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"Depression hurts but you don't have to." That is what the commercial for the prescription drug Cymbalta claims.
Everyone has those days when he or she feels blue, but what is the difference between depression and just feeling lousy from a bad day?
"The difference between someone who occasionally feels the blues and someone with depression is that the person who feels the blues might have a day or two every so often and is probably reacting naturally to a recent stressor in his/her life," says Cynthia March, Psy.D. NCC, LPC, director of Counseling Services.
"The person who is depressed has depressed feelings nearly every day for two weeks or longer."
Depression is an illness that affects the entire body, including one's mind or spirit., but there are treatment options. It is important to face the illness head on: if left untreated, depression can lead to suicide.
"Do not just hope the person will snap out of it," says March.
"Take action immediately."
There are many symptoms of depression, says March. Some include:
• loss of enjoyment in once enjoyable activities
• loss of appetite
• losing/gaining weight
• feeling excessive guilt
• too much sleep or lack there of
• tiredness or fatigue
• difficulty concentrating
• thoughts of suicide or death
Talk therapy, or counseling, is a treatment for depression. CM's Counseling Center offers talk therapy, working with individuals to explore the issues or situations impairing coping abilities.
The Counseling Center also offers assistance in medical evaluations. Medication may be needed to aid talk therapy.
"If you think you or someone you know has depression, don't hesitate to get help by accessing counseling support on campus in the Counseling Center," says March.
Students can contact their RA who will then contact the counselor during off hours.
"Feeling depressed is nothing to be ashamed of," says March.
"Most people begin to feel a little relief after the first session, so don't hesitate to see a counselor."
