often it can manifest itself in eating disorders, alcohol and drug abuse, self harm and suicide. In cases such as these, it is extremely important to seek treatment. Usually treatment consists of therapy and medication which varies depending on the case.
Liz Bird is a Health & Sexuality columnist. She can be reached at bird@cavalierdaily.com.
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