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Depression

Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among college students. Often, suicide is the result of severe depression. While depression is a highly treatable condition, 2 out of 3 depressed college students never seek treatment. If you are or know a UC Davis student that you are concerend about, the UC Davis Counseling and Pyschological Services (CAPS) has services and 24-hour phone response.

Overview

Everyone feels sad or blue sometimes. The loss of someone close, a romantic breakup, family problems, or an academic or work setback are some of the events that can lead to feelings of sadness or grief. Depression is qualitatively and quantitatively different from a normal reaction to setbacks and disappointments. Depression lasts longer and is generally more pervasive than normal feelings of sadness. Thoughts of suicide are virtually never part of a normal grief reaction.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs of Major Depression

A central feature of depression is feeling down or experiencing a loss of interest or pleasure in normally satisfying activities. When this is combined with the following signs, the person may be experiencing an episode of major depression.

  • Feeling sad, hopeless, worthless and/or excessively guilty
  • Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain OR decrease or increase in appetite
  • Sleeping too little or too much
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions
  • Frequent thoughts of death or planning or attempting suicide

Signs of Dysthymia

Dysthymia is a less severe form of depression, but often lasts longer and stops one from feeling good or functioning at one’s best.

Signs of Adjustment Problems

Adjustment Problems develop in response to a clear stressor (such as starting college, being diagnosed with a physical illness, experiencing divorce in the family) and can include depression.

Signs of Grief or Bereavement

Emotional reactions to loss or death vary a lot but can include sadness, insomnia, poor appetite, and weight loss. Excessive feelings of guilt or worthlessness or re-occurring thoughts of death are not part of a typical grief reactions.

(signs and symptoms taken from the DSM IV)

Prevention

Having a social support network, people that you can confide in and rely on. Good self-care skills, including allowing time to relax and distress, sleeping enough, exercising, and eating properly. No more than limited to moderate alcohol consumption (alcohol is a depressant). No more than limited caffeine intake. Drug use or abuse can worsen moods.

Treatment

Since depression and dysthymia can interfere with clear thinking, it is important to involve others. Don’t try to deal with depression alone. Sometimes people hesitate to seek mental health treatment because they are afraid of social stigma, confidentiality, hopelessness, or because of a misunderstanding of the problem. Treatment can make a difference by reducing the length and severity of a depression. Sometimes, treatment for depression combines psychotherapy with antidepressant medication.

How We Can Help

  • If you would like to be seen by our medical staff, please contact our Appointment Desk (530.752.2349) to schedule an appointment.
  • Also, our Advice Nurse (530.752.9649) service is free for all UC Davis students to discuss health concerns and the need for medical care.

Recommended Resources

 

 

 

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last reviewed: Spring 2005