Self Help Resources - Depression
Clinical Depression And College Students
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What is clinical depression?
Clinical depression is a serious medical illness affecting over 17.6 million Americans of all ages, many of whom are college students. It causes persistent changes in a person’s mood, behavior and feelings. Without treatment, no amount of cheering up can make it go away.

Is there more than one kind of clinical depression?
Yes. Just like other medical illnesses, depressive illness comes in different forms. There are three types of clinical depression which are major depression, dysthymia, and manic depressive illness.

Major depression, also called unipolar disorder, is manifested by a combination of symptoms that interfere with a person’s ability to function during everyday activities. Symptoms appear in varying degrees of intensity.

Dysthymia is characterized by long-term, chronic, milder symptoms that do not disable a person, but keep him/her from feeling good.

Manic depressive illness, also called bipolar disorder, involves cycles of depression and elation or mania. Sometimes the mood changes are dramatic and rapid, but most often they are gradual. Mania often times affects the person’s thinking, judgment and social behavior in ways that may cause serious problems and embarrassment.

For more information, continue reading, or check out the online Virtual Pamphlets.

Frequently Asked Questions and Answers:
Q: What are the symptoms of depressive illnesses?
Q: How can I tell the difference between a temporary case of "the blues" and serious clinical depression?
Q: Who is most prone to clinical depression?
Q: Is clinical depression treatable?
Q: Effects of medications used to treat depression.
Q: How long must medication for depression be taken?
Q: How is psychotherapy used to treat depression?
Q: What kinds of mental health professionals can provide these therapies?
Q: What happens if the symptoms of clinical depression are ignored?
Q: What effect does alcohol have on someone suffering from depression?
Q: How can suicide be prevented?
Q: What can roommates, friends or family members do if they think someone is depressed?
Q: Where can a depressed person find treatment?
Q: Are there any support groups for people suffering from depression and their friends and families?

-- How can I be depressed? I've always been a positive person.

Our Counseling Center is a service for the current students of Houghton College. Due to time and staff limitations, we are not able to extend services outside our student population.

Links to find counselors in your area:
American Psychological Association (1-800-964-2000)
American Association of Marriage & Family Therapists
American Mental Health Alliance

Whether or not you are a Houghton Student, please feel free to explore the following resources:
Self-Help Guides and Virtual Pamphlets
Local Referral Guide (A guide to services in the Houghton area)
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What are the symptoms of depressive illnesses?
Symptoms of depression include:
persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" moods;
decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down";
total loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, including work or sex;
sleep disturbances (insomnia, early-morning waking, or oversleeping);
appetite and weight changes (either gain or loss);
feelings of hopelessness, pessimism;
all-consuming feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness; thoughts of death or suicide, suicide attempts;
difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions;
restlessness, irritability;
excessive crying; and chronic aches and pains that don’t respond to treatment.
A combination of four or five of these symptoms lasting for two weeks or longer indicates a possible diagnosis of clinical depression by a doctor.

Symptoms of mania include:
increased energy and decreased need for sleep;
increased risk-taking and "poor judgment";
unrealistic beliefs in own abilities;
increased talking and physical, social, and sexual activity;
feelings of great pleasure or irritability;
aggressive response to frustration (obnoxious, provocative, or intrusive behavior);
racing and disconnected thoughts;
inappropriate irritability or elation;
being easily distracted; and
abuse of drugs, particularly cocaine, alcohol, and sleeping medication.

How can I tell the difference between a temporary case of "the blues" and serious clinical depression?
Everyone has periods of sadness associated with unhappy events in life such as a breakup, or poor grades in an important class. Sadness and grief are perfectly normal and temporary reactions to life’s unpleasant events. Clinically depressed individuals, on the other hand, may not feel better for weeks, months, or even years. Their lives are consumed by depression, affecting mood, feelings, thoughts and actions.

Who is most prone to clinical depression?
Clinical depression can strike individuals of all races, ethnic groups, economic and social status. However, it appears twice as often among women than men.

Clinical depression often runs in families. Children of depressed parents have been found to have a higher risk of being depressed themselves. Scientists believe that some people probably have a biological make-up that makes them particularly vulnerable.

Is clinical depression treatable?
Yes. Depression is a highly treatable illness. Up to 80 percent of people with clinical depression can improve with the help of a doctor or mental health professional. Early detection and intervention are essential to help reduce severity and longevity of an episode. Maintenance treatment can reduce recurrence.

Clinical depression is most often treated by medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both. However, medications are generally prescribed to individuals with more severe depression. For treatment to be effective, a person must first be accurately diagnosed in a thorough exam.

Effects of medications used to treat depression.
Three groups of antidepressant medications have been used for some time to treat depressive illness: tricyclics, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and seratonin uptake inhibitors. Lithium is the treatment of choice for the manic phase of manic-depressive illness. Sometimes a doctor will try a variety of antidepressants before finding the medication or combination of medications most effective. Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective.

Antidepressant medications are not habit-forming. However, as with any other medication that is prescribed for more than a few days, they must be carefully monitored to make sure the dosage is correct and the medication is effective.

Other Drugs. Some medicines, including oral contraceptives and drugs to treat hypertension can cause symptoms of depression as side effects. Some medications taken together can also cause depressive symptoms. If a person is consulting with more than one doctor, it is important that each doctor be made aware of all the medications and dosages being taken.

Side Effects. Antidepressant medications can cause a number of side effects, such as a dry mouth or problems with digestion or sexual function. Certain foods and medications can interact with MAO inhibitors to produce potentially dangerous high blood pressure. That’s why it’s important for a doctor to closely monitor all the medications a depressed person takes.

How long must medication for depression be taken?
While each patient is different, often there is improvement in the first four to six weeks. Medication may take six to nine months to be fully effective. Too often people with clinical depression stop taking their medication soon after they start feeling better, and thus invite the possibility of another episode of clinical depression. It is important to take medication as often and for as long as the doctor prescribes. Some people may need to remain on maintenance dosages in order to prevent recurrence.

How is psychotherapy used to treat depression?
Psychotherapy, treating of psychological conditions through therapy, by itself may be effective in treating people who have moderate to mild clinical depression. Two short-term psychotherapies that research has shown helpful for some forms of depression are:

Interpersonal (focusing on disturbed personal relationships that both cause and exacerbate the depression) and
Cognitive/Behavioral (helping to change negative thinking and behaving often associated with depression) therapies.
Psychodynamic therapies focus on resolving internal psychological conflicts that are typically thought to be rooted in childhood. In general, the severe depressive illness, particularly those that are recurrent, will require medication along with psychotherapy for the best outcome.

What kinds of mental health professionals can provide these therapies?
Therapy for depression is conducted by psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, clinical social workers, mental health counselors and pastoral counselors.

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental disorders and is the only one of the mental health professionals who can prescribe medications.

A clinical psychologist conducts psychotherapy and works with individuals, groups, or families to resolve problems. They work in many settings: for example, mental health centers, hospitals and clinics to name a few.
Psychiatric or clinical social workers have advanced degrees in social work and are trained in counseling and psychotherapy. They are also trained in client-centered advocacy including information, referral, direct intervention with governmental and civic agencies.

Mental health counselors provide professional counseling services that involve psychotherapy, human development, learning theory and group dynamics. Their main goal is the promotion and enhancement of healthy, satisfying lifestyles. These counselors can be found in a mental health center, private practice or other community agency.

Pastoral counselors are members of the clergy who work with their parishioners to help them understand the illness, solve problems, and manage situations that could trigger another episode of depression.

What happens if the symptoms of clinical depression are ignored?
Untreated symptoms of depression can worsen and become more difficult to treat. Prolonged difficulty functioning can increase problems at home or school and worsen the individual's demoralization and sense of hopelessness. In addition, studies indicate that early intervention can reduce severity of symptoms and longevity of the episode.

What effect does alcohol have on someone suffering from depression?
Alcohol is a natural depressant. The use of alcohol among people with clinical depression increases the risk of suicide. Using other drugs also increases suicide. If you think you may be depressed, it is important to stay away from mind altering activities and substances. Many of them act as depressants, and could make feelings worsen.

How can suicide be prevented?
If you or someone you know has suicidal tendencies, get to a doctor or a hospital emergency room immediately, or call 911. If a person is mentioning suicide in regular conversation, suggest he/she go to a doctor. If the person is threatening to carry out his/her thoughts, call 911 or take the person to the emergency room at the local hospital.

What can roommates, friends or family members do if they think someone is depressed?
The very nature of clinical depression can interfere with a person’s ability or desire to get help. Therefore, the most important thing family and friends can do is to encourage the depressed person to see a doctor or mental health professional. You can help by reassuring them that what they are feeling is a medical illness, and that help is available. If they refuse treatment, ask someone they trust to intervene.

Where can a depressed person find treatment?
Start with a family doctor. Since the symptoms of depression can mimic other illnesses, a complete physical examination is essential for an accurate diagnosis. Once other conditions are ruled out, the doctor can treat the individual or refer the depressed person to a mental health professional for further evaluation and treatment. Many campuses provide medical assistance to students for minimal cost. If services are not available on campus, check with your local hospital, doctor’s office or community mental health center. It’s essential to have a complete physical examination to rule out any other medical condition. Help can also be received from mental health specialists, employee assistance programs (EAPs), health maintenance organizations, community mental health centers, hospital departments of psychiatry or outpatient psychiatric clinics, university or medical school affiliated programs, state hospital outpatient clinics, family service or social agencies and private clinics and facilities.

Are there any support groups for people suffering from depression and their friends and families?
Yes. For a local support group or more information about depressive illnesses, contact the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill at 2101 Wilson Blvd., Suite 302, Arlington, VA 22201 or call (800)950-NAMI.

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