Students at risk for depression

Depression can derail a college career. Although individual students experience depression differently, one thing is common: Depression is very disruptive to their lives. \nSome find themselves staying in bed all day, not going to classes, unable to concentrate and even uninterested in eating. Others find themselves unable to sleep, engaging in binge eating and depressively ruminating about their past, present or future. A vicious cycle ensues in which depression and inactivity lead to missed classes, failed appointments and interpersonal difficulties, which can then lead to greater depression and inactivity. Misery and disappointment can then lead to despair -- some people even consider suicide. \nRecent estimates are that one in seven college students experience depression. Some experience it for the first time, while others re-experience depression after having suffered from it earlier in their lives. College presents a unique combination of stresses -- such as being away from family and friends, heavy academic demands, financial concerns, sometimes increased drug and alcohol use and changes in sleep schedules -- that can help set the stage for depressive illness. \nSome students attribute their "symptoms" to stress, or a reaction to a breakup, academic struggles or interpersonal disputes with friends or family. Sometimes students do not go for help because they think their reactions are normal responses to their situation. Depression can be distinguished from "normal coping" by the seriousness and duration of the disruption to their lives. If serious disruption of normal behavior persists longer than two weeks, the person might be depressed. \nSymptoms of depression include:\n• Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood. \n• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, helplessness or worthlessness.\n• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, ranging from schoolwork to sex. \n• Sleeping too much or too little. \n• Changes in appetite. \n• Decreased energy, fatigue and feeling "slowed down." \n• Thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts. \n• Increased restlessness and irritability. \n• Difficulty making decisions, concentrating or remembering things. \n• Self-injury. \n• Physical symptoms, such as headaches, digestive disorders and chronic pain, that don't respond to medical treatment. \nFortunately, effective treatments do exist for depression. Eighty percent to 85 percent of people who receive appropriate treatment can recover fairly quickly from a depressive episode. A careful assessment by a mental health provider is recommended to determine whether a person is depressed. The mental health professional can then suggest treatment alternatives, which might include counseling or medication. \nOn Thursday, the IU Health Center's Counseling and Psychological Services, in conjunction with the Center for Human Growth, will offer free, confidential screenings for depression and bipolar spectrum disorder. Students can fill out a quick self-test and talk briefly with a counselor about the results. The screenings will indicate whether a more complete assessment is advisable. \nEven if students don't have depression and are just going through a couple of bad days, they are invited to take advantage of the program and learn about what services are available on campus. Students might learn something that will help themselves or a friend or roommate in the future. Screenings will be offered 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 5, at the Wells Library Main Lobby, School of Education atrium and SRSC.