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Fall woes may lead to depression
By Sheryl Frye, L.C.S.W.
Let’s think about something other
than school work for a moment like having fun! Fall is a great
time for fun things like Halloween, bonfires and football.
Sometimes these events can involve drinking alcohol so remember
to drink responsibly so you will not be the talk of campus on
Monday morning. If you find yourself drinking more than you
intended introspection may be in order. Sometimes when someone
is experiencing symptoms of depression he/she will start using
alcohol to take the edge off. This leads to more feelings of
depression since alcohol is a depressant. A large percentage of
individuals who enter treatment centers for alcohol abuse find
out they have had a depressive disorder all along. If you find
yourself hung over a lot or you are feeling irritable, bored or
just bad, contact the counseling center.
Fall is
also the time when days become shorter and sunshine is less
plentiful. This can cause our mood states to drop. Many
individuals experience a type of depression called seasonal
affective disorder. Well, it is starting to become the season so
pay attention to your general mood states. Symptoms of
depression include; changes in your appetite sleep disruption,
poor concentration, feelings of sadness, boredom and
hopelessness. If you find yourself feeling apathetic about
social or leisure activities you usually enjoy this could be a
sign of depression.
At times depression
can lead to suicidal thoughts. If you experience suicidal
thoughts or if you ever hear a friend make statements of
self-harm seek emergency services! Don’t ever make a promise to
keep a secret about suicidal thoughts.
The good
news is depression is treatable. Mental health professionals
can provide treatment which can reduce depressive feelings and
symptoms. We can help you develop the skills to achieve good
emotional wellness. The counseling center offers assessment and
counseling services for students and staff at no charge, just
stop by SAB 30 and request services. We are planning a
depression screening in early November so watch for our
announcements. We look forward to providing services for the
students and staff at UIS!
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