Depression is a complex phenomenon that is often misunderstood. Feeling sad or “down” on occasion is a common experience, and usually represents a normal reaction to undesirable life events. These feelings can generally be expected to resolve within a short period of time without any formal treatment.
Farther along the depressive spectrum is the disorder that is labeled as “clinical depression,” or “major depressive disorder.” Major depressive disorder is differentiated from ordinary sadness or distress by the duration and/or severity of symptoms, as well as the degree to which these symptoms interfere with one’s daily life.
Because of their adverse effects on academic performance, the impairments associated with major depression can be especially problematic for college students. We recommend reading the Depression / Mood Disorders information on the Student Health and Counseling website as a great starting point.
The resources listed here can help your student whether they are feeling generally down or may be experiencing major depression.
Self-Assessment Tools
- Harvard Department of Psychiatry/National Depression Day Screening Scale (HANDS) – The 10-item HANDS is used to assess the likelihood of someone suffering from symptoms of depression.
- MDQ Bipolar – The 15-item MDQ is the only validated screening for bipolar disorder.
Self-Care Strategies
- Light Box Therapy – for students who struggle with Seasonal Affective Disorder (a form of depression related to lack of exposure to sunlight), light boxes are available for check out from Student Health and Counseling of the Office of Health Promotion
- Perfectionism Series – this video series helps students understand perfectionism and learn ways to get “unstuck” to improve emotional well-being, relationships, and more
- Wellness Webinars – this series of webinars led by Student Wellness Advocates covers small strategies that can improve your student’s self care habits
Peer Leaders
Peer leaders from many offices on campus have been trained in Mental Health First Aid and so are an excellent resource for your student to have a conversation about the depression they may be experiencing. Depending on your student’s specific situation, they may find it beneficial to talk to a peer leader from any of the offices listed below:
Professional Staff & Resources
Dean of Student’s Office
The Dean of Student’s Office can help refer your student to appropriate resources on campus. They can also help your student if their depression has impacted their academic experience. Most students go to their Class Dean as a starting place, but students can request an appointment with the Dean of Students, too.
Student Health and Counseling
Student Health and Counseling provides psychological assessment and treatment for depression from a holistic perspective. Where indicated, students can also obtain referrals to meet with our consulting psychiatrist to discuss anti-depressant medication options.
Chaplain’s Office
The Chaplains are available for confidential pastoral counseling and support to individuals regarding concerns about spiritual growth, values, personal crisis, grief, or depression. They welcome the opportunity to be of support to individuals whose concerns may arise from issues of ethnicity, religious faith, sexual orientation, social class, gender, race, or family history.
Note: The Chaplain’s Office is one of the only confidential resources on campus including SHAC.