Depression
This information should not be used to clinical diagnosis any particular persons. The purpose of this information is to assist the GSU campus community in our efforts to respond to distressed students.
Depression has a variety of ways in which it can manifests itself. Most people will experience some form of depression during their college/career experience. When depressive symptoms become overbearing or extreme that they begin to interfere with one's ability to function in school, work, or personal life this person is in need of some assistance.
Potential depressive symptoms:
- Loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities
- Tearfulness or lack of emotions
- Increased irritability/ fatigue
- Increased or decrease in appetite
- Sleep disturbance
- Sense of Worthlessness/ guilt
- Lack of concentration
- Thoughts of death pr suicidal ideation
Early intervention:
- Let this person know you have noticed changes and offer assistance.
- Encourage person to discuss changes.
- Offer options to look further into and/or manage symptoms of depression (Counseling Services, Mental Health Professional, Clergy)
Avoid
- Minimizing person's feelings
- Trying to problem solve
- Being afraid to ask
This information is based on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV-TR).
