NCWC: Depression and Suicide Awareness

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Depression and Suicide Awareness

Updated Wednesday, May 09, 2007 COLLEGE can be exciting, but along with the new challenges, many students face increased stress and feelings of sadness.

Current research indicates an increase in depression among college students. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, you are not alone.

If you feel that you may be suffering from depression, complete one of the following depression-screening tools.

Screening for Depression

https://www.mentalhealthscreening.org

Depression screening web site supported by the National Institute of Mental Health.

http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm

These tools do not replace the professional assessment of a licensed mental health professional. Contact the school counselor at extension 5230 should you have concerns that you are suffering from depression or related symptoms.

Common Stressors in College

Common stressors in college life that may contribute to depressive symptoms include:

Greater academic demands
Being on your own in a new environment
Changes in family relations
Financial responsibilities
Changes in your social life
Exposure to new people, ideas, and temptations
Awareness of your sexual identity and orientation
Preparing for life after graduation

Depression Warning Signs

Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood
Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain
Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex
Restlessness, irritability
Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)
Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Fatigue or loss of energy
Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless
Thoughts of suicide or death

If you are experiencing one or more of the above symptoms, and your personal life or school work is being affected, seek help. Talk to a friend, your RA, RD, school counselor or chaplain.

Depression Prevention

What can I do to decrease my symptoms of depression?

Exercise every day: take a walk around campus, dance, ride your bike, stretch, do yoga, toss a football with a friend, walk your dog, just get moving!!
Eat well
Focus on the positive and stop negative self-talk. Be nice to yourself!
Avoid alcohol and drugs
Set small goals to accomplish tasks
Be active. Plan to do at least 1 thing each day that you enjoy: call a friend, paint your nails, read a book, go to the movies, work on a puzzle…

Suicide Warning Signs

If you or someone you know is talking about suicide, seek help immediately. Don’t ignore the warning signs!

Warning Signs of Suicide

Talking about suicide

Preparing for death including giving away personal possessions or talking about the afterlife

Feeling hopeless and deeply depressed

Changes in personality

Sudden change in mood

Withdrawal from friends and family

Internet Resources

Virtual Pamphlets on Depression and Suicide and from the University of Chicago

http://counseling.uchicago.edu/resources/
virtualpamphlets/depression.shtml

Tips on Dealing with Depression in College

National Mental Health Association information.

http://www.nmha.org/infoctr/factsheets/
DepressioninCollege.cfm

Brigham and Women’s Hospital site offers information on adjusting to college life.

http://healthgate.partners.org/browsing/browseContent.asp?fileName=47093.xml&title=Depression%20In%20College

More information about Depression and Suicide in College Students

Mental health resource for college students.

http://www.campusblues.com/depression.asp

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: National Mental Health Information Center’s page on Suicide Prevention

http://www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov/highlights/
May2003/suicide/links.asp

National Institute of Mental Health: various mental health information, links to other mental health resources.

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/students.cfm

University of Michigan article on depression and college students.

http://www.med.umich.edu/opm/newspage/2003/
collegedepression.htm

Article on the increase of depression among college students.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/mental/2002-05-22-college-depression.htm

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