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Information Resource - Depression
What is Depression?
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 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, however, can help most people who suffer from depression.
Symptoms of Depression
Not everyone who is depressed or manic experiences
every symptom. Some people experience a few symptoms, some many.
Severity of symptoms varies with individuals and also varies over
time. Some of the key indicators are included below and you can
utilize an online screening program to which Muskingum College subscribes.
 The OnlineScreening for Depression, Alcohol, and Eating Disorders is
made available to all Muskingum College students and is taken
anonymously. This screening is provided so that you may find out
- in a few minutes - whether or not professional consultation
might be helpful to you.
Depression
- 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
Mania
- Abnormal
or excessive elation
- Unusual
irritability
- Decreased
need for sleep
- Grandiose
notions
- Increased
talking
- Racing
thoughts
- Increased
sexual desire
- Markedly
increased energy
- Poor
judgment
- Inappropriate
social behavior
If you are suffering from any of these problems
or know of someone who is then feel free to come in or call Muskingum
College Counseling Department and we can set you up an appointment
and sit down and talk. Our telephone number is (740) 826-8091.
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