What is Depression?
Many people experience the first
symptoms of depression during
their college years.
Depression is a
common but serious mental illness marked
by sad or anxious feelings. Most everyone
feels sad or anxious at some point, but it
often passes quickly—within a few days.
Untreated depression lasts for a long time
and can affect day to day activities. Depression is much more than feeling “a little
down” or being “blue”.
Depression includes both emotional and
physical symptoms that are controlled by
chemicals called neurotransmitters.
Usually, emotional symptoms are used to
detect depression. But research has shown
that physical symptoms are very common
in depression and should not be overlooked.
Depression does not have one single cause.
There are different factors that can lead to
depression. Some of these include a family
history of depression, stress level in your
environment, and life experiences among
other factors.
LSSU Counseling Services:
A Resource for Students
Lake Superior State University
623 W. Easterday Ave.
Monday—Friday
8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m.
906-635-2752
Visit our website:
www.lssu.edu/counseling
We embrace diversity and promote
acceptance and respect of all LSSU students.
LSSU Counseling Services:
A Resource for Students
Depression: Beyond Sadness
If someone asked you if you are depressed,
what would you say? No way. I’m not sad.
I get up and go to work every day. How
can I be depressed? Very often, when we
think of a person who has depression, images of sadness, crying or loneliness come
to mind. But, there are many other symptoms we do not often associate with emotional distress. Did you know that digestive
problems, or unexplained aches and
pains may signal
depression?
How Do I Find Out if I Have
Depression?
Talk to your health care provider if you are
experiencing any of the symptoms from
the following list. A health care provider
could be a medical doctor or a mental
health care provider.
How is Depression Treated?
A number of effective treatments are available for depression. Some people benefit
from psychotherapy or antidepressant
medication. It is important for you and
your health care provider to figure out
what works best for you.
What are the signs &
symptoms of depression?
How Can I Help A Friend or
Family Member
with Depression?
Knowing the signs and symptoms can
greatly improve your or a loved one’s overall health. It is important to speak to a
health care provider about any symptoms
you may be feeling so you are treated properly.
If you suspect a friend or family member may
have depression, you can help him or her get
diagnosed and treated. You may notice signs
or symptoms of depression such as irritability,
inability to concentrate, bizarre behavior or
mood swings, missed classes and assignments,
or increased use of drugs or alcohol. These are
just a few of the signs and symptoms of depression that we may notice in other people.
Some signs of depression include feeling:
 Anxious
 Sad
 Empty
 Hopeless
 Guilty
 Worthless
 Helpless
 Irritable
 Restless
You may also experience:
 Loss of interest in favorite activities
 Missing family or friends
 Feeling alone or isolated
 Experiencing conflict in relationships
 Difficulty concentrating or
remembering details
 Changes in sleep or appetite
The good news is, depression is treatable
and there is help available!
A few steps you can take include:
 Talk to the person in private..
 Acknowledge your awareness and concerns
for their distress.
 Listen carefully to their point of view and
really try to “hear them out”.
 Explore alternatives to deal with the problem.
 Refer them to a health care provider.
On-Campus Resources
LSSU Counseling Services
Free & Confidential Counseling for all
LSSU Students
906-635-2752
LSSU Health Care Center
Proudly serving LSSU students,
employees, and the general public
906-635-2110