Getting help for Depression

What to look out for:

Everyone has down days, times when we feel low. Depression is different to this; it lasts longer and has a greater affect on mood and ability to carry on with everyday routines. If you notice changes in you or any of your friends seek help. You can contact the counselling service or the health centre. Below are outlined some of the signs to watch out for:

Depressed mood – most of
the day, for long periods

Mood swings – frequent
changes in moods

Lack of energy and loss of
interest in life

Irritability and restlessness

Disturbed sleep patterns –
sleeping too much or too little

Changes in appetite

Feeling Teary or upset

Isolation and/or Alienation
from others

Feelings of worthlessness
and guilt

Difficulty concentrating and
thinking clearly

Loss of sex drive

Anger

Thoughts about death and
suicide

If I am Depressed?

If you are feeling depressed or recognize any of the above symptoms do try and seek out help. You can contact the college counselling service at 4023352 or 086 0820543 or the Health Centre at 4023051/4023614 for an appointment. If you feel more comfortable talking to a friend or family member, confide in them and explain to them how you are feeling and how your mood is affecting your ability to enjoy life. Let them support you in getting help.

Asking about Depression:

Avoid being judgmental – Be aware of the stigma. Ask how they are feeling and coping with
things.

Talk about what they find helpful – Try asking about what helps them when things are tough. By talking openly, you are letting the person know that you support for them.

Respecting your friend’s limits - There may be times when your friend says they are not able to do something because of their depression. It is important that you respect this and don’t put extra pressure on them. Choose something to do together that they feel able to do, watch a movie etc.

Encouraging your friend to stay with their medication – It may be that someone with depression is already taking prescribed medication. If your friend stops using or changes the amount of medication they use without getting the OK from their psychiatrist or doctor, encourage them to make an appointment quickly.

Ensure that you have contact numbers - Having the contact numbers of people like the college counselling service and the college health centre can be important in helping your friend through a crisis. It means that you can contact someone who knows your friend should they be unsafe.

Get Help – Harder times may be triggered if you or your friend has been feeling overwhelmed, stressed or there has been a traumatic event. These things can often trigger episodes of depression and make everyday events difficult to cope with.

HELP FOR DEPRESSION:

www.dit.ie/campuslife/counselling

www.spunout.ie

www.aware.ie

www.teenline.ie

www.console.ie

www.samaritans.ie

This website – www.pleasetalk.ie