DEPRESSION

The experience of depression and anxiety is not uncommon among college students. According to the 2006 American College Health Association’s National College Health Assessment, 17.5% of college students reported feeling symptoms of depression and 12.7% reported feeling symptoms of anxiety within the past year. Fifteen percent of students reported that depression and anxiety had affected their academic performance in the past year, while 35.5% of students reported feeling so depressed at times that it was difficult to function. If you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of depression and/or anxiety, you are not alone, and there are resources at JCU that can help.

What is depression?

Depression is more than feeling sad or blue, and is more than the normal everyday ups and downs. Depression is a prolonged and persistent low mood that can color and interfere with many aspects of your life. Depression can affect you both physically and emotionally. In addition to feelings, it can change behavior, physical health, academic performance, and the ability to handle everyday decisions and pressures. There are various types of depression. 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, while others go through the motions, but it is clear that they are not “themselves”.

Some Signs and Symptoms of Depression

• Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless
• Having thoughts of suicide
• Feeling sad, empty, or guilty
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
• Loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities
• Withdrawing from friends and family
• Skipping classes
• Loss of energy and motivation
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Change in appetite
• Headaches, stomach aches, backaches
• Irritable or angry
• Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
• Increased tearfulness

What are some things you can do to cope with symptoms of depression?
There are several different types of depression, but in general, the following are common signs and symptoms. Depression can have both emotional and physical components.

• Exercise, eat healthy and regularly
• Talk with someone you trust
• Keep a journal about how you are feeling and what you are thinking. It's a nice way to experience the feelings as opposed to keeping them inside.
• Be with people.
• Nurture yourself.
• Develop and use a support system