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Depression and Suicide
SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION
Depression is more than having the blues or feeling down. Symptoms usually last for two weeks or longer and can be mild to severe. When a student stops attending classes or withdraws socially, it may be time to be concerned. Typical symptoms usually occur all day for every day.
Feeling depressed or sad
Loss of interest in activities
Crying frequently
Irritable or angry
Loss or increase of appetite
Weight loss or weight gain
Insomnia or sleeping a lot
Exhaustion or loss of energy
Feeling worthless or overly guilty
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble making decisions
Hopelessness about the future
Thoughts of suicide
The causes of depression are complex and usually involve a combination of stress and biology. Those with family members who suffer from depression are at higher risk. Treatment has been shown to help, regardless of the cause.
Counselors at WSU Counseling & Testing Services will evaluate a student for symptoms of depression and develop a treatment plan. We can work in collaboration with the medical staff at Health & Wellness Services when antidepressant medication might be appropriate.
COPING WITH DEPRESSION: WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOURSELF
Let someone know you are struggling.
Stay active, attend classes, and remain social.
Exercise.
Be aware that depression influences thinking, so your thinking may not be accurate.
Try to set realistic goals for yourself.
Reduce your stress.
Take extra special care of yourself.
Seek the help of a counselor or medical practitioner
PREVENTING SUICIDE: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP SOMEONE
Trust your suspicionsthe majority of people who are suicidal show signs before making an attempt.
Make yourself available to listen and talk.
Remain calm.
Ask directly about suicideyou will not be putting thoughts into the persons head.
Take the person seriously & show that you care.
Offer support, but dont try to handle this on your own.
If the person refuses help, contact someone immediately.
Maintain contact with the person until help is secured.
Let someone know you are struggling.
Stay active, attend classes, and remain social.
Exercise.
Be aware that depression influences thinking, so your thinking may not be accurate.
Try to set realistic goals for yourself.
Reduce your stress.
Take extra special care of yourself.
Seek the help of a counselor or medical practitioner
PREVENTING SUICIDE: WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP SOMEONE
Trust your suspicionsthe majority of people who are suicidal show signs before making an attempt.
Make yourself available to listen and talk.
Remain calm.
Ask directly about suicideyou will not be putting thoughts into the persons head.
Take the person seriously & show that you care.
Offer support, but dont try to handle this on your own.
If the person refuses help, contact someone immediately.
Maintain contact with the person until help is secured.
SUICIDE WARNING SIGNS
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people. In addition to
the symptoms of depression, some potential signs of suicide include:
Talking directly or indirectly about committing suicide or wanting to die
Previous suicide attempt
Abrupt change in personality and/or behavior (withdrawal, aggression, or moodiness)
Increase in alcohol and/or drug use
Rebellion and hostility
Withdrawing from friends and activities
Sudden drop in school performance
Giving away special possessions
Recent experience of loss
Feelings of hopelessness or despair
Unusual calmness after a loss or period of depression
Neglect of personal appearance
Thoughts of committing suicide may be intense, but can pass quickly. Drug and alcohol use can increase the possibility that someone will make an attempt during a time of hopelessness.
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in young people. In addition to
the symptoms of depression, some potential signs of suicide include:
Talking directly or indirectly about committing suicide or wanting to die
Previous suicide attempt
Abrupt change in personality and/or behavior (withdrawal, aggression, or moodiness)
Increase in alcohol and/or drug use
Rebellion and hostility
Withdrawing from friends and activities
Sudden drop in school performance
Giving away special possessions
Recent experience of loss
Feelings of hopelessness or despair
Unusual calmness after a loss or period of depression
Neglect of personal appearance
Thoughts of committing suicide may be intense, but can pass quickly. Drug and alcohol use can increase the possibility that someone will make an attempt during a time of hopelessness.
Sometimes suicide seems like the only solution to stressful life problems. However, depression can cloud thinking and limit problem solving abilities. A counselor can help someone recognize they have healthier options for coping and provide support through difficult times.
Talk of death or suicide may be a cry for help.
IN A CRISIS call:
Monday Friday, 8 am to 5pm
WSU Counseling & Testing
WSU Counseling & Testing
Services
335-4511
335-4511
Evenings & Weekends
335-2159
335-2159
Pullman & WSU Police
Emergency 911
Emergency 911
WSU Counseling & Testing Services offers therapy for students struggling with depression.
We also provide counseling for students coping with the stress of having a friend, roommate, or family member with depression.
No one needs to suffer alone.
We also provide counseling for students coping with the stress of having a friend, roommate, or family member with depression.
No one needs to suffer alone.