 |
|
|
Wednesday 4/11/2001
|
|
|
|
|
Wednesday 4/11/2001
|
|
 Students should seek help for depression
Many of us have undergone a bout of minor depression, and some of us have been seriously depressed at one time or another during the course of our lives, but there are things that can be done to help. You might be depressed because the women lost their championship to Notre Dame. You might be depressed because of the revelers that tainted Purdue’s image, or because you got caught tainting Purdue’s image, or maybe because you told on someone you knew who tainted the school's image and therefore further tainted the school image yourself by announcing to the world that not only does Purdue have rioters on campus, but we also have rats. Seventeen and a half million Americans suffer from clinical depression and it’s not really a laughing matter. While some depressions are brought on by real crisis situations such as grief, loss, stress or adjustment, there is no need for an emotional trigger. It can come without warning, and if we are not prepared to deal with the destructive feelings that manifest, there can be irreversible consequences. Within five years of suffering a bout of major depression, 25 percent try to commit suicide. And those who have had one episode of depression will likely have another one at some point in their lives. Life can be tough, especially with deadlines, tests and social commitments with which to contend. If someone you know seems to be in a slump, give them the boost that they need; something as little as a compliment on a bad day can change a person's perspective of reality. Sometimes a good friend with a listening ear is all a person needs. Tell people you love them or care for them. With all this hate in the world, we sometimes overlook all the love. Clinical depression is a disease, like cancer or arthritis. It affects body, mind and behavior. You may be able to live with it but it won’t go away on its own. Depression often causes feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt. Symptoms of major depression include prolonged sleep problems, appetite problems and difficulty concentrating. Many feel a loss of interest in activities that they used to enjoy, including sex. Other symptoms include low self-esteem, overreaction to criticism and rage of irritability. Many depressed people don’t have all these traits, but they will have some. There are several steps you can take if you feel you are suffering from depression. Good basic self-care, the nuts and bolts of taking care of yourself, is the key in many cases, according to Jo Micon, clinical social worker and coordinator for drugs and alcohol at Counseling and Psychological Services at Purdue. "Being around people will help," said Micon. During this time of year it is normal to be feeling burnt out. "Try to find more balance in your life," she said. If depression is interfering with your functioning, such as not going to classes or getting your work done or missing important events, then seeking treatment is needed. Students at Purdue have many places to turn when looking for help. Counseling and Psychological Services can be contacted at two main locations, the Purdue University Student Health Center (494-1707) and the Psychological Sciences Building (494-6995). "We initially work with people through therapy," said Micon. "There are some depressions that are simply chemical in nature and these people will be referred to a psychiatrist for evaluation." Students can also find help at the Counseling and Guidance Center (494-9738). The crisis center also provides 24-hour assistance seven days a week to people who need immediate help (742-0244) and the psychological science department holds clinics on depression and other treatment and research clinics for members of the greater Lafayette community (494-6996). Psychologists and neurobiologists debate the important causes of depression, but whatever the cause, the result is a biochemical change in the brain. It is these changes that give rise to the feelings that we have. The full characteristics and extent of depression are still being resolved, but much progress has been made in the last few years. Geneticists have found that depression may run in families and have spent the last 20 years trying to discover the genes involved. Decreased levels of neurotransmitters (molecules that relay signals between nerve cells) are influential in some people and an overactive hormonal system is central in others. Current goals are to find biological markers such as increased or reduced levels of selected molecules and changes in visible areas of the brain. But for now, if you’re down, just try to remember the good things in your life and to heck with all the bad. You’re not alone; there are a lot of people who can relate. Ian Clift is a sophomore in School of Science. |
Students should seek help for depression
Parking changes to benefit students
Railings will end fountain run tradition Professors merit more appreciation Grand Prix deserves more attention
OPINIONS DESK PHONE: Opinions editor:
|
||||||||
|
| |||||||||
