DEPRESSION

Some Common Signs or Symptoms of Depression

depressed mood for over two weeks
decreased interest in usual activities
decreased energy or fatigue
hopelessness
guilt
appetite changes
sleep disturbance
poor concentration
decline in sexual interest
suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behavior

There are times when you might lack motivation or feel sad or “down.” These times may pass and the feelings you experience may just be situational. However, there are times when you may feel persistently downhearted, lose interest in going out with friends, or just hopeless about the future. At that point what you are experiencing may be clinical depression.

Depression is an illness, just like other medical illnesses, and as such, can be treated. In fact, clinical depression is a medical illness that responds exceptionally well to treatment. In more than four out of five cases, it can be treated successfully with psychotherapy and/or medication— generally within a year. Treatment may consist of visits to an individual therapist or a recommendation to attend a particular group. Besides individual and group therapy, sometimes medication, such as an antidepressant, is recommended, and can be a very effective treatment for symptoms of depression.

Although no single cause of the illness is known, depression can be triggered by a stressful life event, such as a loss of a loved one. It may also be due to a chemical imbalance in the body, and/or may be related to genetic factors. Whatever the cause, the sooner one seeks help and medical assistance, the sooner that person can benefit from treatment.

what you can do

If you are suffering, not functioning at your previous level, or are wondering if what you are experiencing is clinical depression, you should do the following:

Seek help from a trained professional as soon as possible. You do not have to deal with depression alone. Contact the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Mental Health Service (617.495.2042) or the Bureau of Study Counsel (617.495.2581). Many options are available for treatment.
Consider talking with the peer counseling group, Room 13 (617.495.4969), or stopping by the Center for Wellness and Health Communication (617.495.9629) for additional resources and information about depression.

When it’s more than just a bad day

In juggling your life at college, you may notice you all too often place an enormous amount of pressure on yourself. While there are remarkable opportunities here, the sheer number of talented people all in one place can be daunting. In addition, you may face the adjustment of living away from home, developing new relationships, and finding the right balance between academic and extracurricular activities.

In this atmosphere, acknowledging the need for assistance in getting through the rough spots is not always easy. However, ignoring or putting off problems can make them more serious and disruptive.

Every year, many students at the college visit one or more of Harvard’s counseling services for assistance with a range of emotional, behavioral and psychological conditions, such as loneliness, interpersonal conflicts, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, or physical symptoms associated with psychological issues or high stress. It’s not unusual for these issues to emerge during college years. The good news is that students who receive psychological treatment get better. If you, or a friend, roommate or classmate seems to be struggling, a simple visit to one of Harvard’s many resources can be an enormous help.

When it's time to seek help

“I can’t concentrate anymore. How can I possibly do all this work? Why does everyone else seem in control?”
“They never knew. I could put on a happy face and indulge in small talk. They couldn’t tell what I was thinking and that I wasn’t able to sleep or eat for two weeks. I felt lost and alone.”
“I feel less motivated. I can’t seem to make decisions easily, and I’m not looking forward to anything.”
“My friend just stopped eating. She said that she felt hungry, but that she just couldn’t swallow food. I noticed that she was losing weight, seemed weak, and couldn’t get out of bed.”

Stress can challenge us to do our best work, but it may also overwhelm our inner resources. Here is a partial list of signs that life is getting too stressful. It’s normal to experience something on the list, but having several of these symptoms at the same time is a signal to seek help.

Academic Signs

Deterioration in quality of work
Missed assignments or appointments
Repeated absence from class or laboratory
Continually asking for unusual accommodations (extensions, postponed examinations)
Acting withdrawn in participation oriented activities, such as section meetings or lab assignments
Inappropriate disruption or monopolization of the classroom

Physical/Behavioral Signs

Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene
Sleep changes (sleeping too much or too little, being tired all the time)
Unusual weight gain or weight loss
Changes in or exaggeration of personality traits
Unprovoked anger or hostility
Irritability, constant anxiety or weepiness
Noticeable changes in ability to concentrate and stay motivated
A disquieting sense that something is very wrong

Interpersonal Signs

Change in behavior, feeling or attitude following the death of a friend or family member, or a romantic break-up
Inappropriate sexual behavior
Expression of concern by other students
Written statements or verbalization of hopelessness, futility or lack of energy

Be Able To Tell Fact From Fiction

Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. Some of the most common myths are these:

Myth #1: It’s normal for college students to be moody; they don’t suffer from “real” depression.
Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background.
Myth #2: People who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help.
Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is beneficial.
Myth #3: Talking about depression only makes it worse.
Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help. By showing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you can encourage your friend to talk to his or her parents or another trusted adult, like a professor, proctor, tutor, healthcare professional, or coach, about getting treatment. If your friend is reluctant to ask for help, you can talk to some other trusted individual—that’s what a real friend would do.
Myth #4: People who talk about suicide don’t commit suicide.
Fact: Many people who commit suicide have given warnings to friends and family. A signal or warning may be a statement such as “I wish I were dead,” “I can’t take it anymore; I want out,” or “My parents would be better off without me.” Some people even tell a friend about a plan to kill themselves before they actually do. If a friend talks like this, always take it seriously! Immediately make a trusted individual aware of what your friend has said.
Myth #5: Telling a professional or trusted individual that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it.
Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person’s ability or wish to get help. And many individuals may not understand the seriousness of depression or of thoughts of death or suicide. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a clinician, a Proctor or a Tutor, a faculty member, or Resident Dean, or some other trusted indivudal who can be of assistance.

www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/friend.cfm

return to top

Harvard University Health Services Urgent Care: 617.495.5711
Harvard University Police: 617.495.1212

Harvard Information: 617.495.1000
Emergency: 911


Be Well Be Safe Be Part of Your Community Resources
Home Stress Sleep Difficulties Depression Eating Disorders Computer & Internet Distraction & Overuse Colds and Flu Alcohol & Drug Abuse Sexual Health Be Well Resources	DEPRESSION Some Common Signs or Symptoms of Depression depressed mood for over two weeks decreased interest in usual activities decreased energy or fatigue hopelessness guilt appetite changes sleep disturbance poor concentration decline in sexual interest suicidal thoughts, feelings, or behavior There are times when you might lack motivation or feel sad or “down.” These times may pass and the feelings you experience may just be situational. However, there are times when you may feel persistently downhearted, lose interest in going out with friends, or just hopeless about the future. At that point what you are experiencing may be clinical depression. Depression is an illness, just like other medical illnesses, and as such, can be treated. In fact, clinical depression is a medical illness that responds exceptionally well to treatment. In more than four out of five cases, it can be treated successfully with psychotherapy and/or medication— generally within a year. Treatment may consist of visits to an individual therapist or a recommendation to attend a particular group. Besides individual and group therapy, sometimes medication, such as an antidepressant, is recommended, and can be a very effective treatment for symptoms of depression. Although no single cause of the illness is known, depression can be triggered by a stressful life event, such as a loss of a loved one. It may also be due to a chemical imbalance in the body, and/or may be related to genetic factors. Whatever the cause, the sooner one seeks help and medical assistance, the sooner that person can benefit from treatment. what you can do If you are suffering, not functioning at your previous level, or are wondering if what you are experiencing is clinical depression, you should do the following: Seek help from a trained professional as soon as possible. You do not have to deal with depression alone. Contact the Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) Mental Health Service (617.495.2042) or the Bureau of Study Counsel (617.495.2581). Many options are available for treatment. Consider talking with the peer counseling group, Room 13 (617.495.4969), or stopping by the Center for Wellness and Health Communication (617.495.9629) for additional resources and information about depression. When it’s more than just a bad day In juggling your life at college, you may notice you all too often place an enormous amount of pressure on yourself. While there are remarkable opportunities here, the sheer number of talented people all in one place can be daunting. In addition, you may face the adjustment of living away from home, developing new relationships, and finding the right balance between academic and extracurricular activities. In this atmosphere, acknowledging the need for assistance in getting through the rough spots is not always easy. However, ignoring or putting off problems can make them more serious and disruptive. Every year, many students at the college visit one or more of Harvard’s counseling services for assistance with a range of emotional, behavioral and psychological conditions, such as loneliness, interpersonal conflicts, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, substance abuse, or physical symptoms associated with psychological issues or high stress. It’s not unusual for these issues to emerge during college years. The good news is that students who receive psychological treatment get better. If you, or a friend, roommate or classmate seems to be struggling, a simple visit to one of Harvard’s many resources can be an enormous help. When it's time to seek help “I can’t concentrate anymore. How can I possibly do all this work? Why does everyone else seem in control?” “They never knew. I could put on a happy face and indulge in small talk. They couldn’t tell what I was thinking and that I wasn’t able to sleep or eat for two weeks. I felt lost and alone.” “I feel less motivated. I can’t seem to make decisions easily, and I’m not looking forward to anything.” “My friend just stopped eating. She said that she felt hungry, but that she just couldn’t swallow food. I noticed that she was losing weight, seemed weak, and couldn’t get out of bed.” Stress can challenge us to do our best work, but it may also overwhelm our inner resources. Here is a partial list of signs that life is getting too stressful. It’s normal to experience something on the list, but having several of these symptoms at the same time is a signal to seek help. Academic Signs Deterioration in quality of work Missed assignments or appointments Repeated absence from class or laboratory Continually asking for unusual accommodations (extensions, postponed examinations) Acting withdrawn in participation oriented activities, such as section meetings or lab assignments Inappropriate disruption or monopolization of the classroom Physical/Behavioral Signs Deterioration in physical appearance or personal hygiene Sleep changes (sleeping too much or too little, being tired all the time) Unusual weight gain or weight loss Changes in or exaggeration of personality traits Unprovoked anger or hostility Irritability, constant anxiety or weepiness Noticeable changes in ability to concentrate and stay motivated A disquieting sense that something is very wrong Interpersonal Signs Change in behavior, feeling or attitude following the death of a friend or family member, or a romantic break-up Inappropriate sexual behavior Expression of concern by other students Written statements or verbalization of hopelessness, futility or lack of energy Be Able To Tell Fact From Fiction Myths about depression often separate people from the effective treatments now available. Some of the most common myths are these: Myth #1: It’s normal for college students to be moody; they don’t suffer from “real” depression. Fact: Depression can affect people at any age or of any race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background. Myth #2: People who claim to be depressed are weak and just need to pull themselves together. There’s nothing anyone else can do to help. Fact: Depression is not a weakness, but a serious health disorder. Both young people and adults who are depressed need professional treatment. A trained therapist or counselor can help them learn more positive ways to think about themselves, change behavior, cope with problems, or handle relationships. A physician can prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms of depression. For many people, a combination of psychotherapy and medication is beneficial. Myth #3: Talking about depression only makes it worse. Fact: Talking through feelings may help a friend recognize the need for professional help. By showing friendship and concern and giving uncritical support, you can encourage your friend to talk to his or her parents or another trusted adult, like a professor, proctor, tutor, healthcare professional, or coach, about getting treatment. If your friend is reluctant to ask for help, you can talk to some other trusted individual—that’s what a real friend would do. Myth #4: People who talk about suicide don’t commit suicide. Fact: Many people who commit suicide have given warnings to friends and family. A signal or warning may be a statement such as “I wish I were dead,” “I can’t take it anymore; I want out,” or “My parents would be better off without me.” Some people even tell a friend about a plan to kill themselves before they actually do. If a friend talks like this, always take it seriously! Immediately make a trusted individual aware of what your friend has said. Myth #5: Telling a professional or trusted individual that a friend might be depressed is betraying a trust. If someone wants help, he or she will get it. Fact: Depression, which saps energy and self-esteem, interferes with a person’s ability or wish to get help. And many individuals may not understand the seriousness of depression or of thoughts of death or suicide. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with a clinician, a Proctor or a Tutor, a faculty member, or Resident Dean, or some other trusted indivudal who can be of assistance. www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/friend.cfm return to top
Harvard College \| HUHS \| HUPD
Harvard University Health Services Urgent Care: 617.495.5711 Harvard University Police: 617.495.1212 Harvard Information: 617.495.1000 Emergency: 911