Depression
Overview: Depression is a state of mood where a person feels down, blue or sad for an extended period of time and interferes with his or her ability to function normally. Depression is a common problem, but has serious consequences both for the depressed individual and for society as a whole. The World Health Organization lists depression among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
There are various ways in which depression is expressed and various factors which influence the development and severity of depression. Symptoms of depression include the following
feeling down or depressed
changes in sleeping patterns
changes in appetite
feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness or hopelessness
low energy
irritability
loss of interest in activities or hobbies, including sex
difficulty concentrating or making decisions
persistent aches and pains
loss of the will to live or even suicidal ideation.
While depression often does not seem as serious as other diseases, depression has serious consequences including suicide, which is one of the three leading causes of death among young people. Depression can exist alone or with other physical and mental health problems and can be difficult to recognize. If you are feeling down it is important to remember that depression is treatable and there is no shame in seeking help.
What Thielen Student Health Center Can Do For You: First things first
If you are feeling suicidal, please get help now! See files below for more information.
All the practitioners at TSHC are trained to recognize and treat depression and can help find you the help you need. Additionally, there are four psychiatrists who see patients at TSHC, the Wellness Center offers some mental health programming, and we work together with the Student Counseling Service and can help you find your way there.
While there are certainly things you can do to help yourself when depressed, we strongly encourage you to come in and let us help you. Together we can get you feeling better and back on track as quickly as possible.
Resources
- National Institute of Mental Health: Depression
- National Institutes of Health: Depression
- World Health Organization: Depression
- Web MD: Depression
- Emergency & Crisis Numbers (DOC)
Last update: 09 Dec 2008
For more information, please contact:
Iowa State University
Thielen Student Health Center
515-294-5801
