ASK Dr. Psych

Dear Dr. Psych,

"I sometimes worry that I may be depressed, but the idea of being diagnosed with depression scares me. Where is the line drawn between normal sadness and actual depression?"

-Worried

Dear Worried, To be diagnosed with depression, an individual must meet specific criteria found in a handbook therapists use to diagnose mental illness. Outlined below are some of the symptoms the average person can use when considering the need for treatment.

•Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, pessimism, worthlessness, guilt, and/or emptiness.

•Inability to make decisions, to concentrate, or to remember relevant information.

•Loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities.

•Difficulties in one's interpersonal, occupational, or social interactions.

•Sleep disturbances such as sleeping too much (hypersomnia) or too little (hyposomnia), as well as difficulty falling asleep or remaining asleep.

•Chronic fatigue, even in the absence of physical activity and/or in the presence of adequate sleep.

•Changes in appetite/weight. The person may feel excessive hunger or no hunger at all, resulting in a loss or gain in weight.

•Physical pains, such as headaches, stomach aches, or back and/or muscle/joint pain.

•Changes in behavior and mood, such as increased restlessness and irritability.

•Substance Use/Abuse.

•Social Withdrawal/Isolation.

• Thoughts about death, dying, and suicide. This includes contemplating suicide, and is especially risky when the person has a plan for carrying out the suicide (in which case: seek professional help immediately).

Eighty to ninety percent of people with depression, including the most serious forms, can be helped. The most important step is to seek help. If you believe that you or someone you know is affected by the symptoms above, please visit the Counseling Center in B&E 126, Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm. You can also view the website at www.usca.edu/cc. These services are free and confidential. For additional information on depression, visit the following website: http://www.uwec.edu/counsel/pubs/beatdepression.htm

Disclaimer: The psychological information presented in the Counseling Corner is meant for general educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Readers who submit questions to our professional counselors via email will receive answers that are not intended as a recommendation for individual problems. If you have, or think you have, a problem, please contact the USCA Counseling Center for further consultation at 641-3609. Confidentiality will not be broken unless there is a potential threat of harm to you or someone else. Counseling Corner reserves the right to edit any questions submitted. All questions submitted become property of the USCA Counseling Center. Reproduction of any question or answer, in part or in whole, without permission is prohibited.