The Counseling and Resource Center

When Someone You Know...
…might be Experiencing Depression

You can also download this brochure for printing.

What Is Depression?

Depression is a treatable illness (called a “mood disorder”) that seriously impacts our overall outlook. It can result from a chemical imbalance or as a response to overwhelming life circumstances. Estimates are that 17 million Americans of all ages and races suffer from untreated depression.

What are the Signs (Symptoms) of Depression?

Does someone you know experience these:

Persistent, deep feelings of sadness
Inability to enjoy things, including other people, that used to be enjoyable
Frequent crying
Difficulty making decisions
Lack of motivation and low energy (Getting up and dressed is a nearly overwhelming challenge every day.)
Can't sleep (or sleep too much)
Can't eat (or eat too much)
Lack of interest in much of anything
Thoughts of, or plans to, kill oneself *

*Also see the Counseling Center brochure on Suicide

Types of Depression

Major Depression-If someone you know consistently experiences many of the symptoms listed above for over two weeks, he/she might have Major clinical depression.

Dysthymia- Although less severe than Major depression, this is still a serious form of depression. People experience the following symptoms most of the day, nearly every day:

Low, “down” mood
Poor appetite or overeating
Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping a lot
Low energy or fatigue
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feeling hopeless at times

Bipolar disorder- (Manic-Depressive Disorder) The person alternates between depression (severe “low”) and mania (a frantic "high"). Changes in mood can be sudden, but are usually gradual. "Manic" symptoms are these:

Excessive overconfidence
Feel little need for sleep
Excessive talking or feeling of anxiety and pressure to keep talking
Feeling that mind is "racing"
Very easily distracted
Greatly increased and frantic energy and activity, especially in potentially harmful areas (spending sprees, sexual promiscuity, and foolish, grandiose financial decisions or investments).

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)- This depression can be the result of dark, gloomy fall and winter weather. There is a significant incidence of SAD in the Northwest, where we experience long periods of gray, cloudy, sunless days.

Factors in Depression Among College Students

“Traditional” Students (17-20+)

Career direction confusion
Identity development
Values clarification
Sexuality and intimacy
Relationship endings
Parental divorce
Death of friends, family

“Non-Traditional” (returning adult) students

Career, financial, and life changes
Family and relationship issues
Stress over returning to school
Time management challenges

Other issues for both

Gender-related issues, cultural issues, culture shock
Direct and indirect victims of on-campus or off-campus violence
Sexual orientation, harassment
Substance abuse (often self-medicating in attempt to reduce stressful or manic feelings, but alcohol and many other drugs are depressants themselves.)
HIV +/AIDS status
Abuse issues: physical, sexual, emotional, verbal
Suicide of friends/family members

What can I do to Help Someone I Know ---or Even Myself?

Here are some action steps to combat depression. Depression is a treatable illness!

See a Medical doctor: Find out if physical problems are affecting your mood (hormone imbalance, thyroid problems, PMS or peri-menopause, sleep disorders, other chemical imbalances). Antidepressant medications can be very helpful, particularly when combined with counseling or therapy.
Visit or call the Edmonds CC Counseling Center to make an appointment for short-term counseling with a professional counselor, who can help by listening, offering feedback, exploring options, and providing referrals to resources
Make an appointment with community mental health providers (such as Compass Health
Consult Naturopaths/Homeopaths, Nutritionists, who work with natural remedies
Other alternative health therapies; such as acupuncture, acupressure, massage, etc. Natural herbs/vitamins might be helpful, but work with an expert for correct dosage and to avoid possible harmful drug interactions

Some Self-Help Approaches

Add these to the above suggestions, or use them to cope with mild depression (or a bad mood or a lousy day!) Be aware that people with serious clinical depression might find the following difficult to do. Take one small step at a time & be patient.

Exercise: work out, walk, do Yoga, martial arts, swimming, stretching, aerobics
Talk with an understanding friend or friends
Don’t expect perfection! Have realistic goals and expectations.
Take a break: meditate, pray, relax, rest
Treat yourself to an inexpensive, sweet treat or small indulgence
Cuddle a pet or stuffed animal
Try to avoid taking on new, non-essential projects that will add more stress
Try to get a full night’s sleep, or take naps
Create and use affirmations: short, positive phrases describing how you want to feel
Eat or drink something nutritious
Listen to upbeat, positive, inspiring music
Take a long, warm bubble bath
Get into nature: ocean, forests, mountains

To Learn More, Visit these Websites
National Institute of Mental Health	www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus
National Alliance on Mental Illness	www.nami.org
American Psychological Association	www.helping.apa.org/resilience

Care Crisis Line
Snohomish County Care Crisis Line:	425-258-HELP (4357) or 1-800-584-3578
(24-hour telephone crisis counseling; interpreters available)
King County Crisis Line:	206-461-3222 or 1-800-244-5767
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