• Depression

    Depression is one of the most common complaints of college students. Beck and Young (1978) noted that 78% of college students will show symptoms of depression in a given year and of these 46% will seek professional help.

    Clinical depression or a mood disorder is a constellation of signs and symptoms that is not a normal reaction to life's difficulties. A depressive disorder is different from the depressed or sad mood that is a normal reaction to life's disappointments and losses. Clinical depression is more than "having the blues".

    The following is a checklist of symptoms typically associated with depression.

    1. Depressed mood most of the day nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
    2. Loss of interest or pleasure in most daily activities, nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
    3. Significant weight change (at least 5 pounds) recently.
    4. Appetite change for extended period.
    5. Sleep problems nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
    6. Feeling tired or loss of energy nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
    7. Guilty feelings or feelings of worthlessness nearly every day for at least 2 weeks.
    8. Difficulty with thinking, concentration, or decision making almost daily.
    9. Thoughts of death or suicide without specific plan.
    10. A depressed mood that began after someone close to you died or within 4 weeks of giving birth.

    Depression might be present if you can say yes to number 1 or 2; yes 4 or more times in numbers 3 through 9, or yes to number 10 with this mood lasting for more than 2 months. If this fits you, help is available through Counseling Services.