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Depression

We all go through ups and downs in our mood. Sadness is a normal reaction to life’s struggles, setbacks, and disappointments. Many people use the word “depression” to explain these kinds of feelings, but clinical depression is much more than just sadness. Depression is different from normal sadness in that it engulfs a person’s day-to-day life, interfering with the ability to study, work, eat, sleep, and have fun.

The feelings of helplessness, hopelessness, and worthlessness are intense and unrelenting, with little, if any, relief. Some depressed students experience agitation, anxiety, and intense anger. The student may begin to show inconsistent class attendance or stop going out with their friends or roommates. Some students have recurrent thoughts of destruction and are preoccupied with death. Some desire to escape the pain through suicide. Fortunately, depression responds to treatment, with eighty to ninety percent of those treated showing improvement.

Many, if not most, students will experience reactive or situational depression at some point in their academic careers. It is a natural emotional and a physical response to the academic demands and challenges as well as life’s ups and downs. Depression is considered more severe when it interferes with the student’s ability to function in school, in social environments, or at work. Without treatment, depression can last weeks, months or years.

When you observe a depressed student:

DO

  1. When possible, see the student in private.
  2. Mention that you have noticed that s/he appears to be feeling down and you would like to help. Encourage the student to discuss how s/he is feeling.
  3. Listen to the information the student is sharing.
  4. Be supportive and express your concern about the situation.
  5. Be directive and concise about an action plan.
  6. Initiate the action plan, such as having the student call from your office for a counseling appointment.
  7. Ask if the student has any thought of suicide. For example, “Have you had thoughts of harming or hurting yourself?” Don’t ignore remarks about suicide. If the student shares thoughts of suicide:

    1. When possible, accompany the student to Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) in 1500 WSC during working hours (M-F 8:00 - 5). If you are unable to accompany the student, please contact CAPS (801.422.3035) for consultation.
    2. If the student is in immediate danger, call University Police at 801.422.2222.
    3. If it is after hours and the student is not in immediate danger, encourage the student to talk with a licensed counselor and seek support. The after-hours on-call psychologist may help the student identify options a resources and may be reached by calling the University Police at 801.422.2222.
  8. Psychologists at CAPS (801.422.3035) are available to you for consultation even if the student is not willing to seek counseling.

DON’T

  1. Ignore the student.
  2. Minimize the situation (for example by saying “Everything will be better tomorrow”)
  3. Argue with the student or chastise them for poor or incomplete work.
  4. Provide too much information for the student to process and retain.
  5. Expect the student to stop feeling depressed without some form of intervention.
  6. Be afraid to ask whether the student is suicidal if you think she/he may be.
  7. State or insinuate that the student's difficulties are due to a lack of faith or a spiritual concern.

Other Resources/Suggested Reading:

Books:The Happiness Trap
The Illustrated Happiness Trap