Depression
WHAT IS DEPRESSION
Depression is a disturbance in mood characterized by varying degrees of sadness, disappointment, loneliness, hopelessness, self-doubt, and guilt. These feelings often lead to withdrawal from people and activities, loss of pleasure and enjoyment of activities, and/or physical discomforts such as fatigue, insomnia, and poor digestion.
Depression affects people in different ways at different times. Many people feel blue due to stress or tension. Sometimes people may have more serious periods of depression, but are still able to meet daily responsibilities.
When symptoms of depression are severe and long lasting, so that pain and problems outweigh pleasure most of the time, it may be important to seek professional help.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of depression may be grouped into three categories: changes in behavior and attitudes, changes in feelings and perceptions, and physical complaints.
CHANGES IN BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDES: lack of interest in prior activities, withdrawal from others, neglect of responsibilities and appearance, irritability, impaired memory, inability to concentrate, indecisiveness, reduced ability to cope on a daily basis.
CHANGES IN FEELINGS AND/OR PERCEPTIONS: crying spells, lack of emotional responsiveness, feelings of hopelessness and/or worthlessness, exaggerated sense of guilt or self-blame, loss of sexual desire, suicidal tendencies.
PHYSICAL COMPLAINTS: chronic lack of energy, loss of appetite or increased appetite, insomnia, early morning wakefulness, or excessive sleeping, unexplained aches and pains, digestive upsets.
TYPES OF DEPRESSION AND WHAT TO DO
It is important to try to determine the source of depression. Many severe forms of depression are organically based, and in some cases medical treatment may be an effective form of help.
Most of us are affected by situational depressions, which may be related to feeling overworked, changing jobs, moving, entering, enduring or ending relationships, and/or acquiring new responsibilities. One of the most helpful things to do for this type of mild depression is to become active and deliberately become involved with other people.
Another type of depression is the "grief reaction" to the loss of a friend or lover, or the death of someone very close. Aside from the depression which may occur almost immediately after the loss, blue feelings may return on certain dates such as holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Sometimes people feel depressed and do not recognize or acknowledge their feelings. But expressing feelings may give a good indication of what needs to be done to overcome the depression. Discussing problems with the people involved, or with an understanding friend can sometimes help.
Other things that might help include changing your normal routine, exercising to work off tension, avoiding known stressors, and avoiding long term commitments that may contribute to your feeling trapped or confined. You may want to see a physician or counselor for assistance.
HELP RESOURCES
If you, or someone you care about, are depressed, there are campus resources available to help. For peer assistance during an emergency call the HELP CENTER 24 HOUR HOTLINE, 301-314-HELP. For counseling call the COUNSELING CENTER, 301-314-7651, in Shoemaker Building. The MENTAL HEALTH CENTER can offer counseling as well as the help of physicians, 301-314-8106.
READ ABOUT IT
You may find it helpful to read some of the following Self-Help pages: Assertiveness, Self-esteem, Stress, Anger, Loneliness, and Suicide.
Compiled by Margaretha Lucas with help of the staff of the UMCP Counseling Center.