Depression
Everyone feels sad or low at times, but people with depression have intense feelings that can last for long periods. Depression is a chemical imbalance in the brain. Physical things (illness, drug or alcohol abuse, inherited trait) or life events (loss, grief, stress, conflict) can cause depression.
Symptoms
- Sadness, despair, losing interest or pleasure in things
- Feeling like life is not worth living, thoughts about killing yourself
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Problems getting to sleep, waking up early or sleeping too much
- Tiredness
- Trouble concentrating, restlessness
- Feeling irritable, frustrated or anxious
- Feeling worthless or guilty
- Extreme mood swings (which people with bipolar disorder may experience)
Treatment
Getting help early is best, even if your symptoms are mild. A counsellor can help you decide on the best treatment.
Treatments can involve individual or group programs to help you understand the issues causing your depression and learn to manage the symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or do not go away, your counsellor may refer you to a doctor to see if medication might help.
Need help?
Make an appointment to see a student counsellor today.