Page 292 - Keys To Community College Success

KEY 10.5 Know the causes and symptoms of depression.

High-stress situations
(financial problems, personal
loss, relationship issues) Feeling hopeless Loss of interest
Sexual Illness or or worthless in favorite activities
assault injury Feeling constantly
Low self-esteem sad or anxious Decreased
and pessimistic energy and
worldview Recovery motivation
from
10 Chemical Possible childbirth Thoughts of Symptoms or oversleeping
suicide
Insomnia
Causes
CHAPTER in the brain DEPRESSION concentrating Eating too much
imbalance
Difficulty
Genetic
Feeling
medication
predisposition Reaction to frightened or too little
Let go of Seek activities
unreasonable that make you
expectations feel better

Try to be with Coping Let family
others as much Strategies and friends
as possible help you

Know that Avoid major life
feeling better Get counseling decisions until your
takes time condition improves

Source: “Depression.” National Institutes of Health publication 02-3561. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health, 2002.

If you recognize some of these symptoms in yourself, seek help from a professional.
Depression is treatable, but diagnosis requires a medical evaluation. Most student
health centers and campus counseling centers provide both medical and psychological
help as well as referrals. For some people, adequate sleep, a regular exercise program, a
healthy diet, and the passage of time are enough to lessen stress and ease the disorder.
For others, behavioral modification therapy and medication are important.
At its worst, depression can lead to suicide. SAVE (Suicide Awareness Voices of
Education) lists the warning signs of an impending suicide: 14

■ Statements about hopelessness or worthlessness: “The world would be better with-
out me.”
■ Loss of interest in people, things, or activities.
■ Preoccupation with suicide or death.
■ Visiting or calling family and friends and giving things away.
■ Sudden sense of happiness or calm. A decision to commit suicide often brings a
sense of relief that convinces others that the person “seemed to be on an upswing.”
If you recognize these symptoms in someone you know, begin talking with the
person about his or her feelings. Then do everything you can to convince the individ-
ual to see a doctor or mental health professional. Don’t keep your concerns a secret;
risk sounding an alarm that may save someone. If you recognize these symptoms in

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