Dealing with depression is never easy.

The medical condition often can affect somebody’s mood, thoughts and the way a person eats, sleeps and feels about themselves. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months or years.

Depression is especially prevalent in college students and, with the appropriate treatment, most people can be helped with depression.

Director of Central Michigan University’s Counseling Center Ross Rapaport said when students may become depressed, there are several forms.

“There are seasonal kinds of depression and situational, that are difficult times dealing with family and friends,” Rapaport said. “Breakups are often the source of depression and stress for students.”

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about one in four American adults suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder in a year.

Patterns of depression

Wendy Gill, a licensed professional counselor from North Haven Counseling Services in Clare, said students can have difficulty dealing with depression because they are away from family.

“In freshmen, depression can be more prevalent because they haven’t established a support network yet,” Gill said.

The signs of depression can be no interest in activities, not wanting to get out of bed and having a change in appetite, Gill said.

Some preventive measures can be staying in touch with people who support and love them, and going to counseling on campus if need be, she said.

“Making sure students talk about it and not keeping it to themselves, and taking time to go home and reconnect with friends and family and
involve themselves in fun things,” she said.

Rapaport said techniques of receiving treatment range from getting rest to seeking professional help.

“We encourage students to talk to trusted friends, (and) family for support to learn coping skills, and some depression is treated with professional counseling and medication,” he said.

Last year, the center saw about 840 students, which has been a stable number, fluctuating very little for the past five years.

“It’s not uncommon for depression in college students, I think we all need help sometimes, and we always try to encourage people to face and deal with their problems now than later. It takes strength and courage to get help,” Rapaport said.

E-mail the author: Sherri Keaton