6 signs of depression鈥攁nd how to find support
Depression can affect how you feel, think and manage everyday activities. Common signs of depression can include persistent sadness or irritability, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, low energy and difficulty concentrating.听
Everyone has difficult days, and experiencing one of these signs doesn't necessarily mean you have depression. If symptoms persist, get worse or make it difficult to manage school, work, relationships or everyday activities, consider reaching out for support.听
What are common signs of depression?听
Depression can look different for everyone. Some people experience only a few symptoms, while others experience many. Here are six common signs to be aware of.听
1. Persistent sadness, emptiness or irritability听
Depression can cause ongoing feelings of sadness, emptiness, hopelessness or irritability. You may feel down more often than usual, become frustrated more easily or notice you are really not feeling like yourself.听
2. Loss of interest or enjoyment听
You may lose interest in things you usually enjoy, including hobbies, activities, school or spending time with other people. You might also find yourself pulling away from friends, family or your usual routines.听
3. Changes in sleep听
Depression can affect sleep in different ways. You may sleep much more than usual or have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up when you want to.听
4. Changes in appetite听
You may notice changes in your appetite or eating habits. Some people eat more than usual, while others lose their appetite. Depression can also cause unplanned changes in weight.听
5. Low energy or difficulty with everyday tasks听
Depression can cause fatigue and make everyday activities feel overwhelming. Getting out of bed, going to class, showering, cleaning or completing other routine tasks may feel impossible.听听
6. Difficulty concentrating or making decisions听
Depression can make it harder to focus, remember things or make decisions. You may have trouble concentrating in class, completing assignments, keeping up with work or deciding what to do next.听
When should you seek help for depression?听
If you鈥檙e having thoughts of suicide yourself, you may be worried about what will happen if you tell a therapist. Will you have to go to the hospital? What will they ask? Who will know?听听
Learn what you can expect when you talk to a therapist about suicide, including how therapists assess your safety, what safety planning may look like and when hospitalization may be considered.听
Having one or more of these experiences doesn't necessarily mean you have depression. However, consider talking with a mental health or health care professional if symptoms persist, become more intense or interfere with your ability to manage everyday life.听
If you're concerned that you may be experiencing depression, you don't have to figure it out on your own. Talking with a mental health professional can help you understand what you're experiencing and what type of support may help.听
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides mental health support for 麻豆免费版下载Boulder students, including same-day mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, medication management, group therapy, workshops and crisis support. You can also reach CAPS at 303-492-2277.听
Feelings of hopelessness, thoughts about death or suicide, or urges to hurt yourself are signs that you should seek help right away. If you are thinking about suicide or feel unable to keep yourself safe, call or text 988 to reach the . If there is an immediate life-threatening emergency, call 911.听
How to help a friend who may be depressed听
You don't need to know whether someone has depression to check in with them. If a roommate, friend, coworker or classmate doesn't seem like themselves or you're concerned about changes you've noticed, there are ways you can help.听
Say what you've noticed and express concern: Let them know that you care and give them an opportunity to talk. You might say, 鈥淵ou haven't seemed like yourself lately, and I'm worried about you. Is everything okay?鈥听
Listen without judgment: Give them space to share what they're experiencing. Try not to compare their situation to your own or immediately offer advice. You don't need to fix what's happening. Listening and helping them feel heard can be valuable.听
Ask how you can help: Different people need different kinds of support. Ask what would be helpful rather than assuming you know what they need. You might offer to check in again, spend time together or help with an everyday task.听
Help them connect with support: Let them know that mental health resources are available and offer to help them connect if they're comfortable. You could help them look at resources, make a call or accompany them to an appointment.听
If you're worried about someone but aren't sure what to do, you can also call Counseling & Psychiatric Services at 303-492-2277 to consult with a clinician.听
If you're worried someone may be thinking about suicide听
If you're concerned that someone may be thinking about suicide, it's okay to ask them directly: 鈥淎re you thinking about suicide?鈥 Asking someone about suicide does not increase their risk or put the idea in their head.听
麻豆免费版下载Boulder mental health resources听
Need mental health support?听
Counseling & Psychiatric Services (CAPS) provides mental health support for 麻豆免费版下载Boulder students, including same-day mental health screenings, brief individual therapy, group therapy, workshops and crisis support.听
Worried about another student?听
Student Outreach, Advocacy & Support (SOAS) can help if you're concerned about a student and aren't sure what kind of support they need. Case managers can help students connect with campus and community resources.听
Looking for an off-campus mental health provider?听
can help students find community mental health providers based on needs, insurance coverage and other preferences.听
Want to learn how to support others?听
teaches participants how to recognize signs of mental health concerns and connect people with appropriate support.听