|
The Depressed Student
Depression, and the variety of ways in which it manifests itself, is part of a natural emotional and physical response to life's ups and downs. With the busy and demanding life of a college student, it is safe to assume that most students will experience periods of reactive (or situational) depression in their college careers. Major depression, however, is a "whole-body" concern, involving a person's body, mood, thoughts, and behavior. People with depression cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. It will interfere with a student's ability to function in school and/or in their social environment. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help over 80% of those who suffer from depression.
Due to the opportunities for faculty and staff to observe and interact with students, they often are the first to recognize that a student is depressed. Look for a pattern of the following indicators, but understand that not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many. Also, severity of symptoms varies with individuals.
Depression Symptoms
- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies that a person once enjoyed, including sex and school
- Insomnia, early morning awakening or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight gain
- Decline in personal hygiene
|
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain
- Inconsistent class attendance
|
Students experiencing depression often respond well to a small amount of attention for a short period of time. Early intervention increases the chances of the student getting better sooner. |
|
Table of Contents
Introduction
Intervention, Consultation and Referral
The Anxious Student
The Suspicious Student
The Depressed Student
The Suicidal Student
The Student in Poor Contact with Reality
The Student Under the Influence
Violence and the Verbally Aggressive Student
Departmental Safety Plan
Counseling Center Services
HOT TOPICS:
|
|
|
It is helpful to
- Let the student know you are aware that she/he is feeling down and you would like to help
- Reach out more than halfway and encourage the student to discuss how she/he is feeling
- Offer options to further investigate/manage the symptoms of depression
- Encourage them to seek help, possibly suggesting the Counseling Center
|
It is not helpful to
- Minimize the student's feelings (i.e., every-thing will be better tomorrow)
- Bombard the student with "fix it" solutions or advice
- Be afraid to ask whether the student is suicidal, if you think she/he may be
- Ignore remarks about suicide (Always report them to a Counseling Center therapist)
|
|
Counseling Center
Veitch Student Center
North Wing
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, CA 92521-0320
Phone: (951) 827-5531
Fax: (951) 827-2015 |
|
| |