Depression: How to Deal

Rebecca Smith, staff writer

It is a storm cloud building up inside the mind, a cloud so diverse and horrible that it can block normal realities from the person it attacks. The cycle has only begun for this horrible disease known as depression.

As more and more college-age students experience the daily dilemmas of being alone in a constantly darkening world, it is important to firmly and effectively address this topic.

To better understand depression, one must look at the different types.

According to Dr. Virginia Mahan, professor of psychology at South Plains College,  everyone gets depressed during some point. This is referred to as situational depression.

“Everyone, at some point, gets down due to something in life from time to time,” Mahan says, “That’s normal.”

Clinical depression, however is much more serious. This type of depression is a result of low levels of biological chemicals in the brain, according to Mahan. Clinical depression affects the person’s entire schedule, for at least two weeks.

Another version of depression is known as manic depression. This disease affects people who, most of the time, are enveloped in a “natural high.”

“These people tend to have very inflated emotions, almost like they are taking stimulants, so when they become depressed they plunge into a very low level,” says Mahan.

 This type of depression, like clinical depression, is related to the biological makeup of a person and can be passed from one generation to another.

Besides genetic makeup, it is important to understand where and how this disease can manifest.

First, a person’s characteristics can determine the overall outcome of depression. Pessimistic personalities are more prone to developing depression, according to research by the National Institute of Mental Health. This is due to the reoccurrence of negative emotions “about themselves and the world.”  This problem is seen by some as the beginning stage of depression.

Also, according to the NIMH, depression can occur after a serious illness or the loss of a loved one.

Depression can also result from a difficult relationship. This proves to be a very influencing part of college students’ lives. Through dating, it is easy to understand that not every relationship comes out as planned.  When someone is romantically rejected it can have a profound effect on that person’s life.

“Rejection in relationships is not because of the person being rejected, but they take it very seriously,” says Mahan.

Another cause of depression is stress. This emotion is a very dangerous one that must be identified so that it can be handled before it evolves into a much more destructive disease.

Stress can come in many forms. One that affects many college students is balancing work with school, according to Mahan.

“Be realistic in making your class schedule. Don’t over-do it. It is very important to have good time management skills,” says Mahan.

Another form of stress is, of course, financial stability. Every student worries about these two words more than anything else.

“It is a constant circle between work and school,” says Mahan, “You make money at work to be spent for school, but your work schedule is lessened because you are taking classes for school. The circle never ends,” says Mahan.

This form of stress is not only seen here, but is also used to determine the economic level that is more prone to develop depression.

“Many people feel like they can’t get out of the situation, so they give up and fall into depression,” says Mahan.

It is also important to note that women are diagnosed with depression a little more than twice as much as men, according to the NIMH. The reason for this is because of the constant hormonal imbalances that jump back and forth in women, such as pregnancy, miscarriage, menstrual cycle changes, and menopause. However, according to Mahan, men are more likely to commit suicide than women. In fact, they are four times more likely to do so.

It is important to understand that only a doctor can diagnose a patient with depression. According to Mahan, when wondering whether one might have this disease, it is best to consult with your physician. According to “Quick Reference to the Diagnostic Criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder”, the doctor will check to see whether or not he/she has the disorder by making sure they have at least five of the following symptoms: (1)“depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day”, (2) “markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all , or almost all, activities most of the day”, (3) “significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain..., or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day”, (4) “insomnia [not sleeping as much as necessary] or hypersomnia [sleeping more than usual] nearly every day”, (5) “psychomotor agitation [excessive motor activity] or retardation nearly every day”, (6) “fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day”, and (7) “feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt...nearly every day.” The combinations of symptoms must have an occurrence of at least a two-week period.

After the doctor diagnoses the patient, he/she can make referrals to a psychiatrist or psychologist. The patient then can receive a combination of medication and therapy.

 “The medication controls the changes of chemicals in the brain, while the cognition therapy helps one have a quality life,” Mahan says, “It is important to have a combination of both.”

When taking antidepressants, it is important to stay away from any alcohol or stimulant, because they can worsen depressive episodes.

“It is important to even discuss any herbal substances, that you normally consume. Even herbal teas,” says Mahan.

When an antidepressant is mixed with one of these other substances it can actually worsen the patient, according to the NIMH.

If a person is taking medication, it is important to continue taking it for four to nine months, according to the NIMH.

 “The medication must be gradually stopped or the person can go through withdrawal symptoms,” says Mahan.

It is also important to note that suicide is very closely linked to depression. However, Mahan said that, when someone is severely depressed he/she is unable to commit suicide, due to a lack of energy. Therefore, when someone is put on an antidepressant and begins to lift out of deep depression and gains more energy, he/she may commit suicide.

“Take suicide threats very seriously, even if you have to turn that person in,” says Mahan.

Mahan offers a few tips on decreasing stress for college students, so that fewer students become clinically depressed.

“To reduce stress, exercise is key,” Mahan says. “We have an excellent Physical Education Department. Also, students should have good sleeping and eating patterns.”

She also suggests putting aside personal time, “even if it is just 15 to 20 minutes, enjoy that part of the day.” Mahan suggests having realistic thoughts that “you are not going to be great at every subject, and not every one is going to like you. Every person is different. Therefore, not every one is going to get along.”

The ever changing storm of depression can cling to a person for years at a time. The world is no longer seen clearly by a victim of depression, whose view is blurred in grayscale. Seeking help from a medical doctor can dramatically improve the life of a person who may have forgotten what life should be.