Depression
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Depression: What Everyone Needs to Know
College can be a challenging and life-changing experience. Students come
to school and encounter new people, situations, and environments. Some
of you are sure of who you are and what you are looking for in your
college experience while others may feel unsure – about what you want or
whether the choices you make from day-to-day are the best ones.
Sometimes all the challenges and changes can overwhelm you or your
friends – making you feel down, discouraged, or even angry. But what
about the times when your outlook on life changes and daily behaviors
and relationships start to suffer? If this has happened to you, or a
friend, you might be experiencing depression. There is plenty of
information, resources, and assistance for those who experience
depression or depression-related behaviors.
What Is Depression?
Depression is more than just having the blues, the blahs, or simply
feeling down. If you consistently (two weeks or longer) feel down or
blue, and maybe a few other things as well (see Signs & Symptoms), you
might have clinical depression. Clinical depression is a serious health
problem that affects the total person. Clinical depression can change
the way you feel, physical health and appearance, social activities, and
your ability to handle every day decisions and pressures.
Experts do not yet know all the causes of depression. There may be
biological and emotional factors that might increase a person’s chances
of developing depression. Research indicates that there may be a genetic
link – depression can run in families. Depression can also be caused by
chemical imbalances in the brain. Other situations that can lead to
depression include:
· Life experiences such as death of a family member, loss of a job,
financial difficulties or serious illness
· Abuse of alcohol or other drugs
· Certain medication and diseases
How Common Is Depression?
Clinical depression is more common than you might believe. Depression
can affect people at any age and of any race, ethnicity, or
socio-economic group. It affects 15 million Americans every year.
Approximately 3-5 percent of the teen population experiences clinical
depression each year – that means among 100 friends, 3 – 5 could be
clinically depressed. In the last 25 years, the rate of suicide among
teenagers and young adults has increased dramatically. Suicide is often
linked to depression. The good news is that with treatment, more than
80% of people with depression, even the most serious forms, can be
helped.
Are there Different Kinds of Depression?
There are different types, or forms, of depression. Some people may
experience only one episode of depression in their entire life while
others might have several episodes. Some depressive episodes may occur
suddenly and without warning while others are related to stress or a
life situation. Some people have a bipolar disorder in which their moods
cycle between two extremes – from the depths of despair to a frenzied
talking or actions or unrealistic ideas about their own abilities.
What Kinds of Treatment are Available?
When you decide to seek treatment for depression you can work with a
trained mental health professional to decide what type of treatment
works best for you. Sometimes the hardest part is asking for help. There
are three main types of treatment:
· Counseling, also called psychotherapy
· Medication (if required)
· A combination of counseling and medication
Signs & Symptoms
Not everyone experiences depression the same way. Nor does everyone have
all the same signs and symptoms. Below are several common symptoms of
depression. If you, or a friend, experience several of these symptoms
and they persist for more than two weeks, it is time to get help.
· Feelings of:
· Sadness or emptiness
· Helplessness
· Worthlessness
· Hopelessness or pessimism
· Guilt
· An inability to make decisions
· Difficulties concentrating and remembering
· A loss of interest in day-to-day activities and socializing
· An increase in problems with family or school
· A loss of energy and drive – feeling slow or sluggish
· Sleep problems – trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, sleeping too
much, or can’t wake up
· Appetite problems – losing or gaining weight
· Headaches, backaches, or stomachaches
· Chronic pain in joints and muscles
· Behavior changes
· Restlessness or irritability
· A desire to be alone often
· Missing classes, social events, or sports
· An increase in alcohol and drug use
· Talking about death or suicide*
* If you or someone you know has thought about suicide, seek help
immediately from any of the resources listed in this brochure.
Getting Help
There are many resources available to Rutgers University students
experiencing depression or depression-related behaviors.
All Rutgers University Counseling services are strictly confidential.
There is no cost for students using the counseling centers. Each
department and counseling center may refer you to an outside clinician
under certain circumstances. As an undergraduate, you may make an
appointment with the counseling center affiliated with your college.
Graduate students may make an appointment with any counseling center.
Rutgers College Counseling Center
17 Senior Street, 8 Lafayette Street
732-932-7884
Cook College Counseling Center
Cook Campus Center
732-932-9150
Douglass College Psychological Services
Federation Hall
732-932-9070
Livingston College Counseling Center
Tillett Hall, Room 247
732-445-4140
University College Office of Advising and Counseling
14 College Avenue
732-932-8074
Rutgers University Health Services
There is no cost for utilizing Mental Health Services or ADAPS since you
have already paid the Student Health Fee and purchased the insurance.
Mental Health Services, Hurtado Health Center (third floor), 11
Bishop Place, CAC, 732-932-7402 x233. These services include psychiatric
evaluation, medication, and psychotherapy.
Alcohol and Other Drug Assistance Program for Students, Hurtado
Health Center (third floor), 11 Bishop Place, CAC 732-932-7402 x233.
ADAPS offers help for students for whom substance abuse may be a problem
for themselves, members of their family, or others.
Other University Resources
Student Information and Assistance Center, 732-932-INFO, or the
Office of Student Services or Dean of Students at each college. They can
help you with non-psychological problems such as financial difficulties
or family problems Student-run resources include Scarlet Listeners
Peer Counseling and Referral Center, Bishop House, 3rd floor,
732-247-5555, and Gatehouse peer counseling 732/846-0957.
Rutgers University Eating Disorder Clinic at 732-445-5384.
Rutgers University Office of Sexual Assault Services and Crime Victim
Assistance at 732-932-1181, which provides crisis intervention,
counseling, and advocacy to students, staff, and faculty who are victims
of sexual and dating violence, stalking, harassment, theft and other
types of crime.
Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at
732-445-6111. GASAP offers cognitive-behavioral treatment programs for
anxiety and depression. There may be fees for these services.
Depression Assessments
Only a trained mental health professional can diagnose depression.
However, there is an on-line assessment available at http://health.rutgers.edu
that might start you thinking about accessing help.
Off-Campus Resources
Community Mental Health Centers
Cook & College Avenue Students 732-235-6800
Busch & Livingston Students 732-752-5110
Other Resources
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance
800-826-3632
www.DBSAlliance.org
Anxiety Disorders Association of America
240-485-1001
www.adaa.org
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill
888-999-NAMI (6264)
www.nami.org