Depression
is a disturbance in mood that is a marked change from a person's normal mood.
It can include having feelings of sadness, inadequacy, guilt, hopelessness,
distress, worthlessness, loneliness, and/or disappointment. Normal people experience
depression from time to time, but for some, depression can be more intense,
more frequent and last longer. It can become problematic if it causes a person
to feel deep emotional pain and to have difficulty functioning at their normal
level. For example, some people have trouble getting out of bed to go to work
or classes, or can't seem to study. When depression starts interfering with
a person's life and ability to get things done, or when it causes a person to
feel miserable much of the time, seeing a counselor can make a big difference.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression
can range from being mild to severe. Therefore, not everyone who is depressed
will have all of the symptoms listed below - but everyone who is depressed
will have some of them.
Changes in Feelings
Depressed
mood
Feelings
of worthlessness and/or guilt and/or hopelessness
Lack
of pleasure in things that used to be enjoyable
Decreased
sexual desire
Low
self esteem
Changes in Behavior
Isolation and Withdrawal
Irritability
Concentration Problems
Crying Spells
Suicidal Thoughts
Neglect of Appearance and/or Responsibilitie
Physical Complaints
Sleep
problems (too little or too much)
Appetite
changes (loss of appetite or overeating)
Weight
change
Lack
of energy, fatigue
Physical
problems
Online Depression Screening
The following link will take you to an Online screening for depression. UNO Counseling Services is not responsible
for its content. For inquires about counseling
services
at UNO, please call 280-6683.
Please
note: The information on these pages or in the websites listed
below is not intended to substitute for help from a qualified mental
health
professional.
There
is no single cause of depression; it can be caused by a wide variety of things.
Depression might be the result of an upsetting life event like the death of
a loved one or the loss of a job. Or, it might be due to other kinds of things
such as personality, biological and/or genetic factors, environmental stressors,
physical illness, maladaptive thought patterns, etc. Certain substances, like
alcohol and some drugs (even some prescription drugs) can also bring about
depression.
Sometimes
there is no obvious reason for feeling depressed. No matter what the cause
of the depression is, it can be helpful to learn more effective strategies
and coping skills for dealing with it.
Combatting Depression
There
are a lot of things you can do to get control of your depression.
The first
step is recognizing the change in your mood. This can serve as a cue, or
trigger for you to take action. Suggestions for some of the things
you might try are
listed below:
Learn
to decrease negative self talk and self-defeating thoughts
Increase
physical activity; exercise has been shown to decrease depression
Spend
time with friends; fight the urge to withdraw and isolate yourself
Learn
relaxation techniques - depression and anxiety often go hand in hand
Increase
pleasurable activities, even if you don't feel like it
Set
goals and award yourself for accomplishing them
Learn
how to be assertive - assertive people feel better about themselves
Avoid
substance abuse; some drugs (for example alcohol, marijuana, cigarettes,
inhalants and certain prescription medications) can cause or complicate
depression
Seek
professional help if your depression lasts more than two weeks, interferes
with your normal functioning, or causes deep emotional pain
If a Friend is Depressed
If you
notice changes in a friend and suspect that they might be struggling with
depression, there are things you can do to be helpful. Since depressed people
often withdraw from social contact, you can make an effort to spend time with
them and draw them out by including them in some pleasurable activity. Trying
to understand what they are dealing with and listening to their concerns is
very helpful. Let then know that you care about them and are willing to help.
Avoid criticism. Try to instill a sense of hope by brainstorming options.If you
are concerned for their safety and are afraid they might be considering suicide,
tell them this and ask if they are thinking about it. Asking about suicide
will not plant the idea in their mind; it will let them know
that you care and want to help. If you believe they are in immediate danger
of self harm, get help and remain with them until the help arrives. You can
get professional help for yourself or your friend by contacting a mental help
professional. UNO Counseling Services has counselors who are trained to help
depressed and suicidal people. Other resources include calling the COPE-line,
the police, or a relative or significant other.
For immediate assistance, call the COPE-line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 504-523-2673.
UNO Counseling Services
Human Performance Center |
Room 112 |
2000 Lakeshore Drive |
University of New Orleans |
New Orleans, LA 70148
Phone: (504) 280-6683 |
Fax: (504) 280-6422 Web Administrator
