Depression: A Hidden Feeling

Have you ever felt sad or to the point where you felt depressed? Texas A&M International University's Student Counseling Services held Depression, a workshop for students, faculty, and the Laredo community on Feb 7. Rosabel  Ramos, TAMIU counselor, explained to students about this health problem at noon, and lunch was provided to all attendees, as well as prizes to those who participated.

Depression is a common problem amongst students as well as adults. People don't have to be afraid of talking to someone professionally about this. In fact, according to Ramos, the first thing people should do when feeling depressed is seek professional help. This does not mean that they will have to attend counseling forever, but only for the time needed to help them resolve their issues. Ramos talked to students about some of the effects of depression and she stated that only one third of people who suffer from depression obtain professional help. Even though people seek advice from their friends, or try to reach out to their parents for comfort, the best way to help those suffering from this problem is by seeing a professional because they might be of more help than people expect.

Other interesting fact mentioned during the workshop was that many times the person does not necessarily show any symptoms, but they might still suffer from depression. At times this might be caused by a change in attitude, activity, or feeling of that individual. In other cases, depression comes from within the home. If your parents are going through a stage of depression, you are more likely to follow in the same steps. The speaker commented that this is due to genes that you carry. Depression is an illness that can be passed on from generation to generation such as cholesterol, muscle or heart problems, and more.

Men and women may suffer from depression even though it is more commonly diagnosed in women. This is why some men attended this workshop and helped answer some of the questions Ramos posed. She interacted with many of the attendees and gave a stress reliever to those who were brave enough to share their experience. Almost at the end of the workshop, the counselor gave a little task to the students who attended. Several questions were given in a worksheet and then, only the answers were shared. All the students realized that they are not the only ones feeling this way and learned that feeling sad is normal or to feel in the depression stage.

Talking Listening Counseling (TLC) was created in order to develop awareness. Topics are chosen months in advance and counselors start preparing ahead of time as well. As Ramos stated, "Mental health illnesses exist and it's okay...we can talk about it, we can discuss it, we can ask questions, we can write about it, we can yell it... we want to make everybody very aware of this because it's an issue that we have to address." Therefore, the chosen topics are mostly related to what students might be going through or common issues that they need to learn about and don't realize how important they are.

Since students pay for this service in their tuition, they are encouraged to take advantage of the option of seeking counseling and "[be aware] that they are not alone and that there is help," Ramos asserted. Students do not have to seek help for depression only, but for any problem they might have and it will remain completely confidential. Walk ins are accepted or by appointment to seek parents therapy, couples therapy, individual counseling, group sessions, or any academic issue where students might have concerns. Students may seek counseling for stress management, academic difficulties, adjustment difficulties, social and sexual concerns, identity development, and many other subjects.

For more information, you may contact the Student Counseling Services at (956) 326-2230 or visit the counselors at the Senator Judith Zaffirini Success Center in room 138.

(Sandy Lugo may be reached at sandylugoespinoza@dusty.tamiu.edu)