Depression Resources

Everyone occasionally feels blue or sad. Usually, these feelings pass within a few days. If your blue or sad feelings stay for days or weeks or are impacting your day-to-day functioning, you may be depressed. Depression is a common and serious illness that may get in the way of everyday activities such as working, sleeping, eating, and even just enjoying time with friends.

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

• Feeling hopeless
• Feeling worthless
• Feeling irritable
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
• Lack of energy
• Problems concentrating, remembering information, or making decisions
• Problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
• Loss of appetite or eating too much
• Social withdrawal
• Using substances like alcohol and other drugs
• Wishing you were dead, considering suicide, or making a suicide attempt

(Adapted from the National Institute of Mental Health)

There are many ways you can alleviate symptoms of depression: 

• Stay in touch. Don’t withdraw from life. Socializing can improve your mood. Keeping in touch with friends and family make it easier to connect when you’re feeling blue or sad
• Incorporate movement into your day. Research shows that movement can help improve your mood. 
• Avoid substances as a way to cope with your down feelings. 
• Eat food that nourishes you. It might feel hard to motivate yourself to cook a meal or get to a dining hall, but food really helps your body and brain function. 
• Seek professional help. Clinical depression is readily treatable with counseling and/or medication. 

(Adapted from the National Health Service)