Download Depression

Depression
Purdue University Calumet Counseling Center
Gyte 05
219 989 2366
Counseling Center Webpage
Who does it impact?

The National Institute for Mental Health estimates
that in the U.S., 16 million adults had at least one
major depressive episode in 2012.

That is 6.9% of the population

According to the World Health Organization
(WHO), 350 million people worldwide suffer from
depression.

Depression is the leading cause of disability.
What are the symptoms?

Depressed mood (feeling sad or empty) most
of the day, nearly every day

Loss of pleasure in activities once enjoyed

Significant weight loss or weight gain (change
of more than 5% body weight in a month)

Insomnia (trouble sleeping) or hypersomnia
(sleeping too much)
Symptoms

Psychomotor agitation (physical and emotional
responses sped up) or retardation (physical and
emotional responses slowed down)

Fatigue or loss of energy

Feeling worthless or excessive/inappropriate guilt

Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or
indecisiveness

Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation,
suicide attempts, or having a plan for suicide.
Emotional Symptoms

extreme irritability over minor things

anxiety and restlessness

anger management issues

loss of interest in favorite activities

fixation on the past or on things that have
gone wrong

thoughts of death or suicide
Physical Symptoms

insomnia or sleeping too much

debilitating fatigue

increased or decreased appetite

weight gain or weight loss

difficulty concentrating or making decisions

unexplained aches and pains
Symptoms

In children, depression may cause clinginess and
refusal to go to school. Teens may be excessively
negative and begin avoiding friends and
activities.

Depression may be difficult to spot in older adults.
Unexplained memory loss, sleep problems, or
withdrawal may be signs of depression.
Others may notice depression
if you:
-Consistently making negative statements about
themselves
-Withdrawing from social involvement
-Increasing in irritability or angry outbursts
-Losing interest in sexual activity
-Begin complaining of frequent headaches,
stomachaches, or muscle pain
Who does it affect?

Over 50% of university students report feeling
depressed at some point since their freshman
year of college

15% of college students meet the criteria for
clinical depression

Women are twice as likely to experience
depression as men (though this may be
related to gender differences in the way
sadness is expressed)
Causes and Risk Factors

There is no single cause of depression. Brain
chemistry, hormones, and genetics may all
play a role. Other risk factors for depression
include:

low self-esteem

anxiety disorder, borderline personality
disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

physical or sexual abuse
Causes and Risk Factors
 chronic
diseases like diabetes, multiple
sclerosis, or cancer
 alcohol
or drug abuse
 certain
prescription medications
 family
history of depression
Related Symptoms
 Anxiety
 Substance
abuse
Common Myths

Depression is not a real medical problem.
-Extensive research has indicated genuine biological
and genetic factors that contribute to the
development of depression, not just psychological
factors.

Depression can be changed by “positive thinking”
if a person is strong enough.
-Depression is not something people can “snap out
of” with positive thinking, as research shows that it
can change brain structure and alter thoughts
and perceptions.
Common Myths cont.

Depression will go away on its own.
-Without treatment, depression can last for months,
years, or worse: it can result in suicide, the 3rd leading
cause of death for Americans between 18-24.

Depression only results from traumatic events, such as
the death of a loved one.
- Sometimes, painful events in life can bring about a
depressive episode, but for many people it occurs
when everything in life seems to be going smoothly.
How can you know?

If you, or someone you know has symptoms of
depression, take it seriously. Make an appointment
with a doctor if symptoms last more than a few
weeks. It’s important to report all symptoms. A
physical examination and blood tests can rule out
health problems that can contribute to depression.

Depression Screening website: Completely
anonymous and confidential

Does not provide a clinical diagnosis, but can give
you some idea of whether you (or someone you care
about) should seek professional help
What makes depression
worse?

Ignoring the problem, denying the problem, or
waiting for it to go away

Alcohol

Drugs

Social isolation from friends and family

Poor diet

Poor sleeping habits/schedule
Treatment
 Depression
help
 Treatment
is treatable with professional
can include antidepressant
medication and psychological
counseling.
Complications
Prolonged or chronic depression can have a devastating
impact on your emotional and physical health. Untreated, it
may even put your life at risk.
Depression can lead to:

alcohol or drug abuse

headaches and other chronic aches and pains

phobias, panic disorders, anxiety attacks

trouble with school or work

family and relationship problems

social isolation

overweight or obesity due to eating disorders, raising the
risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes

self-mutilation

attempted suicide or suicide
What can you do?

Seek professional help (counseling center, mental health center)

Many places offer free to low-cost therapeutic services

Seek support groups (community, online, friends, family)

Talk about it (with family, friends, community)

Accept that the problem exists

Stay active

Limit alcohol consumption

Increase social activity

Eat a balanced diet, and don’t skip meals

Seek mindfulness classes (can be found free online)
Help is Available:

Seek professional help.

Contact PUC Counseling Center at 219 989 2366 or
come to the office at Gyte 05

Contact PUC Student Health Service Center at 219 989
1235 or come to the office at Gyte Annex 34
References

American Psychiatric Association (2000). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed., Text Revision).
Washington, DC: Author.

Fava M, Cassano P. Mood disorders: Major depressive disorder
and dysthymic disorder. In: Stern TA, Rosenbaum JF, Fava M,
Biederman J, Rauch SL, eds. Massachusette General Hospital
Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa:
Mosby Elsevier; 2008:chap 29.
Pietrangelo, A. (2015). Depression and Mental Health by the
numbers: Facts, statistics, and you. Healthline.com
Kessler, R. C., McGonagle, K. A., Zhao, S., Nelson, C. B., Hughes,
M., Eshleman, S., Wittchen, H.U., & Kendler, K.S. (1994). Lifetime
and 12-month prevalence of DSM-III-R psychiatric disorders in
the United States. Results from the National Comorbidity
Survey. Archives of General Psychiatry, 51, 8-19


References (continued)

Furr, Susan R.; Westefeld, John S.; McConnell, Gaye N.;
Jenkins, J. Marshall (2001). Professional Psychology:
Research and Practice, 32, 97-100.

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Nolen-Hoeksema, S., Larson, J., & Grayson, C. (1999).
Explaining the gender difference in depressive
symptoms. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology,
77, 1061-1072