Depression can occur even when things are going well in a person’s life. Fact Fiction
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Even people who seemingly “have it all” can get depressed. Depression may occur independently of what is going on in a person’s life.
If a person with depression wants or needs help, they will get it on their own. Fact Fiction
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Depression can interfere with a person’s ability or desire to get help on their own. It is an act of true friendship to share your concerns with the person and assist them in getting appropriate help.
Only suicidal people need antidepressants. Fact Fiction
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Antidepressants can help people who experience depression to feel better, whether they are thinking about suicide or not.
Drugs used to treat depression are not addictive. Fact Fiction
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The medications used to treat depression are not habit-forming.
When a person who is depressed talks about suicide, they are usually just being dramatic or trying to attract attention. Fact Fiction
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Suicide is a very real risk when someone is depressed. Any mention of suicidal thoughts or intentions should be taken seriously.
People with depression can get better. Fact Fiction
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Depression may be something that needs to be treated and monitored throughout a person’s life or may last for a limited time. In either case, with proper treatment, a person with depression can return to a normal state of activity and health.
People with depression are just experiencing sadness and can “get over it” on their own. Fact Fiction
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Sadness and depression are not the same. Depression is a medical illness and can’t be overcome simply by positive thinking or willpower.
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Persistently sad, anxious, irritable or empty mood
Loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, including sex
Withdrawal from friends and family
Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
Feeling tired or rundown
Significant change in appetite and/or weight
Anger and rage
Overreaction to criticism
Feeling unable to meet expectations
Difficulty thinking, concentrating, remembering or making decisions
Feeling restless or agitated
Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or guilt
Persistent physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive problems or chronic pain that do not respond to routine treatment
Substance abuse problems
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
After battling emotional problems and an eating disorder for almost a decade, Brittany Snow finds the strength to improve her life.
Respected underground hip hop emcee, Cage, talks frankly about how he has used music to fight drug abuse and depression.
Plagued by depression and suicidal thoughts, Stacy struggles for years before admitting her illness.
Depression is a medical condition that can last months to years if untreated.
Not everyone experiences depression in the same way.
Nearly half of all college students say they have felt so depressed that they found it difficult to function during the last school year.
The first episode of depression often appears during the young adult years.
Depression affects about 19 million people in the USA every year.
Many famous people have suffered from depression including Abraham Lincoln, Rosie O’Donnell, Theodore Roosevelt, Brooke Shields, Winston Churchill, Charles Dickens and Ernest Hemingway.
The majority (80-90%) of people who receive treatment for depression experience significant improvement, and almost all individuals gain some relief from their symptoms.
Depression is among the leading causes of disability worldwide.
Have you been feeling tired, sad, blue or depressed lately?
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Have you noticed recent changes in your behavior, such as sleep pattern, eating habits, mood or interests?
Have you found yourself in situations where you felt more anxious than usual?
Over the last couple of weeks have you had trouble concentrating or felt your thoughts came more slowly or seemed mixed-up?
Have you been having difficulty managing stress in your daily life?
Over the last couple of weeks have you felt badly about yourself, such as thinking that you are a failure of have let someone down?
Have you ever felt you should cut down on your use of alcohol or drugs (illegal or prescription)?
Your answers indicate that you may be dealing with one or more problems that you should explore further. Use our anonymous Check Yourself tool to learn more or contact your campus health or counseling center for support.
Your answers indicate that you may not be struggling with the most common student mental health issues. If you're still concerned about recent feelings or behavior, use our anonymous Check Yourself tool to learn more.
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Bummin' Even bad times need a soundtrack. This one is ours.
www.dbsalliance.org
(800) 826-3632
www.nimh.nih.gov
(866) 615-6464
www.nami.org
(800) 950-NAMI
www.nmha.org
www.mentalhealth.samhsa.gov
(800) 789-2647
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