WHY CAN’T I SNAP OUT OF IT?
Almost everyone has felt depression in at least its mild form. It is common for students to feel “homesickness” when first leaving home for university. The sadness may result in frequent crying, loss of appetite, and a rather large phone bill. It takes time to get used to unfamiliar surroundings and people.
Aside from that, loss, failure, rejection, and pain from hurt feelings are inevitable in growing up and getting older. When these hurts occur, people may normally feel sadness but eventually emerge with hope for the future. Homesickness and sadness (normal reactions to emotional pain), and clinical depression differ by the number of symptoms, severity, frequency, and duration of symptoms. Take a moment and check how many statements describe the way you’ve been feeling.
SYMPTOMS YOU MAY RECOGNIZE
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You don’t feel pleasure in anything; you don’t enjoy doing things you used to do.
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You don’t have energy to complete tasks, do class/work assignments, dress well, or get involved in activities.
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You don’t feel like getting out of bed to face the day.
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You frequently cry or have crying spells for no reason.
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You don’t feel good about yourself and often don’t even like yourself.
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You feel isolated, “different” from others. You are lonely.
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You feel unloved and unwanted by friends and often your family.
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You have thoughts of death or wish you were never born.
SYMPTOMS YOU MAY HAVE AND NOT RECOGNIZE
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You are irritable most of the time.
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You have trouble sleeping and wake unrested OR you are sleeping much more than usual.
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You have difficulty concentrating and your mind wanders.
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You feel underlying anxiety or worry more than usual.
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You have no appetite OR you are eating more than usual.
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You have a variety of physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches, and backaches.
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You feel guilty; have difficulty making decisions, worry about consequences of routine decisions.
If you experience five (5) or more of these symptoms for two weeks or more, seriously consider contacting the Counseling Center for a professional opinion. We can work with you to alleviate the distress.
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