Feeling bummed? Can’t get motivated? Just don’t care anymore? If any of this seems familiar, you may be one out of seven college students with depression.
Depression isn’t “all in your head.” It’s real and it has a biological explanation.
Signs and symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:
- Persistent sad or "empty" mood.
- Feeling hopeless, helpless, worthless, pessimistic and/or guilty.
- Substance abuse.
- Fatigue or loss of interest in ordinary activities, including sex.
- Disturbances in eating and sleeping patterns.
- Irritability, increased crying, anxiety or panic attacks.
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions.
- Thoughts of suicide, suicide plans or attempts.
- Persistent physical symptoms or pains that do not respond to treatment.
(www.SAVE.org/depressed)
A free and confidential online screening for depression is available on the Collin Counseling website at http://www.ccccd.edu/studentservices/students.html . Your results may help you determine if you need additional support from a mental health professional. Additionally, Collin counselors are available on each campus to talk with you about your concerns.
To increase awareness and understanding about college students and depression, Collin professors and professional counselors will be facilitating The Blue Dog Days of Depression on each campus in conjunction with National Depression Screening Day in early October. Please note the schedule below.
Oct. 9 at the Spring Creek CampusConference Center
Oct. 10 at Central Park Campus Pike Hall
Oct. 11 at the Preston Ridge Campus Event Center
All programs are scheduled from 1-2:15 p.m.
You can learn more about depression on the Down and Up Show at www.depressionisreal.org .
