Counseling and Psychological Services Division of Student Affairs

Common Concerns

Depression

What is depression?

Depression is a pervasive low or irritable mood that lasts for at least 2 weeks. It is accompanied by other symptoms, which may include anxiety, difficulty enjoying things or having fun, sleep disturbance, low energy, changes in appetite, and poor concentration. It may occur after a significant loss, or it may occur out of the blue, for no apparent reason. Unlike ordinary sadness or grief, depression is longer lasting, more pervasive, and often accompanied by feeling excessively negative about oneself.

What are the different kinds of depression?

One type of depression is called major depression. It can be mild, moderate or severe in its intensity. It is characterized by depressed mood and/or difficulty experiencing pleasure, which lasts for at least 2 weeks and is accompanied by a number of the following symptoms:

Another type of depression is called dysthymia. Symptoms are less intense than major depression, but longer lasting. They have been present consistently for at least 2 years. In addition to depressed mood, symptoms can include:

Both major depression and dysthymia can be effectively treated. People who do not meet full criteria for either disorder can still benefit from treatment. The most effective treatment for depression combines psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

What causes depression?
Depression is a brain illness, which appears to stem from biological, psychological and social factors. We know that depression has a genetic component and can run in families, similar to other illnesses like heart disease or diabetes. Experiences of loss, such as the death of someone close to you, a divorce in the family, the breakup of a relationship, or other stressors, can contribute to the onset of depression. Social oppression, such as racism, sexism, or homophobia may also promote depression. In most cases, a combination of factors appears to cause depression. Regardless of the cause, depression is associated with changes in neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain.

You are not the only one.
Depression is an illness that affects about 15 to 17% of the population at large over the course of a lifetime. It can affect people regardless of their age, intelligence, personality, general health or socioeconomic status. It can interfere with students' abilities to function effectively in their academic work and in social relationships. Fortunately, treatment for depression can be extremely effective. Medication and psychotherapy are each effective treatments for depression. However, the best treatment for depression incorporates both psychotherapy and antidepressant medication.

Is depression treatable?
Yes. In most cases, depression resolves with treatment. Psychotherapy can be effective in treating depression, and it can help the individual learn how to decrease the odds of a recurrence. Anti-depressant medication is also effective. Psychotherapy in combination with medication is most effective.

Use of anti-depressant medications:
Antidepressant medications are equally effective, in that they all can lead to improvement in the symptoms of depression. Eighty percent of the people who take these medications experience significant benefit. In addition to improving mood and problems with enjoyment of life, these medications work to improve sleep, regulate appetite, improve concentration and help increase energy levels. They also help decrease or eliminate feelings of worthlessness and hopelessness, as well as suicidal thoughts. One anti-depressant may be more effective or better tolerated than another for any given person. All the antidepressants take at least 2 weeks to work for most people and may take weeks longer. They must be taken regularly as prescribed in order to maintain benefit. It is generally recommended that, if an anti-depressant is effective, it be taken for a minimum of 9 to 12 months. This is because there is a high probability that depression will recur if the medication is stopped sooner. Anti-depressants are not addictive. They usually maintain their effectiveness over time.

Will I become a different person if I take medication?
No. Most people who take antidepressants are happy to feel like themselves again. There is a potential side effect of "emotional numbing", which is not common, but can limit an individual's capacity for feelings. This is an undesirable side effect, and results in a need to switch to a different medication. Sometimes, people have been depressed for so long, they have trouble remembering what it's like not to feel that way. By contrast, they may find it unusual to experience happiness or pleasure.

Is it a sign of weakness to take anti-depressant medication?
No. As with any serious illness, dealing with depression takes great personal strength. Nonetheless, you may be exposed to negative attitudes about anti-depressant medications, which vary among individuals and cultures. Many students have found it helpful to take the perspective that medication is one form of treatment for depression, just as medication may be used to treat allergies, asthma, infections or diabetes. Although no one welcomes the presence of illness in their life, treatment such as medication can serve to limit or eliminate the impact of illness, freeing you to direct your energy more fully toward your personal goals.v

Issues to discuss with your healthcare provider:
It is important to minimize your use of alcohol and/or other recreational drugs when on antidepressant medication. The best alternative is to avoid use of these substances altogether.

Your provider needs to be informed if you are pregnant, intending to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

She/he also needs to know what other medications or herbal preparations you are taking, any known medication allergies, and whether you have other medical conditions. It is also important to communicate any history of seizures, head injuries or eating disorders, as these conditions can influence decisions about antidepressant options.

If you need help:
Come to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 3100 Michigan Union and request to make an appointment with one of our professional counselors. Medication evaluations with our psychiatric team are on a referral basis only from our counseling staff.

Provided for you by the CAPS Psychiatric Staff
Donna Champine, MD
Peggy Amburgey, RN, CS, NP

Disclaimer:

This written information is not intended as a substitute for medical or mental health care advice. Please be sure to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with a professional person.

Special thanks to SuEllen Hamkins, M.D. Westfield State College, Counseling Center

Take an online screening test for depression at Screening for Mental Health

Do you have more down times or feel more depressed when season changes from fall to winter? Click on the CAPs Season Affective Disorder (SAD) page to read up more on this topic and see if you are dealing with SAD.

If you think that you might be dealing with a depression, please check out this link to learn some information about "How Psychotherapy Helps People Recover From Depression"

If you decide you might need counseling assistance, please contact our office at 3100 Michigan Union to set up an appointment with a therapist.