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Coping With Depression |
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In any given 1-year period, 9.5 percent of the population, or
about 18.8 million American adults, suffer from a depressive
illness. The economic cost for this disorder is high, but
the cost in human suffering cannot be estimated. Depressive
illnesses often interfere with normal functioning and cause
pain and suffering not only to those who have a disorder,
but also to those who care about them. |
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Most people with a depressive illness do not seek treatment,
although the great majority - even those whose depression is
extremely severe - can be helped. Thanks to years of
fruitful research, there are now medications and
psychosocial therapies such as cognitive/behavioral, "talk"
or interpersonal therapies that can help alleviate
depressive symptoms.
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Unfortunately, many people do not recognize that depression is
a treatable illness. If you feel that you or someone you
care about is one of the many undiagnosed depressed people
in this country, the information presented here may help you
to take the steps to seek appropriate treatment for yourself
or someone you care about.
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What is a Depressive Disorder? |
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A depressive disorder is an illness that involves the body,
mood, and thoughts. It affects the way a person eats and sleeps,
the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about
things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue
mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that
can be willed or wished away. People with a depressive illness
cannot merely "pull themselves together" and get better. Without
treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years.
Appropriate treatment, including medication and/or counseling,
can help most people who suffer from depression. |
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Symptoms of Depression |
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Not everyone who is depressed experiences every symptom. Some
people experience a few symptoms, some many. Severity of
symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over time. |
- Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood
- Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities
that were once enjoyed, including sex
- Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions
- Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping
- Appetite and/or weight loss or overeating and weight
gain
- Thoughts of death or suicide; suicide attempts
- Restlessness, irritability
- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to
treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and
chronic pain
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| Source:
1994 edition of Plain Talk About Depression, written by Margaret
Strock, Information Resources and Inquiries Branch, Office of
Communications, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). |
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Self Assessment |
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feel you may be suffering from depression? Take an on-line
depression screening quiz at:
http://www.depression-screening.org/screeningtest/screeningtest.htm |
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Student Health Data |
According to the 2004 Student Health Assessment Survey of
University of Minnesota Students:
- 20.2% of female students report receiving a diagnosis of
depression in their lifetime
- 9.9% of male student report receiving a diagnosis of
depression in their lifetime
- 7.4% of students are currently taking medication for
depression
- 7.8% of students are currently seeing a mental health
counselor/therapist
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Available Services |
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If you feel you may be suffering from depression, there
is help available on campus. We urge you to contact one
of the numbers below: Boynton Health Service
(Mondays to Fridays):
- General Appointment Line: (612) 625-3222
- Mental
Health Clinic Appointment Line: (612) 624-1444
Urgent Mental Health Consultation: (612) 625-8475
University Counseling and Consulting Services (UCCS):
- Appointment Line: (612) 624-3323
When Boynton Health Service and UCCS are closed:
- Crisis Connection (phone counseling): (612)
379-6363
- Suicide Hotline: (612) 347-2222
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