Areas of Care

Depression

Like the old R.E.M. song says, “Everybody hurts sometimes.”

However, not all sadness is the same. While there is some overlap in symptoms, it’s impossible for a person with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) to “just snap out of it.” Self-care tips probably won’t solve the problem either. They will help, but pharmaceutical intervention might be necessary for complete care.

However, when MDD is not the issue, self-care and other therapeutic techniques are quite helpful, as is talking to a mental health counselor. There are various therapies and medications for each situation, but it’s important to first be diagnosed and then to find the right treatment plan for you.

R.E.M. also sings, “If you feel like you’re alone / No, no, no, you are not alone / Hold on.”

Examples

There are several types of “depression,” each with its own set of possible causes, symptoms, and treatments. Here, we will look at four that may be common for college students to witness or experience.

Low Mood: Temporary episodes of sadness that are part of normal hormonal fluctuations—or mood changes prompted by specific situations like being late on a bill, getting a bad grade on a test, or having a fight with a friend.

Depressed: Deep sadness that lasts longer than low mood and can be marked by behavioral and physical symptoms. These may include changes in sleep, appetite, energy level, concentration, daily behavior, or self-esteem. This can be caused by many factors—such as the death of a loved one or a medical condition like a thyroid disorder.

Seasonal (SAD): According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, SAD is low mood associated with changes in seasons. This form of depression usually occurs during the fall and winter months when there is less sunlight, and lifts during the summer months. Symptoms can vary but include sad, anxious, or “empty” feelings; feelings of hopelessness, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; difficulty concentrating, remembering details, and making decisions; and overeating, particularly with a craving for carbohydrates.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Clinical depression is a severe form of depression, also known as major depression or major depressive disorder. Its causes might be attributed to a specific factor or combination of factors, but sometimes a cause isn’t known. MDD is typically marked by a consistent, all-consuming dark mood. It can inhibit daily functions and lead to loss of interest in activities that once provided pleasure.

Signs or Symptoms

Seven Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Avoiding friends or usual activities
Feeling hopeless
Trouble sleeping or too much sleep
Low energy or unmotivated
Lost appetite or binge-eating
Difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts or reckless behavior

Potential Areas Affected by Depression

Mood: Anxiety, apathy, general discontent, guilt, hopelessness, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, mood swings, or sadness
Sleep: Early awakening, excessive sleepiness, insomnia, or restless sleep
Whole Body: Excessive hunger, fatigue, loss of appetite, or restlessness
Behavioral: Agitation, excessive crying, irritability, or social isolation
Cognitive: Lack of concentration, slowness in activity, or thoughts of suicide
Physical: Weight gain or weight loss
Mental: Repeatedly going over the same thoughts

For informational purposes only. Consult your local medical authority for advice. Sources: Mayo Clinic and others.

Self-Care Toolbox

When people feel low, it’s easy to reach for the cell phone and doom scroll through social media, but endless cat memes can only help so much. And the negativity on some social media can worsen symptoms of depression. Try some of these ideas instead:

Take a warm bath, stretch or do yoga, listen to peaceful music, go outside and look up at the sky. Lifting your head can lift your mood, and the sun’s natural vitamin D can help alleviate symptoms of SAD. Eat healthy, exercise, and get enough sleep. Avoid alcohol and recreational drugs, which can worsen symptoms and make depression harder to treat.

Practice journaling—open a window and write down everything you see, smell, and hear; write one thing you’re grateful for each day. Or color—find a mandala coloring book for adults or something that makes you smile, and break out the crayons!

Remember: Depression can make you feel exhausted, worthless, helpless, or hopeless. It’s important to realize that these negative views are part of the depression and do not reflect reality. Negative thinking fades as treatment begins to take effect.

When to see a doctor: Depression can be debilitating and difficult to manage on your own. If you have any of the signs or symptoms listed—or you find that your feelings, thoughts, or behaviors are distressing, affect your health, or make it difficult to function in your daily life, please seek professional help. With suicidal thoughts, immediately call 911, 988, or TimelyCare at 833-484-6359.

You’re not alone. We’re here to listen.
Visit our Counseling Center today.

Ways to Contact
Santa Fe College Counseling Center

Don’t wait until you are overwhelmed by depression.
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, reach out to the Counseling Center.

Call Us

352-395-5508

Stop By

3000 NW 83 St
Building R, Room 227
Gainesville, FL 32606

Common questions college students ask about depression

Q: How do I know if I’m just sad or if I’m depressed?

A: Sometimes, it’s really hard to tell. A primary care physician will likely perform a physical exam, ask about symptoms, and recommend a blood test to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing the symptoms. If they don’t find an underlying cause, they will probably perform a psychological evaluation. A licensed counselor will likely ask you to fill out depression screening that asks questions about mood, energy level, sleep patterns, appetite, focus, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide. To better answer your question, visit the SF Counseling Center.

Q: Sometimes, I just get so tired that I want to quit, like, everything. I don’t think about dying, but I get this feeling like I want to run away from it all…or stay in bed forever. Should people be worried about me? Should I get help?

A: We’re sorry to hear how you’re feeling; we know it’s hard to handle such heavy days. You are fortunate to have people around you who notice and care enough to worry. Yes, you should get help. We invite you to visit our Counseling Center or to call TimelyCare at 833-484-6359 for immediate support. We understand that reaching out might feel like one. more. thing. to. do. on an already impossible list, but we’re here to help you feel better. We hope to see you soon.

Q: I can’t stop crying—I don’t know why, and I don’t know what to do. What’s going on?

A: Uncontrollable crying can be due to many different factors. People cry a lot when sad things are happening in their life. It’s the body’s natural “relief valve,” and when we don’t let our tear ducts have their way, the body often finds other ways “to cry” and “let it out.” It’s normal to cry a lot after a breakup, the loss of a loved one, when we don’t make the team or get into our top program, or our beloved pet crosses the rainbow bridge. But if you can’t stop crying—or you can’t sleep, think, eat, or complete other tasks necessary for life—please visit the SF Counseling Center. We’ll sit and listen and have tissues ready.

Q: I’m not sad; I just don’t have the same energy or interest in things that I used to. Should I get more sleep or see a counselor?

A: Both. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and in consistent, regular intervals that support the body’s natural circadian rhythms. If you’re getting too much sleep, or unable to get out of bed, that could be a sign of depression. Loss of interest could also be a sign of depression. So even if you get more sleep, talk to a campus counselor too. We’re here to help.