We all know that feeling down may all too often be a commonplace emotion. Oregon weather itself may at times be a real drag; school and one’s workload can cause massive stress; and relationships, whether with friends or sweethearts can often create a depressive mindset that’s difficult to kick.
According to a study by the American Psychiatric Association, depression hits up to 17 million males and females a year, encompassing a wide age range. As students, it is proven that we are more likely to experience cases of depression due to a number of factors we may encounter in our busy lives and of course from the general habit of not getting enough sleep.
So how does one beat the depressive blues? First, you need to understand that many different levels of depression exist and that there are numerous ways to treat them. Differing levels of depression can vary from mild forms to severe cases. All types of depression, no matter how mild or severe, have some form of treatment.
First Step to Tackling Depression: Determine What Type of Depression You May Have
Generally most people can determine if they are depressed simply on their own without the help of a physician. If you have a sudden change of attitude toward things that you once enjoyed, you find yourself feeling emotionally overwhelmed, crying a lot or just generally notice negative changes in your demeanor and personality, you may be experiencing a form of depression. If you are unsure whether you are depressed, it’s best to seek out a second opinion. Try talking to a friend, parent, sibling, teacher or even a counselor. Here at the UO we are lucky to have an amazing mental health center with a very large staff. All counseling and mental health services are included in your tuition and remain free of charge. It’s quite simple to meet a physician or psychologist and receive a diagnosis that may help set you on a clearer path. Or if you are certain you are suffering from depression, you can schedule appointments whenever you feel you need assistance in making a plan to feel better.
If you find yourself depressed due to life changing events or the number of obligations or responsibilities you’re currently juggling, don’t panic! Always remember that depression is a very common symptom in young adults and a number of your peers and co-workers may be battling with similar issues. A good thing to remind yourself is to take a step back and try to determine the level of your depression. Use a one to ten scale to rate your depression, and then you will be in a better position to determine what treatment may be best for brightening up your blues.
Next Step: Find What Works For You
With depression being so common and its levels varying on such a wide scale, the best way to manage depression is to find what works best for you. We are all different and unique individuals so it’s important to remember that treatment for any illness or condition, even depression, is going to vary depending on your own specific personality.
Once you have quantified your depression on a scale from one to ten, take some time to think about and identify what is really bothering you and what may best help you to overcome these issues.
Brighten Up: Find What Works For You and Get Out There and Do It!
Once you understand what is really bothering you and have sought help in identifying a treatment method for your depression, get out there and do it!
Some common treatments to help with depression are:
- Exercising
- Hanging out with friends, staying socially active and busy
- Reading
- Writing, journaling can be a great way to help with depression; it allows you to get all of your feelings out on paper and can bring a sense of clarity to your issues
- Doing volunteer work. It is psychologically proven that when you’re depressed, helping others can give you a feeling of added value while staying busy
- Drawing or arts and crafts
- Medications. Normally reserved for severe cases of depression diagnosed by a physician. If you find yourself to be very depressed and need professional treatment, know that there are many types of medications that have been clinically proven to be effective.
- And of course, regular counseling sessions are priceless! It really does help to talk to a neutral third party. Remember that just because you disliked the one counselor you tried years ago, that won’t mean that you won’t benefit from a different counselor.
For those that prefer a natural remedy to treat depression, there are also a wide variety of options that do not require a physician’s assistance. Just to name a few:
- Yoga
- Acupuncture
- Massage
- Aromatherapy
- Herbal supplements as an alternative to physician prescribed medications. St. John’s Wort is a great herbal remedy that people have been using for years to treat depression. It can be taken in a pill form by the milligram or sipped as an herbal tea.
- A natural healthy diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids and folic acids are also known to help treat depression and increase levels of neurotransmitters and dopamine in the brain.
Although depression is quite common, it has the potential of becoming a major issue if left unacknowledged or untreated. If you feel like you may be suffering from the slightest case of depression, do yourself a favor and get help! Depression that is left untreated can lead to severe physical and mental problems. As always, avoid alcohol, unhealthy foods or chemical substances to mask your symptoms of depression. These coping strategies can all lead to possible future addiction if abused.
Try a traditional or natural method to treat your depression and take the necessary steps to feel better. Depression is common but remember, there is always a method to overcome it.
University of Oregon Counseling and Testing Center
1590 E. 13th Ave.
Eugene, OR 97403
Phone: 541-346-3227
Crisis Intervention Line
Lane County Health
& Human Services
Phone: 541 687-4000
Toll-Free: 1-800-422-7558
*Crisis relief counselors are available via phone 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.
Peggy Johnston, L. Ac
1397 Willamette
Eugene, Oregon
Phone: 541-505-7708
* Peggy Johnston does group acupuncture sessions that are on a sliding scale depending on income. Sessions can cost as low as $15.00 dollars!
St. Johns Wort
Available at Franklin Market of Choice Grocery Store
* Vitamins- $11.99
*Yogi herbal tea- $4.39
Photo:
parentdish.com