It's more than the Blues

On Thursday November 3, 2011 the Student Counseling at Texas A&M International University hosted their last TLC (Talking, Listening, and Counseling) presentation of the semester. Students gathered at the University Success Center room 101 at noon to discuss about Depression. According to the Student Counseling about 39 percent of TAMIU's students have thought of having depression, but have not sought for help.  This presentation informed students on how to help themselves and others who are affected by depression. 

Rosabel Ramos, from Counseling Services started the presentation by asking students "What is depression?"  This is a question that had many different answers among students, like Nicolas Trevino a sophomore student who responded, "The loss of interest in life."  Ramos defined Depression as a serious health problem that affects how a person feels, "… people feel sad every now and then, but when people start to feel sad everyday its depression." It's more than just having the blues. This symptom of sadness after two consecutive weeks interrupts a person's life.  The good thing is that depression is treatable because people need to live and enjoy their life.

In order to know and understand what depression is all about this presentation discussed the four steps of depression. First, look for signs of depression. Some of the symptoms are sadness, feeling tired all the time, loss of interest, crying spells, among many other signs. Second, understand that depression is a real illness that affects the brain and changes how a person feels both emotionally and physically. Also in times painful events, like the death of a loved one, can lead to depression making it hard for people to cope with life.  Third, find help because depression is treatable.  Most health providers recognize depression and can provide treatment. Fourth, get the necessary treatment.

There are two types of treatments out there for depression.  People can either have a talk therapy; this involves talking with a psychologist, or counselor. This can help people learn about themselves and how depression is affecting their life.  There is also medication called antidepressants that have to be prescribed by a psychiatrist.  According to Ramos those who are aware that they have depression and seek help have higher chance of getting better and living a better life.

Depression is not something to be ashamed of.  According to NIMH (National Institute of Mental Health) 19 million people across the United States suffer from depression. If you know of anyone or are someone who is suffering from depression there is help out there.

For more information on depression you can go to Student Counseling and Disability at the University Success Center in room 138 or make an appointment at (956) 326-2230

(You may contact Mayra C. Gonzalez at mayra.gonzalez@dusty.tamiu.edu)