Texas State - Student Health Center

At least 20 million Americans suffer from depression and this number is increasing, particularly among people in their late teens to mid twenties and the elderly. On average, over fifty percent of college students have felt that things were hopeless within the last school year and approximately thirty-eight percent of students felt so depressed that they were unable to function well within school. In addition, over sixty percent of students have felt overwhelmed by all they had to do, exhausted (not from physical activity) or very sad. While depression tends to affect women more often, men can also be affected; one in four women and one in eight men have depression sometime during their lifetimes. Thus, depression can occur at any age and can affect anyone.

What is depression?
Depression is a serious medical illness affecting how you feel, think and act. You may be depressed if you feel:

Tired all the time (not from physical activity)
Feeling sad most of the time
Feeling guilty or worthless
Unable to think clearly or make decisions
Hungry all the time or no appetite
No pleasure in the activities you once enjoyed
Repeated thoughts about death or suicide
Trouble sleeping (too much or too little)

If you have any of these symptoms in your daily life, tell your doctor. The problem could stem from depression or other illnesses.

What causes depression?
Several factors can play into the onset of depression, even for a person who seems to live in relatively ideal circumstances. These include:

Biochemistry: Abnormalities in two chemicals in the brain, serotonin and norepinephrine, might contribute to symptoms of depression, including anxiety, irritability and fatigue.
Genetics: Depression can run in families. For example, if one identical twin has depression, the other has a seventy percent chance of having the illness sometime in life.
Personality: People with low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed by stress or who are generally pessimistic appear to be more vulnerable to depression.
Environmental Factors: Continued exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or poverty may cause people who are already vulnerable to depression all the more susceptible.
Medical Condition: Brain tumors or a vitamin deficiency can cause depression so it is important so be evaluated by a psychiatrist or other physician to rule out a medical cause for the depression.

How can I help a friend?
Although you cannot take responsibility for someone with depression and the decision to find help is up to the person, there are some things you can do.

What can I do?
- Learn about depression - its causes, symptoms and treatments. Knowing about the condition will help you better understand what your friend is experiencing.
- Do what you can to ensure that a person with depression seeks medical care. Encourage your friend to continue with their therapy or medication. Offer to go with them to their appointments as support.
- Be patient and supportive. Listen to what your friend has to say.
- Gently encourage your friend to do the activities they used to enjoy.
Emergencies
- If someone you know is thinking about suicide, do not ignore it. Remain calm, talk openly about the topic of suicide, encourage problem-solving and positive alternatives, stay with person until the crisis has passed and contact their doctor, therapist or other qualified help.
Avoid Burnout
- Try to get other people involved in helping your friend since being their sole support can be difficult.
- People with depression often resist attempts to be helped. It is all right to feel angry and frustrated but do not confuse your friend with the effects of depression.
- Depression is not anyone's fault. It takes time to overcome.
- No matter how overwhelmed you feel, take time for yourself.

What can I do if I feel depressed?
Although you may feel exhausted, apathetic or irritable, maintain a healthy routine. Eat balanced meals, get adequate sleep, exercise regularly, go to class and participate in the activities you enjoy. If you have depression, you should avoid alcohol, drugs and excessive use of caffeine because you are at special risk of developing substance abuse problems. Alcohol also interacts with many antidepressants. Communicate with friends by asking for support and learn how others have dealt with depression. Contact your campus or community counseling center for ideas and support. Focus on the positives in your life, reduce unnecessary tasks and postpone big decisions such as quitting a job or moving. Above all, be kind to yourself.

When should I seek professional help?
Whether your symptoms of depression are mild, moderate or severe, professional help may be the best step. In general, if your attempts at self-help are ineffective and your depression persists for several weeks, becomes more severe or leads to self-destructive thoughts and behavior, you should seek help. Depression is treatable. The sooner you get help, the more likely that the treatment you receive will be effective.

How is depression treated?
Before a specific treatment is recommended, a psychiatrist will conduct an evaluation, consisting of an interview and possibly a physical examination. The evaluation reveals specific symptoms, medical and family history, cultural settings and environmental factors so that a proper diagnosis is reached and the best treatment is determined. Some treatments include:

Medication: Antidepressants may be prescribed to correct imbalances in the brain. Antidepressants are not sedatives, "uppers" or tranquilizers nor are they habit-forming. Patients often notice improvement within the first week or two of treatment while the full benefits may not be realized for two to three months. If a patient feels little or no improvement after several weeks, the psychiatrist will alter the medication's dosage or will add or substitute another antidepressant. Antidepressants can be a short-term or long-term treatment option depending on the severity and occurences of the depression.
Psychotherapy: This therapy is better known as "talk therapy" and is sometimes used alone for the treatment of mild depression. For moderate to severe depression, the therapy is often used in combination with antidepressant medications. Psychotherapy can involve only the individual although family or couples therapy and group therapy may also be used in order to address issues arising within close relationships or in order to create a support group of people with similar illnesses. Depending on the severity of the depression, psychotherapy may last only a few weeks or substantially longer.

Depression is never normal and produces needless suffering. With the proper diagnosis and treatment, the vast majority of people with depression can overcome it. If you are experiencing any symptoms of depression, see your family physician or psychiatrist, describe your concerns and request a thorough evaluation. The earlier you can receive treatment, the more likely it is that the treatment will be effective and will help prevent the likelihood of serious occurrences.

Resources at Texas State
Health Education Resource Center (512) 245-2309
Walk-ins and appointments are welcome to obtain confidential answers to health questions. Located in suite 201 of the Student Health Center at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.

Student Health Center (512) 245-2167
Located at the corner of Sessom and Tomas Rivera Drive.
Confidential information and care is available by appointment with a physician or nurse. There are no fees for medical care at the Student Health Center. However, there may be fees incurred if laboratory tests, medications, specialist or emergency hospital care is needed.

Counseling Center (512) 245-2208
Located on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center.
Confidential counseling appointments are available for students. Services include crisis intervention, short-term psychotherapy and referrals. There are no fees for appointments.

Links you can use
American Psychiatric Association
Offers basic facts about depression, various types of depression and treatments

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
Offers information, resources and confidential screening for depression, bipolar or anxiety

National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
Provides information, support and referral services to individuals with various forms of mental illnesses and their families

National Mental Health Association
The National Mental Health Association is the country's oldest and largest nonprofit organization addressing all aspects of mental health and mental illness. With more than 340 affiliates nationwide, NMHA works to improve the mental health of all Americans, especially the 54 million people with mental disorders, through advocacy, education, research and service.

WebMD
Offers depression resources, online discussion boards and newspaper articles

Depression.com
Offers information about depression, self-help techniques, how to help someone who is depressed and a video showing how depression affects the brain

Last Modified: September 7, 2006